How to Find a Great Mentor
Mentorship is often hailed as a key cornerstone of success in the tech industry. Yet, for many aspiring software developers, the path to finding a suitable mentor remains elusive since it is not really taught how to go about finding such a person. Having mentored a large number of individuals and having reflected on both successful and less fruitful experiences, I've gathered insights that can guide you in identifying and maintaining valuable mentorship relationships.
Why Mentorship Matters
In the tech world, mentorship can accelerate learning, provide industry insights, and open doors to new opportunities. Whether it be job opportunities or other kinds of opportunities you might want to be involved with. Many successful professionals attribute their personal and career growth to the guidance of mentors who helped them navigate complex challenges and career decisions they’ve had over the years.
The Hallmarks of an Effective Mentor
Based on my experiences and feedback from mentees I’ve worked with, here are key qualities that distinguish a great mentor from a not so great one:
1. Demonstrated Expertise
A mentor should possess a deep understanding of the subject matter. Red flags include an inability to answer questions relevant to the subject matter the mentee desires to cover, or a lack of preparation in general for sessions. It's advisable as the mentor to allow the mentee a short free or low-cost consultation so the mentee can assess the mentor's knowledge and teaching style.
2. Proactive Engagement
Exceptional mentors often go beyond the call of duty, researching topics of interest to the mentee and tailoring their guidance accordingly. Even if they are not asked to do this. This proactive approach indicates a genuine investment in your growth.
3. Alignment of Values
While diversity in background and perspective can enrich the mentorship experience, aligning on core values related to the subject matter of the mentor/mentee relationship is crucial. For instance, if career advancement is important to you, a mentor who shares that priority will likely be more supportive. Whereas if one person finds career advancement important and the other does not, that would probably not make for a good match.
4. Emotional Intelligence
A mentor should exhibit patience, empathy, and a supportive demeanor. Behaviors such as impatience or condescension are detrimental and signal that the mentorship may not be beneficial. Believe it or not, previous clients have told me that past mentors have yelled at them or acted visibly irritated if the mentee did not understand something. This is a huge no-no. As a mentor you should be as cool as a cucumber and patient when dealing with a mentee.
5. Genuine Interest in Your Success
A mentor's commitment to your development should be evident when speaking with and working with you. This includes being prepared for meetings, offering constructive feedback, and showing enthusiasm for your progress. A lot of people choose a manager as a default choice for a mentor but unfortunately there are many cases where a manager may not be the best person if they show that they may not care as much about your success. For example if they avoid topics of your career advancement or are unprepared for your one on ones, they would probably not be the best fit for a mentor.
Sustaining a Productive Mentorship
Establishing a mentorship is just the beginning; nurturing the relationship requires effort from both parties:
For Mentors: Continue to prepare for sessions, provide thoughtful guidance, and encourage independent problem-solving. And try to be as responsive as possible.
For Mentees: Approach each session with preparation on your end to the extent possible, complete any agreed upon tasks or homework assignments, and express appreciation for your mentor's time and insights as they could have spent their time in a million different ways but chose to invest in your success.
Remember, mentors often juggle multiple responsibilities. Patience and understanding regarding their availability can go a long way in maintaining a healthy dynamic.
Knowing When to Move On
Not all mentorships will be the right fit, and that's okay. If you find that the relationship isn't meeting your needs, it's acceptable to seek out other mentors. Like any relationship, finding the right mentor may take time and multiple attempts.
Seeking Guidance?
If you're looking for mentorship in software development, career planning, or foundational topics, I offer consultations through my website: careercodepro.com. Feel free to reach out for a short consultation to determine if we're a good match.
By being intentional in your search and mindful of these qualities, you can forge mentorships that significantly enhance your professional journey. I write articles for your inbox every Monday and Thursday!
