The Mentor Influence
26 Sep, 20245 minutes"A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you."–Bob Proctor
🌟 How much faster could you rise to the top with the right mentor by your side?
In the legal profession, the right mentor is a bit like starting a 100-metre race 50 metres ahead–significantly shortening your path to success.
Just think of all those shared contacts and networking opportunities they open up! Plus, they can be a trusted voice to help steer your career path in the right direction, offer you practical support and advocate for you with superiors. A mentorship is also shown to improve job satisfaction.
But how common are mentorship programmes in law firms?
Mentoring can vary widely. Some firms have well-structured mentorship schemes, while others, especially smaller firms, might offer a buddy system where you're paired with a more experienced colleague when you join.
But what if there isn’t a mentorship programme?
There’s nothing stopping you from seeking mentors outside your firm. For example, Steve Jobs famously reached out to Bob Hewlett, founder of Hewlett-Packard, when he was just 12, which led to a future job with the company.
While we don’t recommend hunting for home contact details, networking is always beneficial, especially at the start of your legal career.
Have you had a mentor who has made a difference?
Share your thoughts in the comments below! 💬