Recently I had an article published in the Women’s Network Australia (WNA) magazine where I talked about the benefits of having a mentor as you progress through your career. Whether you are in an early career stage, mid-career or you are considering a transition or career change, I think you will find this excerpt from the article useful…..
Having a mentor is an invaluable source of support to help you in the commencement of your career or through a career transition. It can be so beneficial to have another person (a mentor) help you:
- Evaluate your current situation
- Explore what you want to experience and achieve in your career
- Make decisions about career changes
- Establish goals that will direct your focus and energy
Before you meet with a mentor, it is useful to do a personal ‘stock-take’ of your current situation and what you are thinking is the next step in your career. Ask yourself questions like:
- What is prompting me to consider making a career change?
- What differences will this change make for me professionally? Personally?
- What values guide my decision?
- What are my key motivators? What gives me inspiration?
- What (if any) aspects of my career experience to date do I want to retain? Take in to a new career?
Having a successful career is completely subjective. What one person views as success and satisfaction in their career can be very different from the next person. You need to consider what YOU want to achieve, what your goals are for your career and some potential actions you can take. A mentor can help you with this.