FInd A Mentor

Find a mentor.

Make it one of your top goals.

But don't actively look for one. They will come into your life when you least expect it. Someone that you look up too. Who gives you honest advice. Someone that believes in you and sees your potential.

When that person comes into your life. Have the presence of mind to nurture it. Identify and hold on. That person may be out of your life before you know it. Their doors to mentorship may be shut forever.

Finding a mentor may mean life or death; from a career perspective of course! In your first job, having a mentor will help you set your compass. Even someone with a few more years of experience may have a toolbox of advice and tips. Use it wisely.

In graduate school, my professor of Project Management was the best mentor I've ever had. I looked up to him. He was a former Aerospace Engineer and a member of the Intelligence Community. Now, he taught project management. What made him my mentor?

He believed in me. He saw my potential. He gave me honest input on my career. When I was faced with several decisions before I started a new career, his advice was spot on. He told me, "Don't go there, they will not value your experience," or "you would be great at business development," or "don't stay in Silicon Valley, this place is drying up," and "agile development is not an ideal software development cycle."

All the advice he gave me was spot on. I didn't take his advice with the career switch. And you know what, he was right. The company did not value my previous experience. I stayed in Silicon Valley, where it is drying up due to the insane cost of living and ego-driven business climate. Agile development is a hectic software development cycle that creates burnout for teams.

I've thrived in business development roles where my true talents can shine.

My mentor was right about everything. He recognized things in me that I did not see myself. He knew what I was capable of. His advice guided me into the professional I am today. Although our interaction was short lived in graduate school. His helping hand will be with me throughout my life.

Use the wisdom and perspective of those who have gone before you. Listen to their input and make informed decisions for yourself moving forward. Listen to your mentor and make your own decision!