Different types of mentors you need throughout your career

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I recently stumbled upon a quote by Janice Omadeke, Founder and CEO of The Mentor Method, that in my view perfectly encapsulates the essence of mentorship: “Mentorship should be a fulfilling relationship between somebody with more experience and somebody with less, with the goal of helping both individuals become elevated versions of themselves.”

Mentorship is a powerful tool that can transform your professional journey. Picture your mentor as your very own guide, navigating the twists and turns of your professional (and sometimes personal) path. They’re there to provide support and guidance, to ultimately support your growth and success. A mentor is typically someone who has walked the path before you, armed with a wealth of experience to share. Let's not forget their extensive network and connections within their field, which they can introduce you to. Unlike a coach or sponsor, in a mentorship relationship, it's up to you, the mentee, to take the reins and steer the direction of the relationship, while your mentor delivers the support and insights you need. Ultimately, a mentor becomes your trusted advisor, a source of inspiration and a gateway to a vast array of resources.

As I write this, I reflect on my own experiences with mentors as I’ve navigated my career. I was fortunate enough to encounter mentorship early on in my career, as a graduate trainee in a global organisation. Looking back, I realise that I didn't fully capitalise on the presence and support of my mentor back then. Perhaps I simply didn't know how to make the most of it at the time, or maybe he wasn't the right fit for me in that particular phase of my career. Now, fast forward 17 years, I've only recently tapped into the true potential of mentorship, both as a mentee and as a mentor myself. It dawns on me that I may have missed out on countless opportunities by not placing greater emphasis on mentorship relationships until now.

Depending on what season you find yourself in, your needs from a mentor / mentee relationship will also look different - here’s a few that will be covered in this article, along with where and how to seek them out:

• Emerging professional mentor

• Industry mentor

• Leadership mentor

• Executive mentor

• Career transition mentor

• Life transition mentor

Emerging professional mentor

Having a mentor by your side as you embark on your professional journey can be incredibly valuable. For someone just starting out their career, a mentor can provide beneficial guidance and support, offering advice on networking, honing essential soft skills, overcoming potential workplace obstacles and navigating the challenges that come with the early stages of a career. Lets face it, the beginning phase of a professional journey can be overwhelming. The right mentor however, can provide invaluable support to help you tackle the complexities of this phase.

Potential professional mentors are everywhere around us, look for a more experienced colleague within your organisation, or an established professional in your field (outside of your organisation) who has a wealth of knowledge and experience, or alumni of your educational institution who have progressed in a similar career path. In short, explore your personal network and seek out individuals who you admire, who have reached levels of success that you envision for your own career. 

Industry mentor

Industry mentors play a vital role in one's professional journey, providing guidance and support at every stage of your career. These mentors are experts in their respective fields, armed with a wealth of subject matter knowledge and industry know-how. They are able to offer invaluable insights and practical advice on how to navigate and advance within your industry and help you establish meaningful connections to thrive in your chosen field.

Potential industry mentors: Experienced individuals who work in the same field but have more knowledge and expertise; join industry-specific organisations or associations that offer mentorship programs or networking opportunities - these organisations often have seasoned professionals who volunteer as mentors. LinkedIn is a great place to start.

Leadership mentor

If you're someone who is striving to reach a leadership position or you're just starting out in a leadership role, having a mentor with extensive experience in leadership can be an invaluable asset. A mentor can provide you with the necessary support and offer unique insights into the world of leadership. Whether you're faced with challenging performance conversations or aiming to bridge any gaps in your leadership skills, a mentor can guide you through these situations and help you grow both personally and professionally.

Potential leadership mentors: A leader within the same organisation who has a wealth of experience and can provide guidance specific to the company's culture and dynamics; a former boss who is familiar with your strengths and development areas; a thought leader or expert in the field of leadership.

Executive mentor

As you progress to senior level positions, an executive mentor can offer guidance on managing complex organisational challenges. Whether you're grappling with organisational politics, facing resistance to change, or seeking advice on strategic decision-making, an executive mentor is your supportive resource. They can help you refine your communication style, build effective relationships and navigate the intricacies of corporate culture. As a senior leader within an organisation, don't underestimate the power of an executive mentor. Seek out someone who has walked the path before you, someone who can help you navigate the sometimes treacherous terrain of senior-level positions with confidence.

Potential executive mentors: A successful CEO or senior business leader who has a proven track record in traversing complex business challenges; an influential figure in your industry; a former executive who has retired from their position but holds a wealth of knowledge and can offer guidance based on their own experiences; or a former boss who is a trusted ally.

Career transition mentor

In today's ever-evolving working world, we're bound to encounter more career transitions than previous generations ever did. Whether it's switching industries, exploring new roles, or embarking on a completely different career path, navigating these transitions can be daunting. That's where a career transition mentor comes in, offering invaluable guidance and support during these transformative times. If you're standing at the crossroads of your professional life, uncertain about which direction to take next. It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed and apprehensive. But with the correct mentor by your side, you have support from someone who has experienced a similar journey and can provide insights and wisdom to help you make informed decisions.

Potential career transition mentors: An industry expert who has extensive experience and knowledge in your target industry; an individual who has successfully made a similar career transition; or join a professional association or networking group related to your target field or role where you can connect with experienced professionals who can serve as mentors or provide valuable guidance.

Life transition mentor

As we journey through our careers, we will likely encounter various life transitions along the way. Whether it's embracing the beautiful journey of motherhood, rebuilding your life after divorce, navigating health challenges or changing personal values, a mentor who has walked the path before you can help you navigate the challenges that new life circumstances bring, providing you with the support and guidance you need to thrive during these transformative moments. For instance, when I became a mother, it was an incredibly joyous experience, but it can also bring its fair share of uncertainties and questions. How would I balance the demands of motherhood with my professional aspirations? Did my current job make sense for my new circumstance? At the time, I didn’t have a mentor to help me navigate this transition and in hindsight, the path would have been much smoother had I seeked out trusted support. 

Potential life transition mentors: A senior colleague who you admire for her work-life harmony as a working mother; personal contacts and family friends who have navigated a similar transition - life transitions are often deeply personal experiences and you may prefer to seek the support of someone you trust who already understands your situation.

Closing thoughts

During your mentorship journey, you may come across situations where multiple mentorship relationships coexist simultaneously. These relationships can involve different individuals or even the same person. As you grow and develop both professionally and personally, your mentorship needs will evolve too. It's crucial to understand the type of mentor that suits your specific career or life stage, as it greatly contributes to your growth and development. A mentor who once perfectly guided you at the beginning of your career may not necessarily be the right fit as you navigate through the challenges of motherhood. If your goals and aspirations have undergone significant changes; if you've surpassed your mentor's expertise and your current mentor can no longer offer guidance in those areas; or if you find yourself stuck despite your commitment to the mentorship relationship, it might be time to seek a new mentor who better aligns with your needs. Having the right mentor by your side has the potential to be a career and life game-changer. 

I’d like to pose a challenge to you: Take a moment to consider if you have the necessary mentorship support for your current career stage. If you don't, think of one action you can take today to change this. Read more here on how a mentor can help you achieve career success.