If you are new to IT, you'd need a mentor as technology is ever-changing and keeping up with the latest trends is challenging in the early days of your career. Having a mentor who can guide or support your journey is the best investment you can make.
But how do you find the right mentor, especially in an uncommon niche like IT? Well, we will walk you through reaching out to a potential mentor and building a meaningful relationship.
Identify your Goals
The first step is to understand the reasons why you need guidance. Create a list of milestones you aim to achieve or challenges you may face; this will help you reach out to the right individuals who may have answers to all your queries. The more clarity you have on your goals, the easier it will be to communicate with the mentor and gain insights.
Research Potential Mentors
Now that you clearly understand your needs start researching IT experts online. Social media platforms like LinkedIn are the best for tech communities and experts. Look for individuals who have expertise and experience similar to your needs. Choose a person with a solid reputation and a successful background in mentorship. You can also join mentorship programs or platforms and look for IT experts there.
Once you come across a suitable person, initiate the conversation by contacting them and explaining your situation and expectations. Pitch your ideas to them and actively ask for feedback, making them realize your worth and that you want to learn.
Establish a Professional Relationship
Once your mentor agrees to help you, work on maintaining a good relationship with your mentor by seeking their feedback and telling them how their advice helped you. You may share concrete outcomes with them. To pursue a long-term mentorship, consider setting monthly or weekly meetings and coming to a common ground without burdening them.
Give Back to your Mentor
Mentorship is a two-way street, so extend gratitude to your mentor by helping them or volunteering for them occasionally; this elevates your status in the eyes of the mentor, and they might recommend you to potential employers.
Create a Mentor Network
Your mentor may have the answers to only some of your queries. It's okay to reach out to another person and still be in contact with the first one; this will give you insights from different perspectives, helping your career.
Join a Tech Group
You can also join various tech groups online focusing on all things IT. Participate in discussions and share your ideas to get visible. Skim through conversations and discussions and reach out to an individual you think shares interests with yours. Reach out to them by admiring their work or communicating that you want to be mentored. People love to help; you may get insights into different aspects you don't usually come across.
Attend Tech Events
The key to career success is networking; tech conferences, meetings, and events are the best places to connect with like-minded individuals. Share your opinions and feedback with others. Reach out to industry experts. This way, you will be at the centre of attention, and many people will be interested in mentoring you if they see potential in you.
Similarly, you may also attend hackathons where mentors play a pivotal role in assisting teams and guiding them in executing their ideas. If you give your best, you may connect with an expert quickly.
Look Inside Your Company
You don't necessarily need to look for potential mentors outside. If you are a part of an IT company, you may quickly get mentorship from your supervisor, colleagues or senior IT professionals. You may also get career advice and the latest knowledge about the IT profession. Build solid relationships with them and actively seek their feedback.
Intern at a Company
If you aren't a part of any IT company and want to learn skills from scratch, an internship is your best bet. Look for companies that offer mentorship. Become an intern and try to gain as many skills as you can. Your focus is on gaining knowledge right now, so you should make the most out of it.
Join Incubator Programs
Incubator programs are the best as they bring along high-profile tech experts who focus on mentoring IT enthusiasts and fresh learners. They are more invested in mentoring individuals and sometimes may recruit them if they see the potential.
Connect with Alumni
If you are a recent graduate, you may need guidance on starting your IT career. Contacting your institute's alums is the best way to gain practical insights. They will be more willing to guide you and help you decide what you want to pursue.
Send a Cold Message
You can skip a hackathon or join an incubator program to find the right mentor. Sometimes, your mentor may be one message away. If there is someone in your circle whom you admire, send them a cold message. Start by admiring their work and communicate why you messaged them in the first place. Keep the message simple, professional and to the point. Who knows, you may find someone willing to mentor you happily.
Build a Personal Brand
Finding a mentor is only sometimes about reaching out to others. You can attract potential mentors by showcasing a solid online presence. Share your experience, industry insights, and projects on different platforms. You may find individuals who align with your interests, and they may be willing to reach out to you and mentor you.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right mentor and building a solid relationship with them takes time and effort. You may need to attend several IT events or join programs before you come across the right one. Mentorship is two-sided, so remember to be open, seek feedback and thank them for their time and valuable guidance.
