Imagine if finding the right mentor was as easy as swiping right for your career. Just like searching for that perfect match in the world of romance, finding the right mentor can be transformative for your career. It’s a journey of discovery, compatibility and growth, where the right connection can lead to professional success and personal development.
The stats speak for themselves:
Employees with mentors are twice as likely to be engaged than those who are not, according to a Gallup survey.
Mentorship also creates a strong company culture, boosts retention rates and champions the human need for belonging. It’s no wonder 100% of Fortune 50—and 84% of Fortune 500—companies offer in-house mentoring programs, Forbes reported.
With that in mind, consider this guide for securing a mentor…
Think about why you want to seek a mentor
Do you need an extra push out of your comfort zone? Do you feel you have untapped potential? With the right mentor, your career can flourish in ways you never imagined because, much like a supportive partner, a good mentor encourages you to dream bigger and achieve more.
So, step one is to identify your goals. Understand what you want to achieve in your career. This clarity will help you find a mentor whose expertise aligns with your aspirations.
Find your perfect professional match
Step two, seek compatibility. Look for someone whose values and vision resonates with yours.
This is made simpler by:
- …scanning LinkedIn.
Filter profiles by things like job titles, skills and locations. Don’t underestimate the power of perusing industry-specific hashtags or even simply #mentorship either.
Perhaps your perfect professional match has a role you aspire to have one day. Even better, they may also have some mutual connections. Either way, be sure to reach out to that individual with a personalized note to initiate conversation.
- …attending industry events, joining professional groups and engaging in online communities.
Actively networking is a great way to meet potential mentors. Not sure if someone you met, though, is up for the job? Just ask! A 30-minute Zoom call or quick coffee can work wonders for creating an authentic mentor-mentee connection.
- …exploring online mentorship programs.
Industry association IAEE (International Association of Exhibitions and Events) has a “Mentor Match Program” that gives opportunities to emerging leaders in the exhibition and trade show industries to request a mentor (or become a mentor). Participants in the program—which lasts roughly four months and involves at least three face-to-face meetings and two virtual meet-ups—must be current IAEE members.
Fellow association IAVM (International Association of Venue Managers) similarly offers a mentorship program that’s currently accepting applications for both mentors and mentees for its fall 2025 cycle. Matches, per IAVM’s criteria, are based on career interest(s), commitment, leadership position, community obligations, time availability, geographic location and personal interests.
In addition, software company Mentorloop, which operates mentorship programs worldwide, may not be of use to you as a mentee, but it offers a plethora of blog posts full of valuable suggestions, ideas and advice, plus current market conditions and what challenges to anticipate in the future.
Getting involved is the best way to introduce yourself to people who you may not have otherwise crossed paths with—and who may be able to support you in your professional journey.
- …getting endorsements from your professors.
Listen up, event industry newbies: If you interned or volunteered during your time in school, collect recommendations. As you’ve probably experienced first-hand in your quest for a job, referrals can be life changing.
- …having an open mind.
It’s not cheesy, it’s fact. Approach mentorship with an open mind and a willingness to learn so you, as a mentee, can effectively implement constructive feedback and new perspectives.
Final Thoughts
Just like dating apps have revolutionized how we find romantic partners, approaching mentorship with the same level of intentionality and openness can revolutionize your career. By understanding the importance of mentorship and actively seeking the right event professional, you can transform your professional journey into the success you envisioned.
