Mentors... go out and get them, early and often!

It's that time of year, graduation season. University students about to complete their bachelors or masters degrees and set off into the workforce. Some high school students will obviously be following in similar steps as well, if tertiary education is not in their immediate plans. And let's not count out the countless undergraduate and graduate students who have yet to complete their degrees but will be participating in summer internship programs (here's looking at you, Eva!). As an old grizzled vet, who has worked for corporations large and small, if there was one piece of advice that I wish I had had at an early age it would be this: find a mentor at work and lean on them as much as possible (without being too overbearing).

Looking back on my career, I can say that I have had 4 amazing mentors and they have made all of the difference. The first three (I'm thinking of Mike, Lena and Vishal) were in my career in finance, which can often feel akin to swimming in shark infested waters. The last has come much more recently, in the more easygoing world of education. Even though initial thoughts on the latter tends to connote a more gentile environment, there are some pitfalls that need to be negotiated all the same. My mentor here has been invaluable (thanks Walt!).

The old adage is "it's not what you know that matters, it's who you know." Mentors can serve as an invaluable resource and make all the difference in a career, both in the short term, and even more so in the long term. Here are the some of the priceless benefits of finding those individuals that will lend you an ear in times of need, and provide free advice, especially when you might not think you need any. A good mentor:

• decreases the cost of learning and helps you jumpstart a career as you progress in new disciplines;
• reduces stress as you have someone to talk to in times of uncertainty (similar to a work buddy as written about last week);
• increases work satisfaction (studies have shown that), not just for you, but for the mentor as well (bonus, no?);
• increases productivity; and
• will be a voice of reason which can help ground you when you think that you might be untouchable.

So if there is one thing that new employees should look to focus on in their first year on a job it is this: obviously try to learn as much as you can about the technical aspects of the job, but seek out mentors who will help guide you over time and maximize your potential. Stay in touch with these people, even if you have moved on (or if they have), and over time look to become a mentor yourself as this will also provide you with benefits as indicated above.

Go get 'em tiger and Bonne chance!