Did you have a mentor when you were studying your area of expertise in college? Or have one once you began your career? If you didn't, do you feel like that negatively impacted your career? I've never had one and now that I'm meeting some recent grads who have mentors I'm wondering if I lost out on networking and learning opportunities because of it. Thoughts?

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Lucked out and had a mentorish figure when I joined the company, not much in the way of networking but it was invaluable to have someone to look towards for career advice. I don't think it's ever too late unless you're at the top of your career path, so you could still find one!

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I actively looked for mentors in college- but none of my female professors were very open to taking on mentees.

Environmental engineering is also a newer, smaller field, and it’s harder to find established successful women in the industry that are open to mentoring.

I am in my 30s and still on the hunt for a good mentor- I have male senior leadership who I trust and gives good advice but I am always looking for someone outside of my job and who has had more experience and wisdom.

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Nope I had no idea what that was. It was not pushed I assumed professors would help but they didn’t. A year later I went back to one for a reference for grad school and he couldn’t write or because he didn’t remember me 😏

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Ugh I understand teachers see a lot of students but that just feels lazy on his part! I'm sorry you didn't get the help you needed from your professors.

I actively looked for mentors while I was in school and out. I’m grateful to say the ones I looked up to and actively asked for mentorship from turned into some great career opportunities. These mentors that helped open the door to my career were actually ones I found when I was done school.
I second the writer who said it’s never too late! Doesn’t matter what industry, networking is key, and eventually you will find yourself in conversation with someone who can offer support and mentorship to help you grow.
My argument has been that you will never know it all, so why stop seeking ?

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This is a great way to think about it, I'm established in my career a little bit more than I was as a brand new grad but I could certainly still use the guidance/advice. Thank you!

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I found some older role models that gave me career advice. However ultimately my own experiences and goals determined what I do.

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I had some great professors but never a solid mentor who I spent one on one time with to talk about my career or anything like that. I'm not sure that it negatively impacted my career, but I think I got off to a little bit of a late start because I didn't have anyone to use as a sounding board or run ideas by.

That's more than fair, I can understand why that would be difficult to navigate for the first time with no one to ask for help.

I had a mentor briefly and really enjoyed the whole experience...we ended up drifting apart tbh, but while it lasted, I felt like I really good insight and ways to handle situations. Currently seeking out new mentors!

I never had one either. But I sure am slowly regretting it. I also think that I missed out on a lot of things for that reason. All I had was professors who shared some wisdome on me.

I didn’t have much of a mentor before my first job, and I was lucky enough to have a manager who cared about my growth.

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