How to Find a Mentor in 2025

Whether you’re starting your career, changing careers, or aiming for a new job role, one thing is clear: having the right tools and guidance is essential. This is where a mentor can step in. A mentor is more than just a guide; they offer valuable insights, provide emotional support, and help us navigate the complexities of both our careers and personal lives. However, alongside mentorship, another crucial element within the career space is having a good CV and cover letter. Especially if you're looking for tips on how to write a CV for your first job.

In today's competitive job market, your CV is often the first impression you make on a potential employer. It’s essential not only to highlight your skills and work experience but also to present yourself in the best possible light. A mentor can help you navigate the complexities of your career, but a CV and good cover letter ensure you're presenting yourself effectively to the right opportunities.

In this article, we cover:

• What is a mentor

• Mentee vs. mentor

• Benefits of mentoring

• 10 steps on how to find a mentor.

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What is a mentor?

A mentor is someone with more experience and knowledge who offers guidance and advice to help someone else achieve their career goals. This guidance is not limited to one-off tips or advice; it is a sustained relationship focused on long-term personal and professional development. Mentorship is rooted in sharing wisdom and providing emotional support while helping a mentee navigate life’s challenges—particularly in the context of your career.

Mentee vs mentor: What’s the difference?

While the concept of mentorship is widely understood, it's important to differentiate between a mentor and a mentee. A mentee is someone who seeks guidance, advice, and support in their personal or professional journey, while a mentor is the individual offering that support.

The relationship between a mentee and mentor is built on trust and mutual respect. A mentee should be open to learning, taking feedback, and challenging themselves. A mentor, on the other hand, should be a patient listener, providing constructive criticism, guidance, and encouragement.

The key difference is that while a mentee may be learning specific skills or gaining advice, a mentor’s role extends beyond just instructing; it’s about fostering growth, sharing experiences, and empowering the mentee to become more confident and self-reliant in their career or life choices.

Benefits of a mentor 

One of the most significant benefits of having a mentor is their ability to help us manage the unknowns we face in both life and work. Mentors provide not only the benefit of their own experience but also a safe space to ask questions, voice concerns, and get feedback.

Whether you are a junior or an experienced professional, a mentor can help you achieve your career goals. There are both short-term and long-term benefits. For example:

• Career guidance: Mentors can advise on career progression, help identify your strengths and areas for improvement, and suggest actions to accelerate your professional growth.

• Networking opportunities: Mentors often introduce their mentees to important industry contacts and help them navigate key relationships in the workplace.

• Emotional support: A mentor can provide reassurance, especially during challenging times. They act as a sounding board, helping you handle stress, conflicts, and difficult decisions.

• Building confidence: Through feedback, encouragement, and guidance, a mentor can help you become more confident in your skills, decisions, and abilities.

• Skill development: Mentors help you refine specific skills, whether technical, interpersonal, or leadership-related, offering insights on how to improve in various areas of your work.

Learn more about the top skills employers are looking for.

10 steps on how to find a mentor

Mentorship can be an invaluable resource as you navigate your career, develop new skills, or make significant life transitions. If you're ready to find a mentor in 2025, here's a comprehensive 10-step guide to help you get started:

1. Identify your goals

Before you start searching for a mentor, clarifying what you hope to achieve through mentorship is crucial. Are you looking for career guidance, skill development, or personal growth? Understanding your long-term aspirations will help you target the right person who can provide the support you need.

For example, let’s say you’ve decided to transition from marketing to a career in tech. You’ve completed a coding bootcamp and landed a junior software developer role. This is the perfect time to find a mentor who has experience in software engineering and can help you navigate your new career path. Your mentor could offer insights on technical skills, career progression, and how to handle the challenges of this industry change.

Learn more about how to write a career change CV.

2. Assess your needs

Next, take stock of what kind of mentorship you require. Are you looking for someone to help you develop specific skills, such as leadership or technical expertise? Do you need emotional support, advice on work-life balance, or guidance on handling challenges?

For example, if you aim to start your own business, you may need a mentor with experience in entrepreneurship who can help you navigate the complexities of running a company, securing funding, and scaling operations. Alternatively, if your goal is to move into a leadership role, finding a mentor who has experience in management will be crucial for gaining the skills needed to lead a team effectively.

3. Look within your network

Begin your search for a mentor within your existing circle. Consider friends, colleagues, or industry contacts who might have the experience and wisdom you’re seeking. Often, mentors can be found in places you’re already familiar with, such as your workplace or professional networks.

For example, if you're working at a tech company and you’re looking to grow your leadership skills, you might find a senior colleague or manager who could mentor you. Having a mentor within your organisation can make it easier to build a relationship, as you can arrange regular check-ins and easily share experiences from your daily work.

Learn how to optimise your LinkedIn profile and boost your online presence.

4. Expand your search

If you don’t find the right mentor within your immediate circle, don’t be discouraged. Expand your search by attending industry networking events, joining online communities, or connecting with professionals in your field through platforms like LinkedIn.

For example, if you're seeking mentorship in data science but don’t know anyone in your current network with that expertise, consider joining online forums, participating in meetups, or signing up for professional webinars and conferences. You can also explore paid mentorship programs or organisations that connect mentees with experts in specific fields, providing a structured approach to building relationships with potential mentors.

Learn more about the best job fairs in the UK.

5. Research potential mentors

When identifying potential mentors, take the time to research their experience, values, and approach to mentorship. You’ll be investing time and energy into this relationship, so it’s important to find someone whose expertise aligns with your goals and whose values resonate with you.

For example, if you’re transitioning into a new field, look for mentors who have successfully made similar career changes. A mentor who has navigated the shift from marketing to product management, for example, can provide valuable advice and share their own experiences. It’s essential to ensure your mentor is someone who not only has the right expertise but also has a genuine interest in helping you succeed.

6. Be clear about your expectations

Once you’ve identified a potential mentor, be upfront about what you hope to gain from the relationship. Whether you’re seeking advice on career advancement, feedback on your work, or support with personal growth, make sure to communicate your needs clearly.

For example, if you’re looking for guidance on leadership development, you might say, “I’m looking to transition into a management role and would appreciate your insights on how to manage teams effectively and improve my leadership skills.” By setting expectations early on, both you and your mentor will have a clear understanding of the goals of your mentorship relationship.

It’s also important to consider the personality traits you want in a mentor. Look for someone who demonstrates:

• Respect

• Honesty

• Good communication

• Strong listening skills

• A positive attitude

• Empathy

• Inspiration

• Accountability

• Proactivity

7. Start the conversation

Approach potential mentors respectfully and with genuine interest in their work and experience. Don’t rush the process; take the time to build rapport and create a connection. Mentorship is a two-way relationship, so you’ll need to demonstrate that you’re committed to the process and open to constructive feedback.

For example, you could start by saying something like, “I’ve been following your work for a while and am really impressed by your journey. I’m hoping to transition into a role similar to yours, and I’d love to hear about how you navigated your career path.”

8. Establish a relationship

A strong mentor-mentee relationship is built on trust and regular communication. Start by scheduling regular meetings—whether weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—and be open to feedback and advice. Make sure to track your progress and keep your mentor informed of your achievements and challenges.

It’s important to actively implement the feedback you receive. Mentorship is about learning, but it’s also about growth. Regularly revisit your goals and share updates with your mentor to ensure you’re both aligned and working towards the same objectives.

9. Set goals together

Mentorship works best when there’s a clear roadmap to follow. Work with your mentor to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This ensures that your mentorship relationship stays focused and provides tangible outcomes.

For example, if your goal is to become a manager within the next two years, you might set smaller goals along the way, such as leading a project, improving team communication, or taking on more responsibilities in your current role. These incremental steps will keep you on track and give your mentor clear milestones to help you achieve.

10. Show appreciation

Finally, be sure to thank your mentor for their time, guidance, and insights. Gratitude goes a long way in maintaining a positive relationship. Whether your mentorship lasts for a few months or several years, keeping the connection strong is important, as you may want to return to them for advice in the future.

A simple “thank you” email or message, or even an offering to help them in return (if possible), can show your appreciation. For example, if your mentor helped you secure a new job, you could share the good news with them and thank them for their role in your success.

Key takeaways

Mentors are often not just one person. Many successful professionals benefit from having multiple mentors, each offering advice from different perspectives. In the workplace, for example, you may have one mentor who excels in leadership and provides advice on career progression, while another mentor may be more focused on personal development or work-life balance. 

• A mentor can provide invaluable guidance, support, and wisdom to help you navigate the challenges of life and work.

• Mentorship is not limited to one person; having multiple mentors can offer different perspectives and areas of expertise.

• For those starting their careers or changing industries, mentorship offers support in making informed decisions and building confidence.

• Finding the right mentor is a process that involves clear goals, research, and ongoing relationship-building.

Next steps?

If you’re unsure where to start or need help refining your career documents, tools like CVMaker can guide you through the CV writing process. With professional CV writing services and tips to highlight your strengths, you can create documents that showcase your potential and stand out to employers. Find more inspiration from our wide range of CV examples and cover letter examples.

FAQs

What does a mentor do?

A mentor provides guidance, support, and advice based on their experience to help you achieve your personal or professional goals. They offer insights, feedback, and encouragement, helping you navigate challenges and grow in your career or life.

What are the best mentoring programmes in the UK?

Some of the best mentoring programmes in the UK include:

• The Prince’s Trust Mentoring Programme

• One Million Mentors.

• Mentors Me.

Is online mentoring a good option?

Yes, online mentoring can be a great option, especially for those who can't meet in person or are seeking mentorship from experts outside their geographical location. It offers flexibility, a wide range of mentors, and the ability to connect with people across industries.

What is a business mentor?

A business mentor is an experienced professional who guides and advises entrepreneurs or business owners. They provide valuable insights on growing a business, managing challenges, making strategic decisions, and navigating industry-specific hurdles.

Why is it so hard to find a mentor?

Finding a mentor can be challenging due to time constraints, uncertainty about how to approach someone, or difficulty identifying the right fit. The key is to be proactive in seeking mentorship and to have clear goals that can guide your search.

Where is the best source for finding a mentor?

Networking events, professional associations, online forums, and social media platforms such as LinkedIn are great places to find potential mentors.

How to find mentors as an adult?

Adults seeking mentorship can start by identifying professionals in their industry or related fields who have the experience they seek. Attend industry events, participate in professional groups, and be open to connecting with people at various career stages.

What is the difference between a coach and a mentor?

While both roles support personal and professional growth, coaching typically focuses on specific skills or performance, often with measurable outcomes, whereas mentoring is more holistic, offering long-term guidance and career development.

Are mentors free?

Depending on the relationship and arrangement, mentorship can be formal (with compensation) or informal (typically free). For professional mentoring services, check out one million mentors or national career services for more information on finding a mentoring scheme. Alternatively, refer to femme palette for career coaching and mentoring for women in the UK. They offer all sorts of mentoring programs, such as:

• Mentoring for women in tech

• Mentoring for entrepreneurs

• Mentoring for freelancers

• Mentoring for managers.

How do I ask for a mentor at work?

Be respectful, clear about your career goals, and demonstrate how their experience aligns with what you need to grow. Ask if they would be willing to meet and discuss how they might guide you.

When to look for a mentor?

You can seek a mentor at any stage of your career, but it’s particularly beneficial when transitioning to a new role, facing a challenge, or looking to grow in a specific area.