Why and How to Get a Mentor

Christine Tilton, Talent Acquisition Lead from Freddie Mac, talks about the many benefits of mentors.

A mentor can be a powerful partner during your professional career. As a trusted advisor, a mentor can support your professional growth, serve as a sounding board for your questions, and offer guidance and direction to you over the course of weeks, months or even years. But how do you get a mentor? And what should you look for in one?

Freddie Mac recently spoke with Christine Tilton, talent acquisition lead, to learn more about the many benefits of mentors.

When should you first seek a mentor?

There’s never a wrong time to develop a mentorship relationship, but it’s helpful to begin getting insight early to understand the different careers that are out there and how you can apply your skills.

Of course, you can change your mentor as you continue to grow in your profession; the mentor you need when you first start your career may not be the right person for you when you become more established.

What are the personal and professional benefits of having a mentor?

Mentors are experienced professionals who will help you develop over the course of your career, offering invaluable knowledge and guidance in your areas of interest. They help you define personal or professional goals, which can help boost your confidence and problem-solving abilities. And they will hold you accountable to your goals, as well.

Importantly, mentors can provide advice in difficult or challenging situations and help you expand your network by introducing you to new people or inviting you to relevant events.

What should you look for in a mentor?

A mentor should be someone who is open to a mentorship, who is in a position that you would like to grow into, or who you believe can help you define your goals and teach you what you want to learn or navigate challenging circumstances.

Research shows that nearly half of LGBTQ+ people are not out to their supervisors and nearly a quarter are not out to anyone. This underscores the need to look for a mentor who practices allyship and with whom you would feel comfortable seeking help in difficult personal or professional situations.

Mentors should be honest, creative and authentic, and they should be unafraid to both give and receive constructive criticism. They should also care about your personal growth and be available for the time commitment required of mentorship.

How do I find a mentor?

Knowing what you are looking for in a mentor is just the first step. Here are five tips for finding a mentor:

• Define exactly what you’re looking for in a mentor and then create a plan to find someone who fits that mold.
• Set up a 10-minute coffee chat with someone in your personal or professional life who is where you want to be, and ask them to share their journey with you during a conversation.
• Join a professional organization and go to the networking events.
• Reach out to your existing network and ask for referrals.
• Attend volunteer events to broaden your network.

Many of Freddie Mac’s Business Resource Groups (BRG) offer formal mentorship programs. In particular, Freddie Mac’s Pride BRG, which supports the LGBTQ+ community by creating a culture of nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, provides members access to potential mentors and other professional development opportunities. In addition, Freddie Mac offers a number of mentorship opportunities that help our employees create mutually beneficial relationships and develop their career.

Do you want to work for a company that invests in your development and growth? Discover open opportunities at Freddie Mac to take the next step in your career journey.