What do you do if you want to level up your Career Counseling skills through mentorship?

A good mentor can act as a stimulus if you want to level up your practice. One can look for more than one Mentor too. The idea is to find one with great experience and knowledge and find another who is younger but knows the business, the world, the tech, the pulse of the changing times. Once you have your mentors, 1. Set your goals and share with them. 2. Set a schedule to meet them or talk to them. 3. Keep your questions and confusion written before the meeting. 4. Take notes in every meeting and highlight the action points. 5. Include suggestions in your To do list and action on them before you meet them next. This approach to Mentorship can work wonders for the growth of a career guidance practitioner.

Keeping in mind that a mentor will be most valuable if they work with same or similar clients ditto environment so they can offer the most effective and relevant advice or feedback

I suggest looking for experienced Career Counselling professionals who can provide guidance and support. You can utilize AI-powered platforms like LinkedIn to search for potential mentors with the expertise and knowledge you need to succeed. By finding individuals willing to share their knowledge and experience, you can learn valuable skills and gain the confidence you need to achieve your career goals.

Mentors have been my greatest asset as a new entrepreneur and professional resume writer. There is so much knowledge to be discovered both formally (cohort programs, 1:1 counseling) and informally (networking, 1:1 conversations) from people who have walked your shoes.

To maximize mentorship, set SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. Examples include improving techniques, expanding networks, or gaining insights. You can focus your efforts on the best experience.

Actively engage with your mentor by asking questions, seeking advice, and sharing your experiences. Schedule regular meetings or check-ins to talk about your progress and challenges. Take initiative in implementing your mentor's advice and guidance.

This is very important. As an aside it is wise not to reject advice or suggestions by telling your mentor you don't agree with what they have offered. That is the fastest way I can think of to turn off the flow of information & support.

Reflect on the insights and feedback provided by your mentor. Apply what you've learned to your practice and adapt your approach as needed. I'd like you to regularly evaluate your progress toward your objectives and make adjustments accordingly.

As a licensed mental health counselor, you would have been told in graduate school to keep in touch with a counseling supervisor. Monthly sessions will continue your self work as you grow your perspective and skills in various counseling modalities. This holds very true in career counseling as perspective on lifestyles in cultures across the globe are important.

Request feedback from your mentor regularly. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth. Act on the feedback provided to improve your skills and performance continually.

In addition to your mentor, network with other Career Counseling professionals. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in online forums or groups related to career development. Building a diverse network will provide you with additional perspectives and opportunities for learning and collaboration.

By far my favorite piece is networking with people who know more than me 😊 But if you want to go further like Im doing now regardless if it’s struggle or not, I’d say 1. Pursue advanced certifications or courses in career development. 2. Regularly attend workshops, conferences, and seminars to stay updated on industry trends. 3. Utilize technology and data-driven insights to enhance counseling strategies. 4. Share knowledge and insights through writing, speaking engagements, and online platforms. 5. Collaborate with colleagues and experts in related fields for interdisciplinary learning.

Leveling up with mentoring can happen when we solicit mentoring from experts who are either more experienced than oneself or bring diversity of knowledge/ expertise beyond what one knows. Regardless of what one’s own skill set is, being open to learning and adapting to change will help draw the most out of mentoring. Respecting the boundaries of client base preservation of the mentor is a nonnegotiable return one could give back to their mentor who may be gracious enough to give their mentees access/ shadow opportunities to their own cases during the mentoring tenure.