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Judith Agara •

Finding the Right Mentor

Finding the Right Mentor

The tech industry is a whirlwind of innovation and constant evolution. If you are anything like me, you wonder if you’ll ever catch up. Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but with how long it has been and how fast it is going, I don’t think anyone can keep up. The good news, though, is that you don’t have to.

The tech field is vast, but you only need to learn some things to excel in a tech career. Focusing on a specific niche (which could even be a subfield of a subfield) and becoming an expert in that area is just as valuable.

Instead of attempting to understand everything, focusing on understanding core concepts and narrowing them down to a specific niche is more beneficial in the long run. Of course, staying updated on trends is good, and you should, but much more than that, a strong foundation in core programming concepts, problem-solving approaches, and critical thinking remains crucial for long-term success.

But then again, even after narrowing it down to a particular niche, which could be a subfield of a subfield of a subfield, of a subfield (you get the idea😁), knowing where to start or figuring out your learning curve is still a very daunting task because of the variety of methods and tools available.

That’s where finding the right mentor becomes essential. Getting the right mentor - e.g., someone with years of experience working in your desired field and industry, helps you declutter the heap of things to do. From experience and knowledge of trends in a particular field and industry, a mentor will help you maximise your learning time by focusing on the most essential concepts, skills, and tools needed.

This is why we created MentorsHub, to give you access to seasoned mentors who can provide personalised and efficient mentorship to help you achieve your career goals. But how do you find the right mentor? Below are five (5) tips for finding the right mentor on MentorsHub:

1. DEFINE YOUR GOALS

You want to start by defining your goals. Where do you see yourself in the next year, five or even ten years? Identifying your goals provides a roadmap for your mentorship journey. Your goals should be SMART!

Clarity on your goals empowers you to target potential mentors with experience and knowledge directly contributing to your ambition.For instance:

  • Are you seeking career advancement? Then, you’d be looking for mentors with experience in your desired field who can offer guidance on skill development and navigating industry specifics.
  • Do you aim to hone specific skills? Seek mentors with expertise in those areas who can provide tailored advice and resources.
  • Is your focus on personal development? Look for mentors with solid communication, leadership, or time management skills, areas you wish to cultivate.

2. LEVERAGE THE POWER OF KEYWORDS

MentorsHub allows you to filter mentor profiles based on keywords. Instead of searching for broad terms like "software engineer”, you can be more specific. For example, if you are interested in cloud computing and have specific tools in mind, you may want to include keywords like "AWS" or "Azure". Using these targeted keywords helps you identify mentors with the precise skillset you seek.

3. WATCH, LEARN, EVALUATE

Mentors on MentorsHub utilise intro videos to showcase their expertise and personality. Take advantage of this feature! Watch these videos to assess their communication style, passion for mentoring, and their approach to problem-solving. Does their energy resonate with you? Do they address challenges in a way that feels clear and actionable? This can be a powerful indicator of a successful mentorship fit.

4. UTILIZE OUR MATCHING ALGORITHM

Here at MentorsHub, we understand the importance of compatibility. That’s why we use an algorithm that matches mentors and mentees based on many factors, including experience, skill, and learning style. Take advantage of this initial pairing system – it can be a great starting point to discover potential mentors you might not have considered.

5. COMMUNICATE YOUR GOALS

When speaking to mentors, highlight your specific tech goals, especially for the first time. You could mention the aspects of their profile or career trajectory that resonated with you and how this informed your decision to subscribe to their mentorship program. This approach demonstrates your initiative and increases your chances of securing a mentor who feels genuinely invested in your growth.

Remember, finding the right mentor is a journey. Be proactive, utilise the resources on MentorsHub, and most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions! By actively engaging in the search and being transparent about your needs, you'll unlock the door to a powerful mentorship relationship that will propel your tech career.

Ready to embark on your journey? Sign up on MentorsHub today and start exploring the world of tech mentors!