A mentor is a person who should help you with the definition and achievement of your career goals. He should advise you on how to overcome obstacles and help you develop your skills and contacts. Finding such a person is not easy, it is, however, not so hard as it may seem at first glance. You have probably several good candidates very close to yourself. If you are looking for instructions how to choose the right mentor, read the following ones published by U.S. News.
1. Look for an admirable career
Your mentor doesn't have to come from the same field as you. He should, however, be someone you admire for what he has achieved in his career.
2. Look for a strong character
The relationship of a mentor and his mentee depends on mutual trust. Therefore, choose a mentor with personality traits you can admire and want to develop yourself.
3. Look for experience
Look for a mentor whose experience doesn't have to be gained directly in your profession, but meets your goals and you can learn from it.
4. Look for trust in yourself
A mentor should be someone who believes in your ability to achieve what you set for yourself. He will not applaud you. He will, however, always want the best for you.
5. Look for a pleasant companion
You would probably not want to spend your time with a mentor whose presence is unpleasant for you. He should be someone you can have a good and pleasant talk with.
6. Look for interest to invest in yourself
A good mentor will perceive the time spent with you as a good investment for both the parties.
7. Look for credibility
Speaking with your mentor, you will share many of your private affairs no one else should hear about. He will advise you on key issues in your life. He should therefore be a person you can absolutely trust.
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