The value of a mentor cannot be understated. A mentor is someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced person. Finding a mentor to help guide you during your education and career can have great benefits, from expanding your networking opportunities to providing you with different perspectives to improving your goal setting and beyond. But, how do you find a mentor and choose the right one for you?
Why is mentoring important?
Mentoring plays an important role in personal and professional development. It offers a supportive environment where individuals can broaden their career perspectives through meaningful connections. Rather than navigating challenges alone, mentees benefit from the insight and experience of a trusted industry professional.
“Everyone should consider having a mentor, as learning from others is a lifelong opportunity,” says Samantha Mitchell, former career advising specialist at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). “It’s not limited to those just beginning their careers—anyone, at any stage, can benefit from the guidance and perspective of someone more experienced.”
Mentoring provides a safe space to ask questions and explore ideas without judgment, the opportunity to learn and develop new career-oriented skills, set academic goals, and broaden your perspective through meaningful and experienced-based conversations.
“Through this connection, mentors empower mentees to take actionable steps toward their goals with greater confidence and clarity,” says Mitchell.
How do you choose the right mentor?
Mentorship is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Each mentor brings a unique background, perspective, and approach, so it’s important for students to take the time to thoroughly research potential mentors before reaching out.
“Understanding a mentor’s experience, values, and communication style can help determine whether they align with the student’s personal and professional goals,” says Mitchell. “By identifying how a mentor can specifically contribute to their development, students are more likely to build a meaningful mentoring relationship.”
While it is important to choose the right mentor, it is equally important to prepare yourself to be a good mentee.
“Being a good mentee means actively engaging in the relationship and taking responsibility for your own growth,” says Mitchell. “As you receive advice as a mentee, you should reflect on the advice given, actively apply what you have learned, and work on continuing the conversation.”
To make the most of your mentoring experience:
- Be an active listener and participant during your meetings. Show genuine interest and ask thoughtful questions.
- Follow up on discussions by researching topics or ideas that came up during your conversations.
- Share feedback with your mentor about what’s working well and where you might need more support.
By staying engaged and communicative, you’ll build a more supportive mentoring relationship.
What is the difference between mentoring and tutoring?
While mentoring and tutoring share similar characteristics, such as helping you achieve a goal, they have differences that make them important in their own ways. Tutoring helps you achieve in a specific subject matter, such as in a course for your degree or improving your writing. Mentoring focuses on personal and professional development, and is built on a foundation of trust and value in experience.
How do academic mentoring and career-focused mentoring differ?
Academic and career-based mentoring will both focus on supporting and driving your success. However, how you get there will look different.
Academic mentoring focuses on helping you succeed in your educational journey. It provides support tailored to your coursework and academic program. Whether you're adjusting to college life or planning your next academic steps, academic mentors are there to guide and encourage your progress.
This type of mentoring can also help you:
- Build a sense of community and belonging within your academic program
- Explore UMGC various majors for those looking to change or declare a major
- Gain a deeper perspective into upcoming academic expectations and opportunities
Career mentoring is designed to support your professional growth and help you prepare for life after graduation. It connects your academic experiences to real-world career paths and helps you develop the skills needed to succeed in your chosen field. This type of mentoring is especially valuable for students looking to clarify their career goals and take actionable steps toward achieving them.
Through career mentoring, you can:
- Build professional connections and expand your network
- Learn how to apply classroom knowledge to industry settings
- Explore opportunities like job shadowing, internships, and resume-building
What are the mentoring options at UMGC?
To choose the right mentor for you, UMGC offers a variety of mentorship programs to consider. All mentoring programs are individualized and at no extra cost to help students achieve their academic and career goals.
“UMGC’s mentoring programs foster connections between current students and university alumni who have successfully navigated the same academic journey,” says Mitchell. “These relationships offer students valuable insight into how their education can directly support and shape their career paths.”
Mentors are experienced and knowledgeable professionals who offer their time to get to know you and your goals to provide valuable guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modeling.
Community Connect Program: For students interested in advancing in their career, this program matches UMGC alumni and industry professionals with students who need career guidance and mentorship. You can expand your professional network, make career connections in your field, learn about emerging trends, build your interpersonal skills, and receive support from your alumni community.
One2One Mentorship Program: UMGC’s military students can utilize this peer-to-peer support created specifically for military servicemembers, veterans, and their families. Whether you’re active-duty, a veteran, or in the process of separating from the military, your mentor can provide guidance on exploring careers, navigating veterans benefits, and identifying resources to achieve your education and career objectives.
Graduate Mentor Program: Several of UMGC's graduate programs provide mentoring activities, either integrated into the program of study or as an option for its students. You can contact your program chair to learn more about mentoring opportunities that may be available to UMGC graduate students in your field.
“By learning from those who have already applied their UMGC experience in the real world, these relations provide students with direct knowledge of how their education and careers are interconnected,” says Mitchell.
Mentors and their mentees often develop and maintain long-term, positive relationships.
“These ongoing connections are a direct reflection of the mutual respect and trust that both parties have in each other,” says Mitchell. “A lasting relationship creates continued value, offering support and collaboration as academic or career paths evolve.”
Regardless of which mentoring program you choose, UMGC’s Career Services offer current students and alumni easy access to career-related support and resources at every stage of their journey. In addition to mentoring, you can gain access to job fairs and career events, get career planning tips from UMGC advisors, as well as help with your resume and interview prep.
Reference on this webpage to any third-party entity or product does not constitute or imply endorsement by UMGC nor does it constitute or imply endorsement of UMGC by the third party.
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