“And you ask any successful person how they got to where they are today, chances are they’ll tell you about a mentor they had somewhere along the way.”******– Barack Obama***[1]***
People are complex but, in a great way, we are defined by our environment and ambitions. Having clear objectives, is the first step towards success, because after that moment you can work towards them.
Today, looking backwards, having gone through university and some first professional experiences I’m convinced that a mentor can bring down obstacles. The first time I came across a mentor formally was during my participation in the SABF team and I will always be grateful for her dedication.
A mentor gives you the means to improve personal and professional skills. It raises awareness of your strengths and weaknesses to better align yourself towards your goals. It inspires you and brings more confidence when facing challenges. It´s important to be open minded to receive advice and be willing to work on it.
To find a mentor the most important thing is to learn to approach people for advice. And to take the most out of the relationship, you have to be honest about your own personal and professional objectives.
Without doubt, if you seek for a mentor you will win opportunities to meet interesting people and enrich your experiences. Always be open to give advise, people are amazing!