How to get a mentor

October 07, 2008

A mentor can provide valuable insight and counseling as you enter or change careers, especially in today's challenging economy. According to Jennifer Gushue, an adjunct professor of marketing in the Rohrer College of Business at Rowan University, Glassboro, the best ways to acquire your own mentor include:

Investigate: Examine your own goals and look to find someone who has the skill set and experience that you admire. Introduce yourself and learn as much as you can about your mentor.

Be Proactive: Engage a co-worker, neighbor or professor by developing a friendship. If you feel they would be helpful to your career development, then don't be afraid to approach them for guidance. Ask for a specific amount of time per month to meet with your mentor.

Utilize Social Media: Join and participate in social media websites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to develop a base of people who can act as a guide, mentor or critic.

Referrals/Volunteer: Find an organization in your field of interest and look to volunteer/intern within the company.



Gushue earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration/marketing and an MBA in business/marketing from Rowan University. Rowan's Rohrer College of Business holds accreditation by AACSB International, offers an MBA degree (on-campus and on-line) with specializations in accounting, entrepreneurship, finance and management and undergraduate business majors in accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, human resources, management, marketing and management information systems. Visit http://www.rowan.edu/colleges/business/ for more information.