Portland State has an abundance of resources that can help you on your academic journey. Advisors, resource centers, tutors, and coaches can help you choose the right classes and foster community. But what about when you graduate and start navigating the professional world?
Mentors can help guide you during the initial transition into a post-college career. Read on to learn about five benefits of having a mentor and how to connect with the right one.
1 - Guidance Through Career Exploration
Some career paths are laid out and easily defined; others are more ambiguous. Narrowing down exactly what you want to do with your degree and where to look for a job can be overwhelming.
Blending your career aspirations with your interests and values can lead to more long-term fulfillment. An experienced mentor can help you explore and align your interests with career opportunities.
2 - Insider Knowledge of the Industry
While having a mentor of any kind is advantageous, connecting with someone who works in your desired field can have additional benefits. Mentors can share valuable information about the industry's trends, challenges, and opportunities, giving you a competitive edge in your career pursuits.
Mentors can also help you tap into their professional network, gaining you access to industry events, job fairs, and other exclusive opportunities. And while they might not have all the answers, one of their contacts likely does.
3 - Skill Development and Resume Enhancement
Cramming for tests and writing a brilliant thesis will get you far at any university. Still, resume writing, interviewing, and working in a professional setting can come with an entirely new set of rules.
Mentors can identify specific skills needed for success in a given field and guide how to develop them effectively. They can also offer advice on crafting a compelling resume and tailor it to highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to your career goals. You've got all the right pieces; let a mentor show you how to put them all together.
4 - Building Confidence
Applying for jobs and starting this new phase in your life can be daunting. You likely will get rejected (or not even hear back) from jobs you apply to. Having a mentor is like having a coach on the sidelines who can help build your confidence and navigate the challenges of the job search process.
5 - Increased Motivation and Accountability
Many recent graduates find the first few years post-college challenging. After years of having teachers and professors reminding you to turn in homework assignments or living in highly structured days filled with classes and extracurricular activities, it can be difficult to stay motivated. Mentors provide you with a sense of motivation and stay focused during the application process.
Mentors are accountability partners – someone who's there to help you set and achieve short-term and long-term career objectives.
Having a mentor can have a transformative impact on your career journey, and it's never too early to connect with one. Thankfully, Portland State has an abundance of alumni standing by who want to connect with you and help jumpstart your career.
PSU Works is a professional networking platform exclusive to the Portland State community. When you join, you can connect with individuals who went through the same program or are in your desired field. With 60% of graduates living in the Portland Metro area, you're bound to find someone in your industry who can connect you to their local network.
Whether you are a first-year student looking for a summer internship or about to graduate in June, PSU Works can help you find a mentor and land your next job.