A Second Chance to Mentorship
When I first signed up for the UGA Mentor Program, I was excited about learning more from an expert, but I was also unsure of what to expect. Everyone talks about how mentorship is a great way to grow personally and professionally, so despite my reservations, I figured it was worth a shot.
My first mentor was incredibly knowledgeable, and I learned a lot about different career paths, especially in research. He shared industry insights, gave me advice on what skills to develop, and helped me think more seriously about my future. But our conversations always felt very structured and professional—almost like a formal career coaching session. He provided great guidance, but once our meetings ended, so did our interactions. It felt more like a one-way exchange of information rather than a real connection. I appreciated everything he taught me, but something was missing.
Because of that, I hesitated to try mentorship again. I thought maybe it just wasn’t for me. But eventually, I decided to give it another shot.
This time, my mentor wasn’t just someone who gave career advice—he was someone I genuinely connected with. One of the biggest differences was that we met in person, which immediately made our conversations feel more natural. Instead of just talking about jobs and skills, we talked about real-life things—balancing work and personal life, transitioning from college to a career, and even potential opportunities in government work. He didn’t just ask about my career goals; he asked about my interests, challenges, and what truly motivated me.
What made this mentorship so impactful was that it didn’t feel transactional. My mentor shared personal stories about his own journey, which made his advice feel more relatable and meaningful. It wasn’t just about what I should do in my career; it was about figuring out what I wanted to do and how to make it happen. For the first time, I felt like I had someone in my corner who genuinely cared about my success—not just as a professional but as a person.
Looking back, I realize that not every mentorship experience is going to be the perfect fit, and that’s okay. If I had given up after my first mentorship, I would have missed out on an incredible connection the second time around. I found that just because one experience wasn’t as engaging or fulfilling doesn’t mean the next one won’t be exactly what you need.
So, if you’ve tried mentorship before and felt like it wasn’t that helpful, I really encourage you to try again. Different mentors bring different perspectives, personalities, and approaches. Some might be more formal, while others might take a more personal approach. The key is finding the right mentor who matches your needs and communication style.
Mentorship isn’t just about career advice—it’s about connection, growth, and learning from someone who’s been where you are. And sometimes, it takes a second try to find the right person who can truly make a difference.