Why Having a Mentor Matters

What to expect from a mentor and where to find one.

Personal Space - Unless you’re in an extremely crowded environment, try not to invade someones personal space. No one likes for someone to hover over their shoulder or stand so close they begin to feel uncomfortable. (Photo: Mint Images - Tim Robbins/Getty Images)

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A Guide for Mentees - As you navigate your future (whether it’s going to college or graduate school or entering the workplace) it’s very important to have guidance to help you. Read more about why mentors matter, what to expect from one and where to find yours. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: Mint Images - Tim Robbins/Getty Images)

Why Mentors Matter - Establishing these types of mentor/mentee relationships inside and outside of the workplace is crucial in launching and advancing your career, especially given how competitive the workplace is. The relationship you develop matters and can translate into job opportunities, letters of recommendations and introductions to other people. (Photo: Hero Images/Getty Images)

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Why Mentors Matter - Establishing these types of mentor/mentee relationships inside and outside of the workplace is crucial in launching and advancing your career, especially given how competitive the workplace is. The relationship you develop matters and can translate into job opportunities, letters of recommendations and introductions to other people. (Photo: Hero Images/Getty Images)

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Lessons From Your Elders - Mentors will also give you beneficial advice on how the real world works, especially when it comes to being a Black woman in the workplace. This advice can be extremely helpful as you navigate office politics, demand equal pay, and workload and office perceptions. (Photo: Cavan Images / Getty Images)

Ban on Affirmative Action Upheld - On Wednesday, a federal judge in California upheld the state’s ban on the use of affirmative action in the public university admissions process. The plaintiffs, including the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action as well as 56 California students, argued that the law violated the civil rights of minority students. Though the judge dismissed their challenge, they plan to appeal. Since the ban passed in 1996, the state has seen the Black and Latino populations at schools like UCLA and UC Berkeley

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Grown Woman - Every time we turn on reality television, ladies are at each other’s throats. This type of cattiness can trickle down into the work place, but it doesn’t have to. Having a mentor and a supportive network of other Black women will help break this cycle of infighting and help us to grow personally and professionally. (Photo: Royalty-Free/Corbis)

What metrics will be used to evaluate performance? - This is key, as it will let you know how you’ll be judged. What if you think they want you to double the client roster, but they really want you to focus on growing existing relationships? The day of your annual review is much too late to discover what hurdles you’re expected to clear. Find out now. (Photo: Michael DeLeon/Getty Images)

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Real Success Stories - It’s not a secret that women of color are lagging behind in holding key leadership roles in the workplace and in academia. But don’t let that discourage you and make you feel that your dreams aren’t attainable. Seek a mentor who looks like you because it can help inspire you to see the array of possibilities that your career can be. (Photo: Michael DeLeon/Getty Images)

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Do It in Person If You Can - Sincerity is easier to see in the flesh, but the phone is a good substitute. And if you can’t bring yourself to be that vulnerable — or they won’t talk to you — a handwritten letter is another option.  (Photo: UpperCut Images/Getty Images)

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How to Find a Mentor - If your job has a mentoring program that pairs you up with someone, sign up! Also, attend networking events and put yourself out there to meet other Black women professionals. Most important: Don’t be afraid to reach out to people you admire via email and social media, someone might just take you under her wing. (Photo: UpperCut Images/Getty Images)

Get Off Your Phone - We all use our cellphones as a clutch. But if you have it in hand the whole time you’re out, there is less of a chance anyone would want to spark up a conversation with you. Challenge yourself to keep your phone locked away for at least 20 minutes and see what happens. (Photo: Alejandro Rivera/Getty Images)

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Be Social - Speaking of social media, be very aware about how you present yourself through your accounts — Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr and Facebook — because it leaves an impression on potential mentors. Remember, mentors have to agree to help you and they won’t take a risk on someone who they feel doesn’t best represent them. (Photo: Alejandro Rivera/Getty Images)

It's the Little Things - Have you ever been in conversation with a person you might’ve met once or twice in passing and they remember something about you? Your instant reaction is usually, “Wow, you remembered?” Being observant and paying attention to small details always makes a huge impact when connecting with someone. (Photo: Mark Edward Atkinson/Tracey Lee/Getty Images)

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Be Open - For the mentor/mentee relationship to work, you have to be open to being coached and hearing advice that you may not want to hear. Remember: You do not have all the answers! And show your gratitude by making the relationship reciprocal by serving as a source of information and support for your mentor in some way. (Photo: Mark Edward Atkinson/Tracey Lee/Getty Images)

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Sisterly Support - Behind every successful woman is a group of people who have helped, nurtured and motivated her. Find ways to meet regularly, even without an urgent agenda. (Photo: Digitalskillet/GettyImages)

Photo By Digitalskillet/GettyImages