How to find a mentor who can help you build your new career

A person working in your chosen field can explain details that are hard to judge from a course description or job advertisement. They might help you identify which skills to practice first, recognize a gap in a work sample, or prepare for the responsibilities beginners actually receive.

That guidance can help you make progress faster by spending less time guessing. The National Academies' review of mentorship in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine describes career guidance and skill development among its support functions. It does not establish a guaranteed timetable for changing careers. You still need to complete the training and qualifications your chosen work requires. [Source 1: National Academies — Effective mentorship findings and recommendations in STEMM education]

Look for someone whose experience connects with the step you are trying to take. If you want to enter a trade through an apprenticeship, someone who followed that route may understand your questions especially well. A person a few years into the work may remember the application process and early challenges in useful detail.

Ask when they entered the field and how closely they still work with its current hiring or training requirements. Listen for someone who asks about your circumstances, explains their reasoning, and gives respectful feedback. You should be able to ask basic questions and discuss an idea without feeling pressured to copy every decision they made.

Ask former colleagues, instructors, or people you know whether they can introduce you to someone in the occupation. Investigate professional associations, trade groups, local industry events, and employer mentoring programs. When contacting someone online, refer to their actual work and explain why it relates to your goal. Check fees and eligibility before joining a formal program.

If you are considering Registered Apprenticeship, mentoring is already part of that training model alongside paid work and instruction. Ask the employer or program sponsor how apprentices are supervised and supported. This is a structured route to investigate, with its own application requirements. [Source 2: Apprenticeship.gov — Registered Apprenticeship for career seekers]

Start by asking for a short conversation about entering the field. CareerOneStop describes an informational interview as a way to learn from someone working in an occupation or company. It gives you a chance to understand their experience before asking whether they would welcome ongoing contact. [Source 3: CareerOneStop — Informational interviews]

For example: "Hi Jordan, I am exploring a move from retail into IT support. I noticed that you made a similar change. Would you have 20 minutes to share which skills helped you get started and what you would focus on first today? I would appreciate your perspective."

Make it easy to decline. If there is no reply, a polite follow-up is reasonable; then approach someone else. A useful mentoring relationship needs willing participation.

Bring a focused question, a relevant job posting, or a small piece of work to discuss. For an aspiring IT support worker, that might be a practice troubleshooting record. Ask what is clear, what is missing, and what to improve next. Agree on one manageable action and report back on what you learned.

If you both want to continue, agree on how often to meet and how to contact each other between conversations. The National Academies recommends clear expectations and regular assessment in mentoring relationships. A brief monthly conversation could be one arrangement if it suits both people. Ask permission before sharing their advice or work publicly. [Source 1: National Academies — Effective mentorship findings and recommendations in STEMM education]

Compare advice with current employer requirements and official licensing information. One person's route may differ from what is available in your location today. If a recommendation involves buying training, ask whether the mentor has a financial connection to the provider before making your own decision.

Thank people for their time and share your progress. You may learn about applications from one person and practical skills from another. Start by choosing a career you want to investigate, then look for someone who can help you understand the next step. Exploring WhoNeedsCollege.com is free.