Networking for Mentorship in Engineering

Tired of sending "tell me about your job" DMs? Here's how to make mentorship requests stand out! I get DMs every week from folks interested in my path to being a software engineer. Most start with, "Hi, I see you work at [company] – what's the culture like? How'd you get in?" While I want to help, these generic questions are tough to answer meaningfully. What works so much better is showing initiative and tailoring your questions. Here's my recommended approach: 1. Introduce yourself with impact. "Hi [Name], I'm [Your Name] with a background in [area of expertise]. I'm currently building [project] using [technologies]." 2. Ask targeted questions. Replace vague inquiries with: "I loved your blog post on [topic]. Could you elaborate on [specific idea]?" "How do you balance [skill] with [skill] – an area I'm working to improve?" "Your work on [project] is impressive. How did you approach [challenge]?" Why this works: Tailored feedback: Specific questions get you answers that directly help you grow. Skill practice: Articulating your background and goals upfront is like a mini-interview prep. Give before you get: Demonstrate your interest and work ethic, making experts more invested in your success. Instead of asking "what's your job like," show who you are and ask for targeted help. You'll stand out and get the insights that truly matter. Let me know what you think in the comments! #mentorship #softwareengineering #careergrowth #networking

Going from leader to mentor builds a 2-way street to success: Here's why the best leaders are also the best teachers. The mutual learning process is key to rapid growth. Both mentor and mentee gain valuable insights. Mentorship isn't just career advice. It's a career accelerator. Here's how to find and create game-changing mentor relationships: 1. Know your growth areas • Identify specific skills you need to improve • Example: "I need to get better at financial modeling for pitches" 2. Find the right mentors • Look beyond LinkedIn - attend conferences and join forums • Find successful people who aren't in the spotlight • Consider mentors from different industries for new ideas 3. Make a strong first impression • Mention their work that impressed you • Show how their skills match your career needs • Share an insight about their work to start the conversation 4. Be ready for each meeting • Write a brief summary of your goals and progress • Update them on how you've used their previous advice • Prepare 2-3 situations where you need their help 5. Give back to your mentor • Test their new products or projects • Introduce them to new talent in their areas of interest • Help build their personal brand through speaking or writing 6. Build a diverse mentor network • Mix long-term mentors with short-term advisors • Example: An industry expert, a tech guru, and a rotating specialist • Review your mentor relationships every 6 months 7. Set clear goals • Use objectives and key results to guide your relationship • Check progress every three months • Be open about your career moves and ask for their advice 8. Learn from mentors indirectly • Study their career choices through research • Try out one strategy from each mentor every month • Keep a log of what you learn and how it helps you grow The best mentorship relationships evolve into collaborative partnerships. Aim to reach a point where you're brainstorming solutions together, not just receiving advice. P.S. If you found this valuable, repost for your network ♻️ Join the 12,000+ leaders who get our weekly email newsletter: https://lnkd.in/en9vxeNk Lead with impact.

The best mentors won't find you, You have to find them. My core values for career development: • Ownership - Taking responsibility for your growth • Courage - Moving through discomfort for what matters • Reciprocity - Creating value, not just taking it What I can't stand is seeing people wait for career opportunities while mistaking passivity for patience. Here's how to ask potential mentors (without feeling awkward): 1/ Be direct about your goals Don't beat around the bush. Tell them exactly what you need. "I was promoted to senior engineer and want to level up my systems architecture skills. Would you be willing to mentor me?" 2/ Tell them why you chose them People appreciate knowing what drew you to them specifically, showing you’ve done your homework. "I'm reaching out because of your experience leading engineering teams at high-growth startups." 3/ Start with a small ask Don't request a long-term commitment right away. "Would you be open to a 30-minute video call to connect?" 4/ Be gracious if rejected Sometimes people don't have bandwidth. That's okay. "I understand you have significant demands on your time." 5/ Ask for alternatives If they decline, their network might be your next opportunity. "Is there anyone you'd recommend I connect with instead?" 6/ Approach with the right mindset Confidence in your goals. Respect for their time. Gratitude for their expertise. I've seen too many careers stall because of fear of rejection. But I promise: The temporary discomfort of reaching out is nothing compared to the permanent pain of career stagnation. Stop waiting for the perfect mentor to appear. Make the first move today. What strategies have worked for you when finding mentors? Image Credit: GraciousQuotes --- Follow me, tap the (🔔) Omar Halabieh for daily Leadership and Career posts.