Welcome to my preview of my mentoring series. Now that the season is warming up it is a good time to attend social events on campus to network and be a part of the community to scope out potential mentors. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you do not find a mentor right away because it takes time. Throughout my journey as a woman in STEM I had many types of mentors and have learned a lot from my mentoring experiences. Mentoring like any relationship – it is a partnership and commitment.
Self-Mentoring and Understanding What you Want in a Mentor:
1. Update myIDP tool:
The myIDP tool helps you stay organized, reevaluate and update your goals. When you update the myIDP tool you will be able to see what things you need to talk to a mentor about and what things you need to reflect on before making the next move.
2. Use your resources:
There are many resources available and many of them are free. Use the internet as a resource to find what you want in a mentor. Find articles, blogs, like The Thesis Whisperer and Tenure, She Wrote) and people (Dr. Amy Freeman, Dr. Monica Cox and Dr. Renetta Tull) who are doing what you would like to do. This is a great way to find out what career pathways you want to explore. If you are looking for a good book check out my recommended books on my useful book list and seasonal reading lists.
3. Remember your role:
When you self-mentor you are playing a double role. You are a mentor and you are a mentee. Think about the strong points you want in a mentor and focus on using these points as a way to self-mentor. This will help you be a better mentor to others and help you find the right mentor.
4. Talk to yourself and listen to yourself:
With all the noise and stress elements of everyday life we can get wrapped up in things that don’t matter. Sometimes when we are overworked we forget what we really need. Self-mentoring will help you discover what you are looking for in a mentor.
5. Be accountable:
If you have a problem, use the resources around you to solve your problems and ask for help. Remember you are the CEO of your career path. If you want to see results and see your career goals unfold check on yourself on a regular basis.
6. Seek new opportunities:
If you want to make an impact in your career the time is now. Volunteer, take a new job or an internship to learn about a position or new field. This will help you find out what you like, dislike and truly find the career you are looking for.
Now you are well on your way to go on some informational interviews and find a new mentor. By the time this mentoring series is over you will have what it takes to find a mentor and be a mentor.
Bonus Tip: What is your Number #1 Tip for mentoring? Share below.