A mentor is an experienced professional who provides knowledge, guidance, and support for a less-experienced professional. The mentor provides insider advice, introduces the mentee to key industry contacts, and serves as a sounding board for career decisions. Their insight and wisdom help the mentee professionally advance and attain their goals.
You likely will need new mentors as you gain experience and advance your accounting and finance career. Maintaining contact with previous mentors keeps them current on your successes and lets you express appreciation for helping reach your career goals.
Reasons to Work with a Mentor
The following are reasons to work with a mentor:
- A mentor offers new perspectives for professional development.
- Following a professional who created a path to success strengthens career advancement.
- Learning from a mentor elevates your mind and career in ways that cannot be taught in school or a boardroom.
Qualities of a Good Mentor
Look for these qualities in a mentor:
- Experience: A professional with a track record of success can help you become a better version of yourself.
- Character: Authenticity, empathy, honesty, and creativity are essential.
- Values: The mentor’s leadership and management value system should align with your values.
Methods to Find a Mentor
These methods can help you find a mentor:
- Determine what you want from your accounting and finance career. Understanding your short-term goals helps develop a path forward.
- Decide on your dream accounting and finance job. A professional in this role can provide sound advice and direction to work your way up.
- Analyze your network. Former supervisors, managers, colleagues, and coworkers can help you find a mentor.
- Connect with other accounting and finance professionals. Higher-level professionals understand the industry and can recommend projects, training, and certifications for career growth.
- Schedule an informal meeting. Discuss your accounting and finance career path to see whether the professional would make a good mentor.
- Clarify your mentorship goals. Include the time commitment, your expectations, and what you will put into the relationship.
Tips to Build a Relationship with a Mentor
These tips can help you build a relationship with a mentor:
- Interact on social media: Consider using LinkedIn to share interesting articles, book recommendations, and industry news.
- Meet in person: Discuss critical communication face-to-face for stronger interactions.
- Send mail: A thank-you note or holiday card shows you value your mentor’s time and presence in your life.
- Schedule regular follow-ups: You might engage in a weekly or monthly phone call and meet for coffee quarterly or annually.
Tips to Give Back to a Mentor
You can give back to your mentor in these ways:
- Scheduling meetings at times convenient for your mentor.
- Sending an agenda before a meeting.
- Arriving at meetings on time.
- Taking notes during discussions.
- Following up on conversations and tasks.
- Implementing constructive feedback.
- Being accountable for your actions.
Looking for Guidance in Your Accounting and Finance Job Search?
Mercer Bradley’s experienced accounting and finance recruiters can provide guidance and support throughout your Winnipeg job search and career. Visit our job board to apply for a role today!
