Look to a Mentor for Career Advice in these Trying Times

College graduate feeling lost? New in your career and need advice? Get a mentor! Also suggests ways for experienced individuals to give back as mentors.

(PRWEB) May 15, 2004 --The graduation caps will be flying in the air soon. The new alumni will be laughing and going out to nice dinners. But when the party stops, where will these new graduates stand? The unemployment rate still hovers at 5.6% (Tella): a level which puts some graduates in panic mode. This rate signifies that companies are reluctant to rehire employees even though sales may have increased.

Also, positions which were eliminated in the last two years have not be re-filled, as companies have been able to achieve higher worker productivity increasing 3.5% in the first quarter 2004 which followed an amazing 9.5% increase in 2003 (CNN.com).

So, where does this leave our graduates? Many will struggle to find jobs following their college graduation, even with the degree that was supposed to cure that ill. In these confusing and frustrating times, one thing that has proven successful is getting sound career advice. These mentors" can help provide an experienced view of what the graduate is going through and can suggest areas to focus to lead the graduate on a path of success.

Mentors vary considerably: some can help with a specific job function or skill (i.e. working on ones public speaking), while others can provide industry tips (i.e. looking to get the inside scoop on the accounting business?). If you can find a mentor that is the right fit, he or she can add tremendous value to a career plan. For someone looking to become a marketing analyst, imagine the help of having a marketing executive as a mentor. The executive can provide real-life examples of what the job is like, suggestions of top marketing firms, contacts in the industry, and tips to thrive.

You may be asking yourself, Yes, all that seems great, but how can I find a mentor?" Very good question. Traditionally, mentors were found through family friends and contacts at peers and familys work. So, chances are slim you will find one through your own means. Thankfully there is another place to turn: Advance Mentoring (http://www.advancementoring.com). Advance Mentoring has revolutionized the process of finding a mentor by creating an online web portal where mentors and mentees (those looking for a mentor) can meet.

Some of the major benefits of this innovative site allow one to search for a mentor in specific industries and professions while also providing a vast array of resources to help through the process of finding a mentor. Searches can also be based on company, school, degree, location, and affiliation. Advance Mentoring is an online community where all can interact in the forum, online chat, and special Ask the Expert Mentor" sessions where a business leader answers questions on specific topics.

Through Advance Mentoring one can find a mentor to get any graduate, as well as those looking to get ahead, the skills and insight to succeed in a career. Having someone who has been in that entry-stage before to help make business decisions is truly an invaluable resource. Advance Mentoring also provides mentoring for those in advanced degree programs also, such as masters and doctorate in law, medicine, business, science, and the arts. Currently, they have mentors in over 40 countries and in more than 45 industries.

For those who are more seasoned in their careers, or even with just a few years of experience, joining as a mentor is an option. Mentoring is incredibly rewarding: giving back to the community to truly benefit the career of another. Also, mentors are able to broaden their professional networks and practice management skills as they advise their mentees. One can even mentor someone from the same alma mater or charity for more of a connection. Advance Mentoring also recognizes that some people feel they can offer help to others as a mentor but would also like some advice for themselves so the company allows members to be both mentors and mentees.

So if you are a new graduate, young in your career, or a seasoned professional: now you all have one place to turn for all your mentoring needs: Advance Mentoring (http://www.advancementoring.com).

If you have any questions please call or email:
info@AdvanceMentoring.com
Phone: 206-202-4654

Citations:
Tella, Alfred. Whither U.S. unemployment?" The Washington Times.
http://www.washtimes.com/commentary/20040510-094310-2230r.htm

CNN.com. Productivity, worker costs rise."
http://money.cnn.com/2004/05/06/news/economy/productivity.reut/index.htm