How often have you (as an immigrant) heard this advice?
The problem is that the word “mentor” often becomes a “bucket” for three very different roles, and nobody bothers to explain to the newly landed internationally educated professionals that these roles can rarely be combined into one person. As a result, “mentorship relations” that you have strived so hard for, end up failing.
Well, that person was a bad Mentor…
Well, that person was not a good Mentee…
Truth is though, that if you want to become successful in a new country professionally, it’s your responsibility to find the right people and leverage your relationship with them in the right way.
So, let’s get clear.
>A coach talks to you
>Mentor talks with you
>Sponsor talks about you
Read more about distinctive differences of these roles on our website www.quiettenacity.com (search for the blog post “Mentor, Sponsor or Coach?”) and self-reflect.
· What challenges have you been facing on your career development path?
· Do you need a mentor, sponsor, or coach? Two of them? Or all three? And in what domain?
· Who already plays the role of mentor/sponsor/coach in your professional development life?
· Do you leverage your relationship with this person in the right way?
· Who can be a good person to step into that position?
· Who can connect you with the right person?
Then act.
Remember – doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will.
Be mindful of the energy that you spend and never stop learning.
We are here to help.
Inna Tuka