Common challenges when reaching out to a mentor

Reaching out to a mentor for the first time can be very intimidating. Here are 3 common challenges you may face when thinking approaching a mentor for the first time and what you can do about it!

1. Not knowing what you want

Not knowing what your goals and needs are can make it hard for you to ask for help if you don’t know what you are asking help for.

What can you do about it?

• Ask yourself what you are not sure about

• List down what you would like to know about the industry/experience/goal

• Identify your strengths and weaknesses

It’s okay to seek out a mentor to help you understand where you can get started before determining your goals!

2. Afraid to ask “silly” questions

Too often, mentees are afraid to ask “silly” questions that in actuality would really help them gain clarity in their journey.

What can you do about it?

There is no such thing as a silly question, especially if it is a question that contributes to your growth and development.

So just ask! The right mentor will give you clarity by answering the questions you need answered.

3. Feeling shy to approach mentors

Even thinking about talking to CEOs and Senior Managers can be intimidating, so it is understandable that there is hesitancy in reaching out to a mentor of that level.

What can you do about it?

To be able to get a clearer understanding about where you are headed, it is important that you speak to someone who has been through the motions and taken the path you are about to take.

Remember, even mentors at that level had to start from your position and work their way up.

And on FutureLab, our mentors are more than happy to provide you with the insight you need to level up in your own way!