What do you do if you're a woman seeking success in a male-dominated industry and need mentorship?

1 Identify your needs

Before you start looking for a mentor, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what kind of guidance you need. Do you want to improve your skills, expand your network, gain visibility, or explore new opportunities? Do you prefer a formal or informal relationship, a long-term or short-term commitment, or a one-on-one or group setting? Do you need a mentor who shares your gender, industry, or background, or someone who can offer a different perspective? By defining your needs, you can narrow down your search and communicate your expectations.

3 Initiate contact

When you find someone who you think could be a good mentor for you, you need to initiate contact and express your interest. You can send them an email, a message, or a request to connect on a social media platform. You should introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in their mentorship, and specify what you are looking for. You should also mention something that you have in common or that you admire about them, such as their work, their achievements, or their values. You should be polite, respectful, and concise, and avoid asking for too much too soon.

4 Build rapport

If the potential mentor agrees to talk to you, you should try to build rapport and establish trust. You can do this by having regular conversations, asking questions, listening actively, showing appreciation, and giving feedback. You should also be open, honest, and respectful, and share your goals, challenges, and achievements. You should also respect their time, boundaries, and preferences, and follow up on their advice and suggestions. You should also seek to add value to the relationship by offering your help, insights, or resources.

5 Evaluate the relationship

As the mentorship progresses, you should evaluate the relationship and see if it is working for both of you. You should check if you are meeting your goals, if you are getting the support you need, and if you are growing as a professional. You should also ask for feedback from your mentor and see if they are satisfied with the relationship and if they have any suggestions for improvement. You should also be flexible and adaptable, and adjust the relationship as needed. You should also recognize when the mentorship has reached its natural end, and express your gratitude and appreciation.

6 Seek multiple mentors

One mentor may not be able to provide you with all the guidance and support you need, especially in a male-dominated industry where you may face different challenges and opportunities. That's why you should seek multiple mentors who can offer you different perspectives, skills, and networks. You can have mentors who focus on different aspects of your career, such as technical, managerial, or strategic. You can also have mentors who are at different stages of their career, such as peers, seniors, or experts. You can also have mentors who are from different backgrounds, industries, or sectors, who can broaden your horizons and expose you to new possibilities.

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?