Challenge and change are part and parcel of any modern woman’s career path. Our Working Women’s Guides provide practical, expert-led advice that will help you navigate the difficult times, and empower you to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. In this edition of the series we explore how (and when) to find a mentor, and how to make the most of your relationship…

Should I get a mentor?

It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves at one point or another, whether we’ve been eyeballing that next rung up the ladder, or considering an entire career pivot. Naturally, a lot of us have left the question as that. In a recent study, while 76% of people considered mentors to be important, less than half actually had one. Fascinatingly, those with a mentor reported to be happier in their careers than those without.

Perhaps it’s not difficult to see why. Mentors have been proven to help you advance in your career, bag that pay rise or promotion, and make better career decisions. On a more personal level, a mentor supports you, stretches you, gives you fresh perspectives on life you might not have otherwise considered. And, depending on the nature of your relationship, who doesn’t also love having an extra friend?

Defining Your Mentor’s Role

Maybe you already have a mentor, it’s just unofficial. At its most basic, Oxford Dictionary level, a mentor is “an experienced person who advises and helps somebody with less experience over a period of time.” If there’s someone you look up to, who’s a few steps ahead in the career you want, and that person supports you and offers their knowledge, advice and experience, that’s a mentor. You may even be a mentor to someone else without realising!

If you’re in the market for something a little more formal then establish your expectations early on - agree upon regular meetings, concrete goals and accountable actions.

Having multiple mentors, whether throughout your entire working life or at the same time, is not uncommon. In fact, according to career coach and best-selling author Gill Hasson, it’s a good idea to have a mentor both inside and outside of your work. “It means you have two different perspectives,” she says. “It's then interesting to see where their advice and guidance converges and where it’s very different.”

Know Your Goal

The first and most important thing is having a goal in mind, not just getting a mentor for the sake of it. As Gill points out, “Most people who are asked to become mentors are successful in their careers, which means they’re also busy and in demand. It’s important for you to acknowledge that, and respect their time.”

So what do you want to achieve? Mentors aren’t just for people stuck on a ladder rung. Maybe you've started a new job or business and want some guidance or support; or you've got some ideas and initiatives and want to sound out with someone; or maybe you're looking for a completely new challenge and you don't even know what it is yet. That still counts as a goal worth seeking out a mentor for. "You just want someone to talk to who'll suggest possibilities and encourage growth and progress," says Gill.

Having a goal makes it easier to know what you want out of your mentor-mentee relationship, and also if it’s working out for you. This is a two-way street, after all. Often, when we’re asking for help, we can be willing to settle for anything and anyone out of humility, timidity or just sheer awkwardness. But think, what does a good mentor look like to you? End up with a bad one and you’ll just be wasting both of your time. "You want someone who likes and enjoys their job," says Gill, "Not someone who is jaded, depressed or burnt out. You want someone who engages with others, who has the time and is reliable." You're not the only one who should turn up on time to meetings.

Find your Match

So now comes the task of finding one (or two). The good news? AllBright has made finding a mentor easy! Our Mentor Matching tool makes the whole process super simple while ensuring you get matched with someone who meets your requirements and can help you smash those career goals. Sound good? Subscribe to AllBright Plus today and get started.

Be a Good Mentee

Once they agree, act accordingly! That means turning up to meetings on time, always giving plenty of notice if you can’t make it and having a specific issue, challenge or goal to discuss and questions to ask. But most importantly of all? “Take their advice,” stresses Gill. “Not all of it, but at least some of it. Otherwise you're wasting their time. Then, report back on what has and hasn't gone well.”

So what are you waiting for? If you want a mentor and haven’t got one yet, ask yourself why not. If you’re being too nice and polite about it, remember that fortune favours the bold. In two brilliant, recent episodes on mentorship on The Michelle Obama Podcast, the former First Lady stresses the importance of just taking that first step. “Do whatever you need, but just make sure you do it,” she says.“Because once you start a conversation, there is no telling where it might end up.”

Gill Hasson’s next book “Career Finder: Where to go from here for a successful future” will be out at the end of the year.