Thursday, 24 April 2025

The power of mentorship and why every professional needs one or becomes one

By Olamide Adedara on April 24, 2025

In any career journey, few things accelerate growth like the guidance of a mentor — or the growth that comes from mentoring someone else.

Why Mentorship Matters:

For mentees: A mentor can open doors, provide clarity, offer feedback, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
For mentors: Teaching others strengthens your own knowledge, builds leadership skills, and expands your network.

Whether you're early in your career or already climbing the ladder, having (or being) a mentor can supercharge your development.

Benefits of Having a Mentor:

Guided Decision-Making
Mentors help you navigate tough career choices with real-world insights.

Access to Experience
You gain from years of hard-earned wisdom without having to make all the same mistakes.

Confidence Boost
Having someone who believes in you and provides feedback can increase your self-assurance.

Expanded Opportunities
Mentors often connect you to people, roles, and resources you might not reach alone.

Why You Should Become a Mentor (Even Early in Your Career):

You reinforce what you've learned.
You build leadership and communication skills.
You create impact and legacy.
It helps you stay relevant and inspired.

How to Find (or Be) a Mentor:

Look within your network — managers, colleagues, former classmates.
Join industry groups, LinkedIn communities, or alumni networks.
Offer to mentor juniors or interns at your workplace or in your field.
Set expectations clearly — what's the goal of the mentorship, and how often will you connect?

Final Thought:

Mentorship is a two-way street — both sides grow. Whether you're looking for guidance or ready to guide someone else, don't underestimate the transformational power of this relationship.