Alumni Advice: Maximizing Mentorship
March is Mentor Month on St. Thomas Connect! Mentorship provides access to insights and best practices that only come from experience. Mentors can open up opportunities and have a long-lasting impact. We asked alumni “What is an impactful piece of advice you have received from a mentor?” You can learn from these words of wisdom below!
Interested in finding a mentor of your own? Search for alumni on St. Thomas Connect who have volunteered to support your career journey.
“Spend more time cultivating your strengths and worry less about your weaknesses.”
Hans S. Gustafson
“My mentor said I needed to think about what I love to do and what would make me content in my role. This really helped me to reflect on where I wanted to go next in my career.“
Linda Ladley
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
Klajdi Rrezhda
“When you take notes in a meeting, share them with the group! Invite others to add their notes, too!“
Sara Ford
“Very early in my career, my first boss counseled me to be patient with regards to my development and anticipated career progression. His advice was to do a good job, stay open to learning new things, and the opportunities will find you. That has held true for nearly 37 years in my career.”
Jim Douglas
“You need to be your own best advocate, no one else will do that for you.“
Melissa Fors Shackelford
“Your primary objective is to make your manager’s job easier.” Ask yourself if your actions are easing the burden on your boss. Understand your objectives through the lens of your manager and deliver on their expectation.”
Tom Fischer
“Do you want to be right, or effective?“
Daniel Thorman
“God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen first, speak much later.“
John Alpers
“Understand the importance of down time. In both your work life and your personal life, notice those times when the current, crucial tasks are completed and use that time for pleasure, connecting with others or self-development. You don’t have to fill every minute with work. Notice the down time and have balance in your life.”
Linda Lysdahl, M.A.
