Why Mentors Are the Secret Sauce to Your Career Glow-Up

It’s more than advice, it’s growth, support, and trusting someone to guide your potential into reality. 

In Nigeria, mentorship often happens informally through family, community and entrepreneurial networks, but structured mentorship is growing, particularly in fields like media, tech, and business. 

Why Mentorship Truly Matters

Your mentor serves as a sounding board, reality-checker, and source of encouragement. They’ll offer personalized advice, honest feedback, and broader perspectives that you’d otherwise struggle to access. 

Benefits of Having a Mentor

1) Knowledge & Expertise: You learn from someone who’s already navigated the path you’re on, which saves time, energy, and reduces the possibility of mistakes.

2) Expanded Network: Mentors often open doors, introducing you to people or opportunities that might otherwise stay hidden.

3) Constructive Feedback & Growth: Honest, objective advice builds confidence and focus, helping you see blind spots you’d otherwise miss.

3) Accountability & Motivation: A mentor keeps you on track, cheering you on, checking in, and holding you accountable to your goals.

 How to Find a Mentor 

1. Get clear about your goals

Ask yourself: What skills do I want to grow? Where do I need help? Who am I trying to become? When you're precise, you’ll better identify who can guide you.

2. Look in your existing circles

Start close: former colleagues, professors, managers, or people in your alumni or professional groups. Often, your mentor is someone you already admire and respect.

3. Join professional organizations and events

Attend industry meetups, join professional communities, and engage with others. These spaces are rich for mentorship connections, both formal or informal.

Once you've paired up:

• Set clear expectations - share goals, preferences, and check-in rhythm upfront (e.g., monthly catch-up).

• Be proactive - reach out with specific updates or ask strategic questions. Be respectful of their time.

• Take feedback seriously - even hard feedback is a gift. Apply it thoughtfully.

• Show gratitude - small tokens or notes of thanks go a long way and help strengthen the connection.

Build standout skills that impress mentors and show that you’re serious about growth. Start learning now on the Pulse Course page.