Accelerate your career #2: find a mentor or coach

Working on your career is a serious endeavor that demands your full attention. It requires determination and patience. Once you have uncovered your motivations, it’s time to set goals, explore opportunities, and map out your career path. The good news is you don’t have to face this challenge alone. There are always people who can offer valuable advice—often within your organization but certainly outside of it as well. A mentor or coach can help you move forward. Read more about this below.

Making the most of opportunities within your organization

If you want to seize growth opportunities within your current organization, the effort you invest benefits not only you but also the organization. It’s logical to seek internal support. For example, ask your manager for feedback and tips for improvement. Or reach out to someone you consider a role model for an advisory conversation. Often, this is an experienced colleague who takes on a coaching role.

Tough questions

If you aim to advance your career outside your organization, a mentor or coach can also be valuable. It’s important to find someone who listens carefully and isn’t afraid to ask difficult questions or challenge you. Constructive feedback helps you view things from a different perspective and discover new opportunities. It also prevents you from getting stuck in a singular vision. You’ll identify pitfalls or weaknesses before they become obstacles to your development.
There are many certified, professional career coaches with up-to-date knowledge and experience to support you effectively. Using methods and tools such as personality tests and other assessments, they can help you address career challenges in a focused way.

Peer reflection

Another option is to organize a peer reflection session with former classmates or ex-colleagues. In such sessions, you typically discuss a case or problem and gain new insights by asking questions and sharing experiences and perspectives. This approach can bring you closer to answering what you need for career development.
Of course, you can also turn to your network for support. We’ll dive deeper into that in the third part of this blog series.

Life Long Development

At TIAS, we strongly believe in Life Long Development: a continuous journey of learning and growth, both personally and professionally. We see personal and professional development as a golden combination. Growing as a leader is only possible when you truly get to know yourself. That’s why our programs focus on leadership development and transformation.

For every stage of your career

At TIAS, you’ll find a program tailored to your ambitions, learning goals, and career stage at every phase of your professional journey. Our programs help you bring out the best in yourself and create impact for your organization and society. Would you like to discuss how we can support you or your organization? Please contact one of our Program Advisers.