Mentors are a terrific resource for any young careerist. Whether it’s your adviser from college or a professional in your field, a mentor is highly beneficial because they can open many doors during your job search.

Here are 10 more reasons why mentors are important to your career:

1. Mentors Are Valuable Role Models

Every job seeker needs someone they can look up to during their job search. The ideal career mentor is someone who is passionate about their career, has leadership experience, and is knowledgeable about the career you want to achieve. By having a mentor who is successful in your field, it will help job seekers discover the career path they want to take.

2. They Are a Wealth of Knowledge and Advice

Once you learn more about your mentor, you’ll discover they’ve been around the block a time or two. They’ve experienced the entry-level job search, different types of interviews, and understand what it takes to get to the top. Career mentors know a lot your field, so use them as a valuable resource by asking them questions and seeking advice.

3. They’ve Been in Your Shoes

Try to reach out to someone who has many years of experience as a professional in your field. They will know the ropes of performing well during interviews and landing jobs. This will be an advantage to you during your job search because they will understand the challenges you encounter.

4. Mentors Help You Discover Opportunities

A career mentor who has been in your industry for several years will have great connections. This makes them extremely important during your search for a job or internship.

Try to find a career mentor who is in the same field of expertise as you. They will most likely have connections to people in your industry who can open the doors to different opportunities.

5. A Mentor is Your Own Personal Cheerleader

Your mentor is going be an advocate of your achievements and will be there for you every step of your career. They will praise you for your accomplishments and help you stay motivated.

6. They Can Prepare You for the Interview

Do you have a interview coming up? Your mentor can provide you with valuable advice and even prepare you for the hard questions.

7. Mentors Help You Set Career Goals

Not sure what career path you want to take? A mentor can provide insight on what step is next. If you can find a mentor who once held a leadership position in your field, they will help you learn what it takes to get to the top.

8. Emotional support

The job search can be very frustrating. From looking for your first job to quitting a job, mentors can help you cope with these obstacles. Mentors always have your best interest in mind and will help you through these difficult situations.

9. They Care About Your Success

A mentor wants you to be successful and will be the one person who is there every step of the way during your job search. It’s very important to have someone who will always be looking out for you. Whether it’s finding you opportunities or offering advice, a mentor is going to do their best to help you find success.

10. Life-long Friendship

It’s important for job seekers to remember they can find a mentor wherever they go. A mentor can be someone who you met at a networking event or a supervisor you had during your internship. Whether you find a mentor through LinkedIn or you connect with an alum of your program, they are valuable people to have in your life.

Why do you think it’s important for a job seeker to have mentor? What qualities do you look for in a career mentor?

Article Credit: Youtern