Why Is Having A
Mentor SO Important?
Why Is Having A
Mentor SO Important?
Written by Lois Lane
🕒 October 29, 2019
We’ve heard the word mentor and mentees so much in the news industry, but at the end of the day, or a long week, do you know why it’s so important to have a mentor while working in television news?
Make it a Priority
Since the beginning, I’ve made it a priority to have a mentor who I could confide in about the good and the bad within my news career.
Mentors are essential in many fields of work. However, as it relates to the news industry, mentors are there to help you make the right decisions, critique your work and to encourage you when feel as though you’re about to give up.
Essentially, mentors can help you set and achieve your short and long-term goals. Their knowledge and expertise serve as a guide to growing your career. If you don’t have a mentor right now, no worries! It’s not too late.
Don’t Be Afraid, Reach Out!
Start thinking of the trail-blazing professionals who are currently in your life right now. Why do you admire them so much?
Reach out to that person in a simple email, or if you already have their contact number call, or send a simple text to start the conversation.
Once you are on the phone, you don’t have to formally say, “Will you be my mentor?” Instead, make the conversation as genuine as possible. Maybe share something that you’re really proud about in your career right now, ask for feedback on something, and, of course, be interested in the wonderful things they are doing.
Make this a consistent effort on your part. Your mentor will eventually see that you appreciate their time, and they will reach out for check-ins to see how everything is going or simply to share encouraging words to get you through the day.
Sustaining Your Mentor/Mentee Relationship
The key to building a great mentor and mentee relationship is to keep in touch with that person.
Don’t only call them when you want advice about something or to vent. Contact them to congratulate them on their own wins. It’s a reminder to that person that you really appreciate them for being in your life.
Another important factor, is to always respect your mentor’s time. Don’t go ghost for a scheduled call or meeting and do not overstep your boundaries by trying to speak with your mentor who is obviously pretty busy.
Hopefully these tips are helpful! Remember that you are not limited to only one
mentor. You may have two or three mentors who encourage you in totally different ways.
There’s also a possibility of having a different mentor during different seasons of your career. However, the most important thing to remember, is if you don’t currently have a mentor, make it a priority for 2020!