How to choose a mentor: 6 tips to find the right fit for you

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Finding the right mentor can make all the difference in your career growth. A good mentor can guide you through challenges, provide new perspectives and help you achieve your goals.

At Schneider, we recognize the importance of professional development. That’s why we support mentor relationships that can help advance associate's careers.

Drawing from my personal experience with mentorship, I understand that picking the right mentor is crucial to getting the most out of your mentorship. Here are my top tips on how to choose a mentor who complements your career aspirations and supports your growth.

6 tips on how to pick a mentor

1. Establish what you want to achieve.

Before you start looking for a mentor, figure out what you want to get out of the mentorship. Ask yourself:

• What are my career aspirations?

• What does success look like to me?

• Where do I see myself in five to 10 years?

• Are there specific areas I want to develop or challenges I want to overcome?

• Do I need help with networking or finding new opportunities?

By identifying your focus areas, you’ll be better equipped to find a mentor who has the skills and experience to help you achieve your goals.

2. Ask your leader for help.

Involving your leader in your desire to find a mentor is important. They can offer insights into how mentorship ties into your development plans and ensure alignment with your professional goals. Your leader can help you identify potential mentors who would be a great fit for you.

You can have this conversation with your leader in your next one-on-one meeting or address it when you set goals at the beginning of the year.

3. Look beyond seniority.

While many assume mentors should be senior-level leaders, that’s not always the case. What matters most is finding a mentor who is engaged in your development and understands your goals.

In my experience, mentors can be:

• Peers who have skills or experiences that you’ve identified as a focus area.

• Leaders from different departments within your own company.

• People outside your industry who offer a fresh perspective.

4. Find a mentor who challenges you.

When you think about what to look for in a mentor, I recommend finding someone who won’t always agree with you. In fact, some of the best mentor relationships I’ve had are with people who have totally different personalities and ideas than me.

Choosing a mentor who thinks differently and challenges your thoughts creates a dynamic that:

• Provides you with different perspectives.

• Encourages you to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions.

• Pushes you to step out of your comfort zone.

From my own experience, mentors who challenged my thought process have offered valuable insights that I wouldn't have considered otherwise. You can find a mentor who thinks differently than you by:

• Choosing a mentor who works in a completely different department than you.

• Having a pre-liminary meeting with the person to get to know one another.

• Picking a mentor who comes from a different background than you do.

• Leveraging your leader to help find the right mentor.

5. Consider in-person versus virtual mentorships.

Since virtual meetings are so common nowadays, you have the option to pick a mentor who lives anywhere in the world. This can give you the chance to learn from someone you otherwise wouldn’t be able to.

However, you might prefer it if your mentor lives locally to you. That’s OK, too! Some people would rather meet face-to-face and find value in being able to attend in-person events together.

If you’re wondering which option is better for you, ask yourself:

• How do I prefer to communicate and learn – through in-person interactions where I can pick up on body language and tone, or through digital platforms that offer flexibility and convenience?

• What is my availability and schedule like – do I have the time and resources to travel for in-person meetings, or do I need the flexibility of connecting online?

• What are my personal goals for mentorship – am I looking for a hands-on approach that might benefit from personal interaction, or am I seeking guidance that can be effectively provided through virtual means?

• How important is immediate access to my mentor – do I value the ability to reach out and receive responses quickly online, or do I prioritize the depth and quality of in-person discussions?

Since Schneider has offices across the U.S., associates can choose to have either an in-person or virtual mentorship. It’s up to you to decide which option is a better fit.

6. Start your search.

Knowing where to look for a mentor can make the process feel more manageable. I would suggest exploring these avenues as you search for a mentor:

• Industry conferences and seminars: Events like these give you an opportunity to engage with professionals who share your interests and goals. If you’re able to attend an industry-related event, keep an eye out for people you think could be a potential mentor.

• Professional associations and clubs: These groups often host events and workshops, facilitating connections with professionals who are eager to share their knowledge. If you’re already part of a group like this, consider if there is someone in the group you could ask to mentor you. If you’re not in a professional club, think about joining one to help you find a mentor.

• Alumni networks: College career services can connect you with professionals who align with your career goals. Reach out to your college or university’s career services center to see if they can help you find another alumni who could mentor you.

• LinkedIn: Online platforms like LinkedIn give you a place to engage in relevant groups, follow thought leaders and participate in discussions that can help you discover potential mentors.

• Within your organization: Many companies, like Schneider, have opportunities for mentorship. Your leader can help you determine if you’d benefit from a mentor and can assist in figuring out who the right fit may be.