A couple weeks ago, Aurora wrote a follow up piece on the guest post she did for my blog that really resonated with me. Actually what really resonated was a single word in the comments field – mentor.
Now in the past, business folks really relied on their regional networks and a mentor was someone that they either worked with or connected with through a career services department from college or through a mutual friend. While these mentors shaped the career of many a pro, their reach and expertise (on some things) was limited.
Social media has bridged these gaps and allowed professionals to gain insight from people across the world – most of whom they would have never met in the old dichotomy. Call it a level playing field for industries if you want, but I prefer to see it as flipping the mentoring process on its head.
Sure there are still the traditional mentor-mentee relationships that rely on seniority in companies and in an industry, but I found mentors and advice from within my network from some folks that have less experience overall than I do. This is a good thing though – instead of the one-way street, both parties can now draw from each other’s experience for the collective good of the community. I can only see this symbiotic relationship growing over the next few years.
Who do you see as your mentors? Who do you mentee?
About Jeff Esposito
My name is Jeff Esposito and I am a PR manager at Vistaprint. This blog is a representation of my thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics that do not represent those of my employer.
I will never claim to be right all the time, although my wife may disagree, but rather welcome discussing and debating ideas. I would like to build up relationships and discussions while learning others opinions.
I was born in Jersey City, N.J., I am a graduate of Seton Hall University with a degree in English. I am a PR pro by trade and have traveled all over the East coast in a variety of positions in pro sports and the corporate world.
This is a terrific question and thanks to Jeff (a fellow Jersey guy) for the guest post. I have a few mentors in my professional life. Each one helped me at one stage of my career. They have also provided me with sound advice and guidance when needed.
I tend to be a “Pay it Forward” champion. I believe that taking what you’ve learned and passing it down to the next generation is a must. So, through my blog or over social media, I try to “mentor” younger pros or soon-to-be-pros about things I’ve learned or assist with resume critiques. We all need to be aware that we can learn from each other. It doesn’t matter whether you are 34 or 24.
Great comments, Jason! I agree about paying it forward. I didn’t have the luxury of time in college to give then, so now that I have more time, I volunteer and give back to several organizations. While these positions aren’t mentoring in a specific field (i.e. PR, Journalism, etc.) or professional environment, I find I am just as able to pass down those nuggets of wisdom you referred to. For me, the best learning outside of a classroom is from my peers, regardless of age.
Thanks again for adding your two cents!
-Aurora
@Jason – Thanks for the comment. I am always happy to pay it forward when I can. This is a topic I have been waiting on writing. Aurora gave me the platform and inspiration to write it up. Where in NJ you from?
@aurora Great mentality to have, can only help moving forward.