Choosing your mentor

Students and recent graduates,

We’re happy that you are using this site.  It is our hope that you build meaningful relationships with experienced people.  We feel successful when you are inspired to achieve goals in sustainability and justice.

When choosing your mentor, please consider several things carefully.

1) Yourself. It’s where we always begin.  Consider what your values are, how you want to practice your values in society, and how you want to make an impact on society.  Basically, how can you best offer yourself to the world?  Once you begin interacting with your mentor, being able to tell them this will allow them to support your strengths.

2) Your career field. Knowing yourself, you can consider the general field you want to work in, and what specific paths will be appropriate for you.  What specific tasks resonate with the first question?  What keeps you excited and focused on your vision and personal mission?

3) The mentor’s field and career path. It is crucial for everyone involved that you have this in common.  How much overlap is there between your desired path and the history of the potential mentor?  Is their current position(s) one that you would consider a dream job?  How much do they excite you?

4) Watcha’ want? Having an idea of what you want to gain from talking with your mentor will allow your conversations to be smooth and effective.  Each time you speak with them, have prepared several general and specific questions.  What readings do they suggest for a specific curiosity of yours?  What is the best way to stand out in your particular position?  What might be the most skillful ways to get along with colleagues in particular situations?

Also having larger questions to guide your relationship with the mentor will be ideal for sake of clarity.  How have they developed into who they are today?  Who and why did they network with their colleagues?  What led them to taking on projects and avoiding others?  Overall, you will receive the most if you allow yourself to absorb the wisdom of those with whom you speak.

5) Show love. What you give sincerely you receive 10 fold.  Respect your mentor for who they are, what they have achieved, how they have developed, and also for their typically busy schedules.  When you speak with them, be cheerful and to the point.  Understand that there will be many conversations to ask more questions, and the clarity needed to share wisdom is most easily maintained when not pressured.

Our group of mentors is always growing in order to best serve your various fields.  If you would like to suggest a field of interest or a specific person, please contact Brian Landever at brian.landever@ethicalmarkets.com or office@ethicalmarkets.com