The relationship between mentor and mentee is a mutually beneficial connection that can offer benefits both personally and professionally. The insights and life lessons can be invaluable on both ends, changing your development for the better. But sometimes it can be hard to know when and where to start looking.
As students navigate the daunting corporate world, it is never a bad idea to find an experienced advisor to guide the way to success. Allison Smith, the current Vice President of WIB, shares her own experiences of finding a mentor in the corporate world. “One woman, Meghan Leibold, was very open with me from our first meeting, and I knew I wanted to talk to her more. One of the most important things she taught me was that humor can still be professional and can even make people more engaged in your presentation.” By staying in touch, asking questions and running presentations by Leibold, Smith was able to turn a one time meeting into an impactful mentorship.
In a similar sense, Charlotte Lemaire, a member of WIB majoring in Economics with minors in Business Analytics and Legal Foundations of Society, describes the most influential mentor in her life. “Personally, I have greatly relied on my aunt as my mentor. I look to her because I know two things about her: she will always be there to help me and she will give me her honest opinion no matter how my reaction will be.” At times, it can be extremely difficult to see yourself in a positive light, wondering if the things you have are truly earned. But having those around you who you trust to tell you the truth can really benefit your mindset.
Finding the right mentor can be difficult.You never know if they’ll fit your personality or their work ethic would fit yours. Once you decide that finding a mentor is your goal, defining your desired result and identifying the type of mentor you are looking for is key. Here are some questions you may need to ask yourself:
What are my specific goals for mentorship? Am I looking for skill development, personal growth, both?
Do you want someone to help you navigate challenges, or do you seek someone who can guide you through a particular career path?
Do you need someone who can help with long-term career planning, or do you need advice on day-to-day challenges?
Are you looking for a peer mentor, a life mentor, or a career mentor?
Would you be comfortable with frequent check-ins, or do you need more of a "light-touch" relationship?
After reflecting on your mentorship goals, it's time to start searching! As students of The Ohio State University, we have access to a large and extremely competent pool of alumni. The alumni network is a great place to start looking as there can be a multitude of experiences and traditions that you have shared through your time in school. They have the ability to connect with you on a level that not many other professionals would be able to relate to. Their guidance could include suggestions on classes, the best places to eat, or the best clubs and organizations to join for your interests. As someone who has graduated and found work and prosperity after OSU, they have a path of success they can account to you, and even if you don’t wish to follow in their footsteps, they could have friends or acquaintances that you can reach out to.
Another great way to find a mentor is through panels, conferences, and seminars hosted nearby our lovely campus. Whether it be online or in-person, being able to listen to a panel of professional’s opinions gives you the chance to hear other points of view on matters of importance. Panels and conferences extend the chance for questions as well, so if there is something pressing that you would like to know before deciding to walk up and talk to them, get to know each person on a more personal level.
Our very own Women in Business has both formal and informal mentorship programs open to all. Smith expresses, “Mentorship is essential as we work towards gender equality. Especially if you are in a male dominated industry, do not be afraid to take on male mentors.”
On the other hand, being a mentor is an opportunity to use your leadership and knowledge to help someone who is looking to you for guidance. It’s a great way to grow in compassion and strengthen your ability to grow relationships, being someone for others to look up to. It can be an extremely rewarding experience making a difference in someone’s life, watching their development and confidence grow. Mentorship gives you the chance to leave a lasting legacy. By helping someone develop their skills, confidence, and career, you’re helping shape the future of your industry, profession, or community. Effective mentoring requires clear, empathetic communication, which helps you become better at articulating ideas, providing constructive feedback, and adapting your communication style to meet the needs of different individuals. According to Lemaire, “Mentors push you to be the best version of yourself and force me to grow into the person I want to be. Without mentors in my life, I would likely be less motivated and inspired than I am today.”
If you are to take anything away from this piece, take away that it is okay to feel self-doubt, but it is also okay to let others help you through it, both as a mentor and mentee. As a mentor, never be afraid to give your mentee the truth, it's the reason you are there and the way that you help guide them. At its core, mentorship is about connection, collaboration, and continuous growth. So, whether you’re looking to find a mentor or be one, remember that the value of mentorship goes beyond knowledge—it’s about building meaningful relationships that inspire and empower both the mentor and the mentee.
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