Chances are that there is at least one person you look up to, or aspire to be like. Mentors can help you create the life and career success you want and deserve. Alphonse Uworwabayeho, a lecturer of mathematics at University of Rwanda’s College of Education, believes that when one aspires to be like a certain role model in society career-wise, it’s clear that what they need is to be mentored in a professional way. A career mentor is a person who is able and willing to listen and help you with your career goals, challenges, and fears. He says that mentorship can come from people one admires, and that career success can be improved by professional mentorship from the very people one idolises. Uworwabayeho, who is also a mentor, says career mentorship can come from a senior person in the office, a peer who has managed to get their career together, someone who has excelled in the profession, or even a family member, among other people. “At first, it’s hard for one to tell or realise that there is a need to have a mentor until they get one,” he adds. Why you need a mentor Uworwabayeho notes that people shouldn’t be merely satisfied with the encouragement and advice they get from others, they should strive to find someone who is experienced in their field that interests them as individuals. “Anyone can advise and encourage you but they can’t be compared to professional mentors. For instance, if one is thinking of going back to school or accomplishing certain goals in their lives, this could probably be the same road your mentor travelled, making it easier for them to understand what exactly you want and find a way to help out,” he says. Diana Nawatti, a head teacher and counsellor, is of the view that mentors are there for those who feel like quitting, which according to her motivates you not to do so until you achieve your dreams. She goes on to add that in case of a challenging situation, mentors can guide you on how to overcome the trial and move forward. Nawatti adds that if you have a mentor at your place of work, it’s even better because they are capable of guiding you with your assignments. “At work, even when you are doing well in everything, a mentor will offer continued support and ensure you remain at the top,” she says. In simple words, she says mentors understand all situations too well, and that’s invaluable in one’s career. Nawatti further explains that with a mentor, one is able to benefit from another’s experience and navigate their own development, which is crucial as far as reaching goals is concerned. Mathias Nkeeto, a mathematics teacher at Green Hills Academy, says students who have mentors can benefit greatly. He explains that this is because mentors can help them navigate the educational journey by imparting wisdom and offering advice. He notes that it’s often easier for a mentor to notice where you need improvement, especially for learners, adding that a mentor gets to know a learner’s strengths and weaknesses overtime and can help them become the best version of themselves. “To grow career-wise, mentors will introduce you to a professional network and help set you up for success in your endeavours,” Nkeeto says. Uworwabayeho says that mentors serve as a support system to provide youngsters with encouragement to take risks and believe in themselves, which is important because with mentors, one is assured of someone to turn to for advice anytime. Besides, experts believe that if you have a mentor, you can learn lessons from their past experiences and avoid making the same mistakes in your own life.
