The Power of Mentorship: How a Guide Can Help You Achieve Your Career Goals

Most people use this yearly transition to examine and weigh their performance for the year. This is what gives birth to New Year's resolutions. Are you planning definite ways to advance your life and career in the coming year? If so, one of the most powerful ways to achieve your goals is through mentoring. No matter the role you play in a mentoring relationship, it’s going to push you closer to your goals.

To action the power of mentorship for our community, 14 months ago we co-founded and launched a not-for-profit mentoring campaign in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) and Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). Our mission is to develop dynamic youth for the future.

Mentoring has many benefits. In fact, research has shown some of the benefits of mentoring include greater and easier personal development, job satisfaction and increased opportunities, all of which greatly create a better quality of life.

Similarly, companies have come to recognize the importance of mentors in the overall success of their operations. The direct impact of mentoring can be seen in better employee retention and understanding of work. It’s no wonder that some of these companies have made it their duty to make mentoring programs available to their staff.

The Importance Of Mentors

We’ve spoken about the potential benefits a mentoring program can have on the success of an individual. But why exactly are they important?

1. Guidance and support: Mentors are experienced and knowledgeable in their field, making them a great source of guidance and support for their mentees. Mentors can provide advice on navigating career or education decisions; offer feedback; and help their mentees understand the industry, their options and the pros and cons of each. 2. Motivation: Mentors are able to inspire their mentees by providing encouragement, feedback and recognition. This can give mentees the confidence to take risks and grow in their careers or education. 3. Advice on networking: Many mentors have years of lived experience in their field and know the right people to connect their mentees with. This can open up new opportunities for mentees, both professionally and personally, that they may not have had access to before. 4. Industry-related insights: Mentors can provide advice and insight into an industry that mentees may not have access to. This can help mentees gain an edge when it comes to making decisions about their careers or education.

5. Role models: Mentors can serve as role models for their mentees, showing them what it’s like to be successful in their field. Mentees can learn from their mentor’s mistakes and successes, as well as how to handle difficult situations.

6. Career advice: Mentors are able to provide advice on how to approach job interviews and how to manage office politics. This can give mentees an edge when looking for a job and when they’re fresh employees.

7. Sounding board: Many mentors are willing to listen to their mentees and provide unbiased feedback. This can help mentees work through their ideas and make better decisions.

8. Building skills: Through feedback, advice and guidance, mentors can help their mentees build their skills and abilities. This can help mentees become more successful in their careers or educational pursuits.

9. Provision of resources: Mentors can open doors for their mentees by providing access to resources, such as books, websites and contacts, that can help mentees further their careers or education.

10. Building relationships: Mentors can help their mentees build relationships with others in the industry. This can open up new opportunities for mentees and help them build their network goals.