How to ask someone to be your mentor

Once you have identified professionals, or one single professional, that you would like to request mentorship from, then you need to establish a personal connection with them. Reach out to your potential mentor(s) via social media, email, phone call, or in person to introduce yourself and explain to them why they would be a great mentor and you a good mentee.

• Be direct about what you would like to learn

Next, you need to be direct and specific about what you would like to learn from them in this professional relationship. You need to let your prospective mentor know what you hope to gain from this dynamic. This might include career guidance, specific industry insights, skill development, or networking advice.

• Show that you are committed

It is very important that you communicate and prove that you are committed to your own professional growth and development. You need to show them that you are excited and willing to learn. You should do this by following up with them and exhibiting a proactive and "can do" mentality to demonstrate your commitment to your career development.

• Be flexible

It is also important to understand that your prospective mentor might have a busy work schedule of their own, meaning they might not be able to commit to this dynamic or at least in the way you desire it. This is why you need to be open to a more informal mentorship dynamic if necessary.