5 things you should look for in a mentor
By: Hass Niazi
Tags: Career Advice, Tech, Mentor, Youth, Careers

In 2014, the UN declared July 15th as World Youth Skills Day — centred around equipping young people with the ability and opportunity to further their careers and communities, and become the leaders of tomorrow.

At the beginning of your career, a great mentor is key to figuring out what you want, and how you’ll get it… the person that invests in your journey and helps you to unlock doors along the way. For Youth Skills Day 2021, we spoke to Early Professionals (who still fall inside the “youth” category, for now!) and came up with 5 things you should look for in a mentor.

Photo by Prateek Katyal on Unsplash

1. They trust you

You’ve completed a degree, passed a rigorous recruitment process, and probably have some work experience… but guaranteed, someone will still doubt your ability to deliver. A great mentor does the exact opposite.

Look for someone that encourages you to take ownership of real work. They don’t expect you to get it right all the time, and they don’t shield you behind tasks that are easy or safe. They believe in you, even when you don’t believe in yourself.

“[My mentor] trusts me to take responsibility for my work, and he trusts in my ability to acquire the skills I need to get the job done. This gives me the opportunity to work, to learn — sometimes even to make mistakes — but always to grow from my experiences in a trusting environment.” (Tudor) “I always assumed that it’d be an uphill struggle to pursue a career in tech. With [my mentor], that isn’t the case. He very quickly recognises passion and skill in the people hired into Early Careers roles, regardless of educational background and gives them the opportunity to pursue their desired career.” (Sam)

Photo by Wan San Yip on Unsplash

2. They champion you

As an Early Professional, you’re laying the foundation for the rest of your career — which is 50% growing skills and experience, and 50% building your network and reputation.

Look for someone that speaks highly of you in rooms that you haven’t yet entered. They put you forward for opportunities and ensure that other people recognise your achievements too. Your mentor is one of the first people to invest in you, then they become your main brand ambassador.

“The more important a client presentation, the less [my mentor] speaks. He opens the floor for me to talk as regularly and publicly as possible about the work that I do — and makes sure that senior leadership are listening. He once told me that if he does his job correctly, we’ll be his managers one day.” (Gaby)

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

3. They know you personally and professionally

Your career is only a tiny fraction of who you are: an incredible, multi-dimensional collage of thoughts, ambitions, worries, values, and relationships. A great mentor is someone that grows to understand you on far more than a surface level.

Look for someone that understands what drives you as a person, and uses it to help you towards your goals. They appreciate you as more than just the work you do, and ask the right questions to help you challenge and appreciate yourself. They see you as an individual — not just another cog in the corporate machine.

“I mentioned that I originally wanted to be a nurse, and [my mentor] straightaway recognised my desire to help people, then supported me to integrate that value into my current roles. We can have more in-depth and honest conversations about me and my future, because I know he actually cares.” (Han)

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

4. They’re approachable

Seniors seem scary? This is a normal feeling for someone at the start of their career… but you shouldn’t feel that way with your mentor. Although more senior than you, a great mentor will quickly break down that barrier.

Look for someone that tells you from the get-go that they want to hear from you. It can be daunting, but remember: they’re not doing this because they have to, but because they want to. An approachable mentor is key in building a good relationship with them; you’ll feel like you can reach out, and be open and honest about the support you need.

“The most remarkable part is how approachable [my mentor] is, especially given his senior position in the company. From senior executives to young professionals, they treat people with the same amount of respect and care at all times.” (Jacapo)

Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash

5. They always make time

Regardless of position or a busy calendar, a good mentor is someone that makes time for you. Whether your meetings are routine or ad-hoc, they should be the kind of person that is never “too busy” for a catch-up.

Find someone that is invested in your development, and sees the value in you and the work you produce. Look for someone that makes it clear that they’re happy to make time for you, and isn’t reluctant to do so; this is important in ensuring your morale stays high, your confidence is built upon, and your working environment remains a positive one.