The Power of Mentorship: Finding the Right Guide for Your Journey

The Power of Mentorship: Finding the Right Guide for Your Journey

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to celebrate the people who help shape our careers, creativity, and confidence. Whether you’re just starting out in student media, the arts, or any industry, having a mentor can make all the difference. But what exactly makes a good mentor, how do you find one, and how do you ask someone to be your mentor?

What Makes a Good Mentor?

A great mentor isn’t just someone with experience—they’re someone who:


• Listens and offers guidance rather than just giving orders.

• Challenges you to grow and push past your comfort zone.

• Provides constructive feedback to help refine your skills.
Shares their own experiences (both successes and failures) to help you learn.
• 
Encourages independence and helps you build confidence in your own decisions.

How Do You Find a Mentor?

The best mentors aren’t always the ones with the biggest titles—they’re the ones who are invested in your growth. Look for potential mentors in places like:


• Professors or instructors who take time to support students.

• Supervisors or colleagues at your job, internship, or student media organization.

• Professional organizations like College Broadcasters, Inc. (CBI) that connect students with industry experts.

• Networking events, social media, and alumni groups—you never know who’s willing to help!

How Do You Ask Someone to Be Your Mentor?

It can feel intimidating to ask someone to be your mentor, but most people are happy to share their knowledge if you approach them the right way. Here’s how:

• Be Specific – Instead of saying, “Will you be my mentor?” ask, “I admire your work in [field] and would love to learn from you. Would you be open to meeting for coffee or a quick Zoom call to share advice?”
• Show Initiative – Let them know why you value their insight. “I’m really interested in [career path/skill], and I know you have experience in this area. I’d love to hear how you got started.”
• Respect Their Time – A mentor-mentee relationship doesn’t have to be formal. Some mentors offer ongoing guidance, while others just check in occasionally.
• Be open to whatever works for them.

Great mentors can change lives. If someone has helped you along the way, take a moment to thank them this month. And if you don’t have a mentor yet, now is the perfect time to start looking!

Who has been the most impactful mentor in your life? Tag them and share how they’ve helped you!
#NationalMentoringMonth #MentorshipMatters #FindYourMentor #StudentSuccess #CBI #Broadcasting #CareerGrowth #FutureLeaders