ABN: 22 683 330 850

Facebook Instagram Linkedin
Future Finds
Connect. Place. Succeed!
Talk to Sales
Login

Industry Insights

The Role of Mentorship in Career Development: How to Find and Work with a Mentor

Facebook Instagram Linkedin
Mentor and mentee discussing career growth

A mentor can be the compass that helps students and young professionals navigate the uncertain paths of career building. Whether it’s choosing the right industry, understanding workplace dynamics, or setting career goals, mentorship plays a critical role in shaping success.
At Future Finds, we’ve seen firsthand how students supported by mentors flourish both during their placements and beyond. In this blog, we’ll explore how to find the right mentor and make the most out of that relationship.

Mentor guiding mentee toward career goals

1. Why Mentorship Matters in Career Growth

Mentors offer insights drawn from experience helping students avoid common mistakes, build confidence, and gain clarity on their goals. For students in placements through Future Finds, mentors can provide workplace context, improve communication skills, and help with networking opportunities that may otherwise be out of reach.

Mentor and mentee setting career development goals

2. How to Find the Right Mentor

Finding a mentor doesn’t always mean approaching someone with the title “mentor.” Look for professionals you admire professors, former supervisors, placement coordinators, or industry leaders.
Tips to find a mentor:

  1. Attend industry events or seminars
  2. Use LinkedIn and professional forums
  3. Ask for introductions from mutual contacts
  4. Explore Future Finds networking opportunities offered during placements

The best mentors are those who align with your values and have experience in the area you’re pursuing.

Student networking at a career development event

3. Building a Strong Mentor-Mentee Relationship

Once you find a mentor, treat the relationship with respect and structure:

  1. Set clear goals for what you want to achieve
  2. Be open to feedback and willing to learn
  3. Respect their time schedule regular but not excessive meetings
  4. Follow through on advice and keep them updated

At Future Finds, we encourage students to approach mentorship with professionalism, just like any job. It’s a two-way street: your mentor invests in your growth when they see your dedication.

Student gaining mentorship support during internship

4. Leveraging Mentorship During and After Placement

Your placement is one of the best times to build mentorship connections. Supervisors, team leaders, and industry partners often become excellent mentors if approached correctly.
Ask questions, seek feedback, and show interest in their journey. Even after the placement ends, keep in touch through email or LinkedIn.
Many Future Finds students have turned their placements into long-term mentoring relationships that continue to shape their careers.

Mentor celebrating student’s career success

5. The Long-Term Impact of Mentorship

Mentors don’t just help with the present they help you build the future. From job interviews to leadership challenges, your mentor can continue to be a sounding board throughout your career.
They may help you pivot industries, explore entrepreneurship, or aim for higher education. The best part? Strong mentorship often leads to you becoming a mentor yourself one day.

Future Finds team providing support and guidance to students and partners.

Conclusion: Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools

Mentorship is one of the most powerful tools in a student’s career journey. From clarity and confidence to networking and lifelong guidance, a mentor can transform your professional path.
At Future Finds, we believe mentorship should be part of every student’s experience. Whether during your placement or beyond, finding and working with a mentor can shape not just your job prospects but your future.

Shopping Basket