by Helen Lin
Finding a mentor can seem like an elusive quest. It took me several weeks to actually book my first mentorship session on Upnotch. In this blog post, I'll share my personal journey of finding a mentor, the misconceptions I had, and the valuable lessons I learned along the way.
1. Overcome the Fear of Starting
One of the barriers I faced was the belief that I needed a pre-determined set of goals and questions I wanted to address before approaching a mentor. This mindset held me back from seeking mentorship altogether.
What I later learned was that mentorship sessions are not formal interviews; they are collaborative experiences. You’re not in this alone. Don't hesitate to start the conversation and allow it to naturally unfold. Your mentor will be eager to guide you through the process, helping you discover your goals and challenges along the way.
2. Take the pressure off
Finding a mentor is not a high-stakes situation because you are not limited to seeking guidance from a single mentor. The true power of mentorship lies in building a diverse advisory board for yourself.
Each mentor brings unique knowledge and experiences that can enrich your growth and development. It's like creating a panel of personal cheerleaders who can offer expertise in various areas, forming a strong community of support.
3. Mentorship is flexible
Mentorship is a flexible journey, and you are not obligated to continue sessions if the partnership doesn't meet your expectations. Reminding myself of this allowed me to enter my first mentorship session with an open mind and attitude.
Luckily for me, my mentor and I connected well and had a very productive session discussing shared interests and my goals moving forward.
But remember that if the initial mentorship match doesn't feel right, you have the freedom to explore other options. Mentorship should be tailored to your needs, whether you prefer short-term or long-term engagements. It operates on your own terms.
4. Take the leap
Embracing the power of mentorship allowed me to feel empowered. You open yourself up to a world of insights, support, and personal growth.
Don't let rigidity or the fear of imperfection hinder your progress. Seek out mentors, engage in collaborative sessions, and build a network of cheerleaders who can guide you on your journey.
Start Your Mentorship with Upnotch
I truly believe that mentorship is a transformative experience which can shape both your personal and professional life. And I'd like to invite you to start your own journey with Upnotch today!