Learning from experience.
WHAT A MENTOR PROVIDES
Perspective from someone further along Honest assessment Knowledge of how things work that is not written anywhere
WHAT THEY DO NOT PROVIDE
Work Answers to everything Responsibility for your career
WHO TO APPROACH
Someone whose work or judgement you respect Someone accessible to you Not necessarily the most senior person available
WHY NOT THE MOST SENIOR
Someone a few years ahead frequently remembers your position better.
HOW TO APPROACH SOMEONE
Specifically, about something concrete, rather than asking them to mentor you generally.
WHY
A vague request is difficult to accept.
WHAT TO PREPARE FOR EACH CONVERSATION
Specific questions What you have already tried What you have done since last time
WHY THAT LAST POINT
Mentors continue with people who act on advice.
WHAT TO AVOID
Asking them to solve your problems Meeting without preparation Disappearing when it becomes uncomfortable
WHAT TO OFFER
Whatever you can, including simply telling them the outcome.
