Significant Career Lesson From an Independent Advisor
Mike's most significant career lesson is the importance of mentorship, stating that "it is hands down the most important thing," advising that proactively seeking out and engaging with experienced professionals—perhaps those with "20 years" of experience—is key to accelerating career growth and opening many doors.
Mentorship, Networking, Career Development, Industry Insights, Professional Growth
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mike Sims
Advisor
Independent Consulting Company
Penn State University, 2020
Executive MBA, UCLA, June 2023
Economics
Consulting & Related Professional Services, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
Entrepreneurship and Business Owner
Veteran
Video Highlights
1. Finding a mentor is crucial for career success, and actively seeking mentorship through networking and demonstrating initiative is key.
2. Mentorship accelerates career progression by providing guidance and insights that would otherwise take longer to acquire through independent learning.
3. Experienced professionals (with 10-20 years of experience) often make excellent mentors, eager to share their industry knowledge and help the next generation succeed.
Transcript
What is one lesson you have learned that has proven significant in your career?
Having a mentor is hands down the most important thing. If you don't have a mentor, it's like walking through a forest where you can't see the path.
Chances are, you'll eventually get where you want to go and learn a lot along the way. However, it's much faster if you have a mentor guiding you.
Finding a mentor isn't like picking something off a shelf. I've seen programs where they try to force mentor pairings, but it's like a forced marriage; it doesn't really work.
The best way to find a mentor is to write blogs, show up at events, and email people. You'll have to put in some sweat equity. Whatever you put in, you'll get out.
Someone will then bring you under their wing because they'll see your enthusiasm. Many people want to share their knowledge and pass it along to the next generation so they can be successful.
If you want to jump-start your career and have someone teach you the ropes, try to find someone who has been in your industry for 10, 20, or even 30 years.
Someone with around 20 years of experience, perhaps in their late 40s or early 50s, might be looking towards their next horizon. They often want to pass on their industry knowledge to someone who will follow in their footsteps.
This is the most important thing because it's how you'll open up a lot of doors.