Latest / The Career Mentor Podcast with Fexingo: Finding Mentors, Sponsors, and Career Advisors / How to Find a Mentor When You Are a New Grad
Transcript
- Lucas: So, Luna, you just got a note from a listener who's about to start their first job out of college. They're asking, how do I find a mentor when I'm brand new to the workforce? And I think that's a really common question, but we haven't actually dedicated an episode to the newest professionals. Luna: Right, we've covered mentors for solo founders, for veterans, for middle managers, but not for the person walking into their first-ever full-time job. And that's a distinct challenge, because you don't have a network yet. Lucas: Exactly. And that's the thing — when you're a new grad, you're starting from zero in terms of professional connections. But the good news is, you have more assets than you think. And before we dive into the strategies, I want to mention something that keeps us going. Luna: Yeah, we keep the show ad-free because we think that makes it easier to focus on the substance. If you've gotten value from our episodes, and you want to support that choice, the link is buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. Lucas: That's right. No ads, no sponsors, just the content. And we appreciate anyone who decides to buy us a coffee. Now, back to the new grad question. So, the number one mistake I see is that people think they need to find a senior executive to be their mentor. That's not where you start. Luna: So, start smaller? Who should a new grad be looking for? Lucas: Think one or two levels above you. A team lead, a senior analyst, maybe a manager who's been in the company a few years. They're close enough to your day-to-day that they can give you practical, relevant advice. And they're more accessible than a VP. Luna: That makes sense. And you're more likely to have natural interactions with them, like in team meetings or around the office. Lucas: Absolutely. And the second mistake is waiting to be approached. A lot of new grads think that mentorship just happens organically. But in a busy workplace, it rarely does. You have to be proactive, but in a low-pressure way. Luna: So, what's a low-pressure first step? I imagine you don't want to send an email saying 'Will you be my mentor?' Lucas: Right. That's too formal, and it puts the other person on the spot. Instead, ask for a short coffee chat. Something like, 'I'd love to learn more about your career path and get your perspective on navigating this industry.' That's a low-commitment ask that most people will say yes to. Luna: I've done that myself. And a coffee chat gives you a chance to see if you actually connect with the person before you invest more. Lucas: Exactly. And during that chat, be specific about what you're looking for. Don't just say 'I want advice.' Instead, ask questions like, 'How did you decide to specialize in data analytics?' or 'What are the biggest challenges you faced in your first year?' Specific questions get specific answers. Luna: And that specificity helps the mentor feel like they're actually helping, not just providing generic platitudes. Lucas: Yes. And after the chat, follow up with a thank-you note. Mention one or two things you found particularly helpful. That shows you were listening and that you value their time. That's how you turn a one-off coffee into a longer-term relationship. Luna: So, is that the difference between a mentor and a sponsor? Because we've talked about sponsors before, but for a new grad, how does that work? Lucas: Great question. A mentor gives you advice and guidance. A sponsor is someone who actively advocates for you, who puts your name forward for opportunities. For a new grad, a sponsor might be the person who recommends you for a high-visibility project or introduces you to a senior leader. Luna: And you can't really ask someone to be your sponsor, right? It's something that evolves. Lucas: Exactly. Sponsorship is earned through trust and performance. So, in your first year, focus on building a reputation as someone who's reliable, curious, and eager to learn. That's what makes a mentor want to put their reputation on the line for you. Luna: It sounds like you're saying the best way to find a mentor is to be a good mentee. Is that fair? Lucas: That's a big part of it. And there's another angle: don't limit yourself to formal mentors. Your peers can be valuable mentors too, especially for things like navigating office politics or learning the unwritten rules of the company. Luna: So, like a 'work buddy' who's been there a year longer? Lucas: Exactly. And sometimes those peer relationships are easier to form, because you're on similar footing. They might not be as experienced, but they're going through the same things you are, which creates a natural bond. Luna: I also think it's important to look outside your immediate team. What about people in other departments or even in your professional community? Lucas: Great point. A mentor in a different function can give you a broader perspective on the company and the industry. And in today's world, that can happen virtually. LinkedIn is a legitimate way to reach out to someone you admire, especially if you have a shared connection or a common interest. Luna: Have you seen a specific example of a new grad successfully finding a mentor that way? Lucas: I do. There's a story about a marketing graduate who connected with a senior product manager on LinkedIn. She sent a polite message asking for advice on breaking into product marketing. They had a video call, and it turned into a regular monthly check-in. A year later, that product manager referred her for an internal transfer. That's mentorship turning into sponsorship. Luna: That's a great outcome. And it all started with a simple, respectful message. Lucas: Right. The key is to be genuine and not transactional. People can tell when you're just trying to use them. So, approach mentorship with a mindset of learning and building a real relationship, not just checking a box. Luna: Before we wrap up, any last piece of advice for the new grad who's nervous about this whole process? Lucas: Just remember, everyone was a new grad once. Most experienced professionals are flattered when someone asks for their advice. The worst that can happen is they say no, and that's okay. You move on to the next person. Luna: And don't be afraid to start with people you already know, like your university professors or alumni from your school. They're often happy to help. Lucas: Absolutely. Your existing network is bigger than you think. So, start small, be specific, follow up, and be a great mentee. The rest will follow.