Career paths can be confusing. Whether you are a recent college grad just starting out with your first administrative gig or a seasoned CEO with years of experience, a career mentor can be essential for many reasons.

Mentoring is important because it can provide not only skills and education, but also professional socialization and personal support. Quality mentoring increases the chances for success!

Here are the top five reasons why having a career mentor is beneficial to job success:

1. Mentors provide info and knowledge.

Early in your career, they can provide insights on resumes, interviews and can tell you what to expect on your career path. They can discuss various roadblocks and help with things such as promotions and development. With a career mentor from the beginning of your career, you can get up to speed faster and avoid the pitfalls of the job market. Later in your career, they can guide you through the best ways to market yourself.

2. Our mentors can provide valuable constructive criticism.

This feedback can help us to change course when necessary and get back on the right career path. They can see where we need to improve when it’s sometimes not obvious to us. They act as sounding boards for our ideas, as well.

3. They provide encouragement.

That encouragement can stimulate our growth in the workplace and lead to more social growth as well. This can provide hope and confidence in ourselves and our abilities.

4. They often ask stimulating questions that leads us to think about areas that could use change and improvement.

This strategy allows us to be an individual and express our creativity, rather than being a copy of someone else.

5. Mentors can act as connectors who introduce us to different people, places and things.

They can introduce you to new talent or even someone who is willing to invest in your firm. Perhaps they will be willing to share their network with you. This will open many doors in terms of opportunities.

Having a career mentor is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it shows you are willing to take guidance and grow. Be selective about who you chose and find the perfect mentor willing to help shape you into the career path of your dreams!