How to select a mentor

Write out your goals for your career and make sure they are SMARTER. This will help you to understand where you have gaps in achieving your goals and help you to see where you could use mentorship. Some examples are to develop new skills, expand your network in a specific industry sector, or build confidence to have some difficult conversations. Once your goals are outlined and you have identified your gaps, think about how a mentor could help you to achieve your goals. Create a specific plan or description of how they could help you, whether it is working on a certain project, introducing you to their network, or coaching you on how to have a particular conversation that is hindering your success. Next, you can start to search your network. Consider people you have met at events or conferences, through current or previous roles, from your academic career, or even second-degree connections. Look for someone who fits the description or has the skills you are...