The benefit of having a mentor

*Editor’s Note: From the Outside In is a biweekly column written by an alum. Please email The Record at record@csbsju.edu with topic suggestions!*

There have been many moments in my life when I’ve contemplated a decision and simply needed some guidance. I learned early that making these decisions on my own often resulted in unintended consequences.

It was only after fostering relationships with personal and professional mentors that I realized the value of having that counsel. Mentors have played an instrumental role in my development, and it has given me great satisfaction to provide that same support to many past and current Johnnies and Bennies.

So, what’s a mentor? A mentor is someone with the knowledge and experience to assist you through a situation or circumstance that can help you make better, more informed decisions. And a good mentor can provide perspective and insight to blind spots you may not see.

Seems helpful enough, but how do you find a mentor? The first and hardest thing to do is ask. It helps to think of finding a mentor as more of an introduction. These opportunities can happen informally at a social or networking event. In a more structured environment, they can happen through the St. Ben’s and St. John’s InterAction Program. The InterAction Program connects current students with hundreds of alumni who are ready to serve as mentors.

You start with a casual, in-person or virtual conversation with a volunteer mentor that you’ve chosen from the database. There’s no commitment beyond that brief conversation. No matter how you make that connection with a potential mentor, use the time to get to know them by asking about their career and how they got to their current role or what hobbies or interests they might have. You may find that you have something in common to make the conversation easier.

The next step is to set up a more formal meeting over coffee, lunch or even a follow-up phone call. Use this time to express your goals and aspirations. Tell the mentor what struggles you may be having and seek their advice. You might be surprised how many alums are eager to share what they’ve learned since leaving campus.

Lastly, if this relationship is something you value, work to maintain it. As a mentor, there is nothing better than hearing from a mentee about their progress and accomplishments or assisting them with the next challenge. These professional relationships can be tremendously rewarding—for both of you.