Why you need a mentor

It isn't easy to make the transition from laid-back student to hard-working job holder. Once you start working, you will face challenges that are a lot more complex and demanding than anything you've had to deal with before. It's perfectly normal to feel like a fish out of water in such situations. But whatever career you opt for, having a trustworthy mentor makes everything better. 

Mentors provide knowledge and experience

Theoretical knowledge that we get from the classroom often end up being inapplicable in real life situations. But a mentor can help you solve problems using practical experience, and provide the much needed guidance and wisdom that newer people in the industry may need.

Mentors can help you improve

Often times, we fail to see our own faults. If you can find a good mentor who doesn't shy away from providing constructive criticism, then he will surely tell you what you might be doing wrong in your work, and help you overcome it.

They give you emotional support

Mentors aren't just there to help you work better, they can also give you the moral boost that you might need after a failed project. The real world is competitive, and you will hardly be able to find true friends. But a good mentor would only want  what's best for you, and they will be there for you always.

Mentoring can help newbies achieve tremendous personal and professional growth, if done right. But make sure that your mentor isn't a toxic or competitive person, because that will only hold you back.

Writer is the sub-editor of Next Step, and a senior at IBA, DU.