You’re seeking a mentor in public administration. How do you find the right fit?

1 Identify your objectives

Before you start looking for a mentor, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the relationship. What are your specific learning goals, career aspirations, and challenges? What skills, knowledge, or perspectives do you want to gain from your mentor? How do you prefer to communicate, learn, and receive feedback? Having a clear vision of your objectives will help you narrow down your search and find a mentor who can meet your expectations.

2 Research potential mentors

Once you have defined your objectives, you can start researching potential mentors in your field of interest. You can use various sources to find candidates, such as your professional network, alumni associations, online platforms, or public administration organizations. You can also ask for referrals from your colleagues, supervisors, or peers. When you research potential mentors, look for someone who has relevant experience, expertise, and credentials in public administration. You should also consider their reputation, availability, and compatibility with your objectives.

3 Reach out and connect

After you have identified a few potential mentors, you need to reach out and connect with them. You can send them a polite and personalized email, explaining who you are, why you are interested in their mentorship, and what you hope to learn from them. You can also attach your resume or portfolio to showcase your background and achievements. Be respectful, concise, and professional in your communication, and avoid making unrealistic or excessive demands. You can also invite them to a phone call or a meeting to discuss the possibility of a mentorship.

4 Evaluate the fit

Once you have established contact with a potential mentor, you need to evaluate the fit between you and them. You can do this by having a conversation with them, either online or in person, and asking them questions about their expectations, style, and approach to mentorship. You should also share your objectives, preferences, and concerns with them, and see how they respond. You want to find a mentor who is supportive, respectful, and honest, and who can offer you constructive feedback, advice, and encouragement. You should also feel comfortable and confident with them, and be able to communicate openly and effectively.

5 Establish the relationship

If you have found a mentor who fits your criteria, you need to establish the relationship with them. You can do this by setting some ground rules, such as the frequency, duration, and mode of communication, the goals and outcomes of the mentorship, the roles and responsibilities of each party, and the feedback and evaluation methods. You should also agree on some boundaries, such as the scope, confidentiality, and duration of the mentorship. You should also express your gratitude and appreciation for your mentor's time and effort, and be respectful of their schedule and commitments.

6 Maintain and grow the relationship

The last step is to maintain and grow the relationship with your mentor. You can do this by being proactive, responsive, and accountable in your communication, and by following through on your tasks and goals. You should also seek and apply your mentor's feedback, and show them your progress and achievements. You should also be open to learning from your mentor, and to exploring new opportunities and challenges with them. You should also give your mentor feedback, and acknowledge their contributions and impact. You should also celebrate your successes and milestones with them, and enjoy the mentorship experience.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?