You’ve found your niche in the areas of warehouse and production. This is a place where you want to build your career, so you’re interested in finding a mentor and seeking out professional development opportunities.
First of all, be very proud of yourself. Everyone doesn’t find a career path they truly love, but you did. You also clearly have the drive to really push yourself to succeed, which is huge. Here’s some advice to help you get ahead.
The Benefits of Having a Mentor: Learning from the Best
A mentor has been in your shoes, so if you play your cards right, you’ll be learning from the best — more on that in a bit. You have so much to gain from this relationship, including someone to help you set goals and hold you accountable to reach them.
They’re also able to offer constructive criticism to help you learn and grow. Plus, they’ll be willing to share their vast network with you, which can allow you to meet new people who may be able to connect you with job opportunities.
Identifying Potential Mentors: Building Strong Relationships
Finding a mentor is a process that will require a lot of time and energy, but you won’t regret it. Before considering who might be a great fit as your mentor, you’ll want to think about what you want from the relationship. This will help you choose the right mentor because you’ll be able to tell them exactly what you need during your exploratory chats.
After you’ve figured that out, use your network to start identifying potential mentors. This can include colleagues — past and present — someone you met at a networking event or second-degree connections.
If you feel like you’re coming up short, consider joining a professional organization where you’ll be able to quickly expand your network with like-minded people. There’s a good chance at least a few of these people have already considered being a mentee and like the idea.
Professional Development: Staying Ahead of the Curve in a Rapidly Evolving Industry
Making continued learning a priority is more important than ever. Of course, even with the best of intentions, it’s easy to get sidelined with your busy life.
When you have a mentor, they’ll help you figure out which professional development areas to focus on and create a plan to ensure you’re boosting those skills. They’ll hold you accountable, which can make all the difference between achieving professional development goals and simply talking about them.
Of course, this relationship isn’t one-sided. Mentors are able to achieve professional development goals, such as improving their leadership and communication skills through their work with you.
Searching for a new production, packaging or warehouse job in the Lehigh Valley? HTSS, Inc. wants to help you find the perfect fit. Contact us today to learn more!