6 Ways to Find a Career MentorAnd What to Look For

6 Ways to Find a Career Mentorâ€"And What to Look For Photo Credit â€" Flickr.comWorking with a career mentor is an important investment in your future. No matter your professional goals, a great mentor can provide feedback, advice and insight that only comes from experience.While the search for the ideal candidate may seem overwhelming, here are six ways to find the right mentor for you.1. Consider Current ConnectionsA co-worker in a senior role, one you currently work with or have worked with in the past, can make an excellent mentor because his or her advice and experience will be specific to your industry, which is critical to your career success: “Perhaps the most important step in pursuing a dream job is to find someone who already works in that field who can offer guidance and advice as you proceed,” according to Allison Doyle.evalIf you already have a rapport with someone, start there. But, don’t ask right away.Instead, sit down for lunch or coffee to explain your career goals, get a feel for their career values, and deter mine if it would be a good match. Just because you get along, doesn’t mean they’re the right person to mentor you.2. NetworkFace-to-face networking is one of the best ways to find like-minded professionals and potential mentors.Sign up for events where you’ll be able to connect with professionals from your field or an industry you’d like to break into. Before signing up, research to see who will be in attendance If you’re uncomfortable at networking events or you simply haven’t found the right person, there are several online tools you can use in your search. Start with LinkedIn, where you likely already have an accountâ€"along with 500 million other users.Chris Spurvey, a Linkedin Influencer, recommends scanning Linkedin Pulse to find leaders in your niche: “Browse LinkedIn Pulse channels to see who is writing about the areas for which you want mentorship. Most mentors are leaders. Most leaders are readers, and many readers are also writers.”Spurvey suggests followi ng these people before sending a connection request. Comment on their posts and interact with their circles. Once you’ve done this and feel comfortable, you can connect with the person and see if they’re willing to have a one-on-one meeting.Other useful tools include websites like Score.org, Mentoring.org and FindaMentor.4. Ask Your BossevalThis doesn’t mean ask your boss to mentor you. Instead, let your boss or manager know you want to work with someone who can help you learn, grow, and improve and see if he or she can recommend a mentor.Your boss will be happy you took the initiative and he or she can connect you with business professionals who may be of help. Want your boss to mentor you? Read this first: Your Boss? Your Mentor? Why You Should Know the Difference.5. Check With Your SchoolRegardless of how long it’s been since graduating, you can always tap into useful alumni and career resources from your University. Check online or contact your school’s career center. Most school host alumni networking events, seminars and more.Many even have mentorship programs and alumni networks where you can connect with other alumnus who are working in your industry. The best part: as a fellow alumni, you already have a way to break the ice when reaching out to potential mentors.6. Small Business Development CentersSmall Business Development Centers Use these ideas to start your search and don’t settle for someone who doesn’t feel like the right fit. Be clear about your goals and you’ll find the person who can help you get where you want to go.