Trend #5: The Undeniable Value of a Mentor

This article is the seventh part of a blog series that discusses our insights into major workplace and hiring trends. As you prepare for what’s next in your own career, we invite you to check out the entire series. Learn more about how these trends could positively impact your career and make it an even more rewarding experience.

Mentorship is often a high priority for young employees who are entering the workforce or more experienced employees who have changed career paths or taken a new step forward in their careers. It is also an invaluable method for building relationships in virtual or hybrid work environments.

Organizations that are committed to supporting employees in growing and expanding their skill sets, navigating the work culture, and mapping their career paths use mentoring as the foundation for high-potential and leadership development programs. They can also use it to support onboarding and ongoing career development.

As an employee, make sure you have access to such development opportunities and that your own career goals are understood, regarded, and supported by your management and organization.

Here are some ideas to keep in mind when pairing with a mentor.

Is mentorship part of your employment contract?

An effective mentor who supports your career goals is an invaluable resource. When negotiating a job offer, make an organization’s commitment to providing mentorship a key consideration. Your mentorship should have measurable value in terms of goals and strategies to help you develop in your career, build relationships, and integrate smoothly into the company.

Do they share your values and definition of success?

Your mentor is someone who can coach and guide you, largely based on your own priorities, values, and goals and means of achieving them. It is therefore key that these largely align with theirs, so you can benefit most from the insights you will receive.

Have they achieved similar goals to yours?

Although no career paths are exactly alike, your mentor’s career trajectory should closely resemble your own or at least one you are considering for yourself. There’s no gain in learning the path to where you don’t want to be.

Are they committed to your success?

Mentorship is more than just a passive relationship to offer occasional advice or input. A mentor should commit time and energy to understand and support your goals. As the relationship grows, this can lead to invaluable networking potential and other opportunities.

Interested in getting more insights like this to support your next career move? Check out the next article in the series and download our 2022 Job Market Trends to Watch report now.