Module 5 Build a Network of Support

Find a Mentor

Why should you find a mentor? Most experts agree that the support and guidance of a mentor can be invaluable in helping you succeed. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Be proactive - A mentor is unlikely to find you. You will have to consider who would be a valuable mentor for you. Someone in a leadership position at your organization? Someone you met at a conference or event? Someone who has achieved a goal similar to one you have? Once you identify a mentor, reach out to them to request an informational interview.

Have realistic expectations - Remember that your mentor is likely busy. Don't ask too much of their time, and maximize the time you have together by gathering insight. Be sure the insight you seek is relevant to the mentor's role and the reason you reached out to them. For example, if you choose a mentor who is in a leadership position you'd like to have, ask them for advice on reaching that goal, but not on getting an A on your next assignment. In fact, it's best to clarify both your expectations for the mentor/mentee relationship at the outset.

Reciprocity is key - Offer support in ways that you can. Don't assume you have nothing to offer just because you may be in a junior role. Even mentoring someone else is a way to pay it forward, so let your mentor know you're interested in doing this. Treat the mentorship like any other relationship; reach out to your mentor authentically, not just when you need a letter of recommendation.

This article from Entrepreneur Magazine provides some additional tips for finding (and keeping!) a mentor.

Attend Events & Conferences

Events and conferences can be excellent avenues for building community and networking opportunities.

What kinds of events should I attend?

Consider local chambers of commerce.
Consider organizations relevant to your degree or industry. For example, if you're in the communication industry, you might attend an American Marketing Association (Links to an external site.) or Association for Talent Development (Links to an external site.) event. If you're in the IT industry, you might attend an event hosted by the Association of Software Professionals (Links to an external site.).

How do I get the most out of a conference or event?

Do your homework to determine which sessions, opportunities, groups, or meetings most closely align with your goals.
Network, network, network! That's the whole point!
Be an active listener. People will remember you if you're authentically engaged, not selling an agenda.
Take business cards. If you don't have any, ask for other people's, and reach out to them afterward to thank them for their time.
If possible, join a committee. Whether it's a one-time planning committee or long-term task force, this is a great way to network authentically.

Pursue Internships

Internships for Adults? Yes!

Adult internships are becoming more common. Especially for those who are returning to work after a break or seeking a shift in fields or careers, internships (also sometimes called returnships) can be an excellent way to gain marketable skills.

How do I find an internship?

Talk to people! If you're interested in finding an internship, talk to your academic advisor, academic director, instructor, or career services advisor. Even if they don't know of any immediate opportunities, they may have networks to reach out to.
Think creatively. Just because your field is IT doesn't mean you have to work for an IT firm. Perhaps you can find a non-profit agency that needs help creating a new database to track its donations. Or if you're in the environmental industry, you might find an organization that would like help leaving a smaller environmental footprint.

Read the Adult Internships (Links to an external site.) article to review additional tips for considering and finding internships.

Connect with Your Academic Director and Instructors

Each University College instructor and academic director wants to see you succeed! Creating authentic relationships will go a long way toward that result. Introduce yourself. And follow the tips from the Find a Mentor section above.

To learn more about your Academic Directors, click on the University College Academic Directors page.

To access a list of instructors and biographical information, view the Program Instructors page on the University College website, select the appropriate Academic Program, and click on the instructor's name.