JOINT BASE CHARLESTON –
Do you have someone in your life that you consider a mentor? What is a mentor? Who can be a mentor? Dictionary.com describes a mentor as "a wise and trusted counselor or teacher." The Professional Development Guide explains a mentor as "a person with greater experience and wisdom that guides another person to develop both personally and professionally." So who can be a mentor? A mentor can be anyone who you turn to for advice. It can be a supervisor, co-worker, family member or a friend. There is not a set criteria; a mentor just needs to be someone you trust and will provide good advice.
Throughout my career, I have had many supervisors and friends that I would call mentors. They have helped me focus on what I need to do to succeed. It is important for you to find a good mentor and ask them questions. The only way you can grow, both personally and professionally, is to find someone you believe is doing it right and follow their lead. A good mentor will be willing to go out of their way to help you as long as they believe in you. Find a co-worker, supervisor, senior non-commissioned officer, first sergeant, chief, officer, civilian or family member and ask them to provide you with direction. Many of these people are willing to help if you just ask them. Also, it doesn't matter what rank you are, there is always someone who can help you continue to grow.
And in turn, don't just ask for a mentor, become a mentor.
One way the Air Force can help you become a great mentor is through the Enlisted Development Plan. This website, located off the portal, is a great tool for you and your mentor to use to stay in contact and also provides many professional development avenues. I highly recommend visiting this site and becoming familiar with how it can help you.
For anymore career advice, contact your CAA at 963-2768