Ask anyone how they got to where they are, and they’ll start listing off a bunch of chance encounters with people who helped them become successful. The same is true for you. Throughout your career, you’ll run into people who open your eyes to what’s possible and also “give you a shot” to be great.
I often say that life is a team sport, and you’re the team captain! Any good team will have coaches, team members, and fans, and your career journey is no different.
Here are a few examples of the different types of mentors you will run into on your career journey.
Sponsors (aka Your Head Coach)
Sponsors, to me, are the perfect blend of a mentor (someone who guides you based on what they know) and a coach (someone who helps you develop your skills).
Sponsors often serve as advocates and speak your name in rooms to which you haven’t yet been invited. They’re often well-connected and have the influence to help you get to where you’re trying to go. Sometimes, they might even provide you with the opportunity you’re seeking. Work extremely hard to find a sponsor who is well-connected in the industry that you want to be in.
Coach (aka Your Co-Captain)
If you have a Coach in your life you’re in luck! Mentors who fall in this category are very similar to career or life coaches. They make you think and work!
You typically rely on them to assist you in reaching a specific goal, acquiring new skills, or completing a project. If necessary, they can offer expertise and advice, but everything they do should tie back to the larger goal you’re trying to achieve.
Working with Coaches might feel as if their support is for a limited time only, but that might just be what you need. Stay connected with your coaches after working with them by keeping them updated on your career journey.
Traditional Mentors (aka Your Teammates)
Traditional Mentors are the most popular types of mentors you’ll find. Mentors in this category usually provide subjective advice on personal and professional matters. They often provide guidance based on their own observations and experiences, but they never give you the direct answer to the problem you’re facing. That’s up to you to figure out.
The best type of Traditional Mentor is someone who is more seasoned than you and can guide you in a new territory or space you’re looking to enter. It’s best to have a mentor who works in an industry or job that you want to work in. You should also seek a Traditional Mentor who challenges you, questions your choices, and critiques your ideas. This will ensure that everything you do is well thought out and thorough!
Accountability Buddies (aka Your Cheerleaders)
Sometimes you just need someone nearby who is going through the exact same thing you’re experiencing to cheer you on. This is what an Accountability Buddy is. The best type of accountability buddies are those who are your peers because they’re experiencing what you’re going through in real time.
You can have accountability buddies for each challenge or goal you’ve set for yourself. For example, you can have buddies who:
- Are currently going through the job search along with you.
- Are in the same job role or on the same career path as you.
- Are in the same industry as you.
- Attended the same university, high school, or career development program.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding accountability buddies.
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