Tips For Finding the Perfect Mentor: How to Find the Perfect Mentor

When you are making a career choice, finding the perfect mentor is not always easy. You probably have some idea of what you want to do career wise, but may not know where to begin. Ideally, the perfect mentor should be someone trustworthy, who is able to assist you.

Understanding the word mentor can make a difference when you are looking for a perfect mentor.

What is a mentor?

Dictionary.com suggests that a mentor is “a wise and trusted counselor or teacher” or perhaps “an influential sponsor or supporter”. 

Qualifications of the mentor

It is always a good idea to search for a mentor who is familiar with your chosen career, and is qualified to advise you with respect to your potential academic options. If you are able to find someone who already has a legitimate degree and recent experience in your chosen field, that is even better, as he or she will be able to guide you in the right direction.     

Consider your cost

Your mentor should be able to advise you with respect to the potential cost involved in pursuing the education you need for your chosen career. If you cannot afford to take college or university courses, he or she may be able to find an appropriate sponsor, who is willing and able to assist you financially. For example, a gifted student may receive a bursary, if someone is encouraged to do so by a mentor. An example of this might be partial or full tuition from an individual. A bursary may be available for a needy student through an organization. Your mentor should not charge you for offering his or her advice on the cost of your education.    

Strive to become friends

Your ideal mentor should become your friend and later on, your confidant, so building an effective, mutual trust relationship with him or her from the beginning is important. Remember that there is no such thing as a perfect friend and until you are familiar with your mentor and know that he or she can be trusted, it is a good idea to be cautious with respect to revealing personal information.

Find a one-to-one teacher

Ideally, your mentor should prove to be an excellent one-to-one teacher, willing and able to work with you as an individual. This is important in a mentoring relationship. Look for a mentor who relates well to you on a one-to-one basis, as this will increase your likelihood of success. You should be able to relate to him or her, as well.

Note that not all teachers relate well to students on a one-to-one basis, but some may to mentor specific, gifted individuals. Personality conflicts may arise. If you encounter conflict or problems, discuss the concerns immediately, with your prospective mentor in order to resolve issues of concern. If necessary, request a referral to another teacher who is able to mentor you more appropriately. For example, one mentor may prefer medical students rather than social science students. Another may prefer mentoring older students, as opposed to younger students.

Be prepared to work hard in conjunction with your chosen mentor. If you do, he or she will acknowledge you as a serious student, capable of achieving the fullness of your potential, under his or her tutelage. You are likely to become friends for life. You may even follow his or her example and become a mentor to others.