How to Seek Out Mentorship for Career Growth

We all know that mentorship is an impactful tool for career progression, especially for women looking for career growth. But the question that is not often answered is how to find a mentor, to mentor you for career growth.

You are not alone in your belief that mentorship is impactful

In the 2025 Working Women in South Africa Report, the research data shows that over 3700 reported that a lack of mentorship and networking is the number two barrier to career advancement, behind lack of internal opportunities. 

Image Source: Working Women in SA Report: A Blueprint for Employers to win with women

Why mentorship matters for your career progression

For professionals at any stage of their career, mentorship can be a powerful accelerator. In a working world that is often complex and fast-moving, having someone walk alongside you with experience, perspective, and encouragement can shift the trajectory of your career in meaningful ways.

Here are some of the key benefits of mentorship and why it remains such a valuable part of long-term career growth.

1. Mentors give you valuable career insights and accelerate your growth

Mentors bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that can dramatically shorten your learning curve. Instead of figuring everything out on your own, you get personalised guidance that helps you avoid common pitfalls and adopt best practices early on. This means you can grow your skills and make smarter career decisions faster than you might have thought possible.

2. Mentors build your confidence to take on new challenges

One of the biggest gifts mentorship offers is confidence. When someone believes in your potential and supports your growth, it is easier to speak up, take risks, and pursue leadership opportunities. Mentors help you recognise your strengths and encourage you to push into unfamiliar spaces with guidance.

3. Mentors expand your professional network

Mentorship opens doors to connections that might otherwise be out of reach. Many mentees meet industry leaders, peers, and collaborators through their mentors' relationships that can lead to new projects, job opportunities, and career advancement. For women, especially, having access to a strong professional network is a key advantage.

4. Mentors help you navigate workplace challenges with support

We all face obstacles at work, whether it is navigating office politics, dealing with bias, or balancing work and life demands. Mentors provide practical advice and emotional support to help you overcome these challenges. Knowing you have someone who has been there and can guide you through tough situations makes a huge difference.

5. Mentors enable you to set clear goals and stay accountable

Mentorship is also about helping you clarify your career goals and holding you accountable to them. A good mentor can challenge you to think bigger, plan strategically, and stay focused on what matters most. This kind of support turns vague ambitions into actionable steps and real progress.

Find role models and inspiration

Seeing women who have successfully navigated the path you are on is incredibly inspiring. Mentors serve as role models who show that leadership and success are achievable. Their stories offer motivation to keep striving and a reminder that you are not alone on the journey.

How to find a career growth mentor 

Many people do not know where to find the right career mentor. Here are some accessible ways to begin:

• Look within your current network: Think of former managers, colleagues, or people you admire.
   
• Tap into female-focused communities: Professional associations often have mentorship networks.
   
• Use network and industry events: Follow thought leaders on LinkedIn, engage meaningfully, and be confident in posting to start a professional, engaging conversation.
   
• Be open to peer mentorship: A mentor does not have to be older or more senior. Peer-to-peer mentoring can be equally powerful.

How to ask someone to be your mentor professionally

A successful mentorship often starts with a single conversation.

Therefore, when reaching out to your prospective mentor, be specific about what you hope to learn. Professionally and succinctly, clarify what you wish for and need from them. Finally, guide the conversation to an outcome, making it easy for them to say yes to a short call or coffee for the original conversation.

Tips for successful mentor relationships

"The right mentor will not give you the answers, but will help you find the courage to ask the right questions." – Anon

Great mentorship thrives on consistency and mutual respect. Once you have connected, work on owning the relationship by setting goals and preparing for your meetings. Remain accountable in the relationship, take action on your mentor's advice, and let them know the impact it is having. Importantly, give back. Celebrate your mentor's wins too.

Mentorship is not a one-way street. Your growth and initiative help your mentor stay engaged, too, and over time, the relationship will become mutually enriching.

Mentorship does not need to be face-to-face

Many impactful mentoring relationships today happen virtually. With the rise of remote work and digital communication tools, mentorship can flourish through video calls, voice notes, email check-ins or even WhatsApp chats. This flexibility is particularly empowering for South African women working across provinces or balancing caregiving responsibilities. What matters most is a consistent, intentional connection, not physical proximity.

Mentorship Opportunities for Moms Returning to Work

Furthermore, the data show that 43% of all women have taken a career pause, and 94% of those women returned to work. Despite showing an aptitude and keenness for work, high resilience and drive, mid-career women face key promotion drop-offs.

To avoid the career drop-off, you don't have to wait for a company programme to invest in you. Be proactive. Start where you are. Reach out. Learn from others. Offer help. That's how mentorship begins.

If you're re-entering the workforce after maternity leave or shifting careers after years of caregiving, mentorship can make the difference between staying stuck and making strides in your next career move. Mentorship is vital during this transition. 

Having a helpful mentor will rebuild your confidence, assist in updating your skills, and refine how you present your career break as an asset, not a gap on your CV. 

Finding a mentor is not about chasing titles or waiting for the perfect person to appear. It starts with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn from those around you. Whether the connection begins over a coffee, a message on LinkedIn, or a shared conversation at work, mentorship often grows quietly, rooted in trust, insight, and shared respect. The most valuable mentors are not always the most obvious ones. Look for those who ask thoughtful questions, who challenge you with kindness, and who offer perspective without needing the spotlight.