The Role of Mentorship in Success
When I reflect on the most significant moments in my life, I think of the mentors who shaped them. Since beginning my journey in public relations, I’ve been fortunate to experience mentorship in many forms and settings. As I continue navigating this ever-evolving industry, the impact of mentors has only become more important.
Why Mentorship Matters
Whether you’ve got a decade of skin in the game or are finding your footing in your first role, mentorship is an invaluable tool at every stage of your career. Studies have highlighted how effective mentorship is in the workplace, revealing that people with mentors are happier at their current jobs than those without.
Relationships are the lifeblood of PR, including the one between a mentor and mentee. A mentor brings a wealth of knowledge and connections that can make all the difference. They can also serve as a safe space during times of frustration and be the voice of reason when you’re in need of reassurance.
As a mentor, you’ll have the consequential opportunity to shape the talent that lives in your industry. You’ll be able to pass down tried-and-true concepts and encourage younger professionals to take new risks of their own, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to prosper.
Throughout my transition from student to professional, the infamous imposter syndrome has been a recurring battle. In moments when I’ve questioned my place or capabilities, I often think back to the wise piece of advice my former Hodges internship manager, Hannah, once offered me: “Feel the fear and do it anyway.”
Those wise words continue to stick with me, carrying me through every task I once feared I was incapable of completing.
Mentorship in Action
At the start of my first internship, I quickly realized that while they served as a solid foundation, textbook exercises and Canvas assignments could take me only so far. To strengthen my skills and build the confidence needed to succeed in the industry, I knew I would need guidance from experienced professionals who had already navigated these challenges.
I began my search right then for a trusted advisor—someone willing to take me under their wing and share the wisdom they had gained through their own experiences. I stirred up conversations through LinkedIn, sought advice from professors who shaped my educational journey and practically begged local professionals I admired to go to coffee with me. And while I’m not winning any awards for my subtlety, those coffees and conversations led to meaningful connections.
Over the last two years, I’ve been fortunate to find mentorship not just from one person, but from a diverse group of peers and seasoned professionals who have been instrumental to my growth. Through these relationships, I’ve learned practices that continue to shape and refine my PR techniques, built a strong support system and cultivated invaluable connections that I’ll continue to nurture throughout my career.
How and Where to Find Mentorship
Mentorship comes in many forms, and chances are, you already have at least one mentor figure within your professional network. Whether it’s the seasoned colleague who offers their media contact when you’re having trouble getting coverage or the internship supervisor who’s always there with words of encouragement, mentorship might be closer than you think.
If you’re unsure where to find a mentor, start by evaluating your professional relationships. Is there a former professor who sparked your passion for PR? A past supervisor who played a key role in your professional development? Anyone who’s contributed to your growth, whether through guidance, feedback or support, is a great place to start.
For a more traditional approach, organizations like PRSA and AMA offer designated mentorship programs that connect you with experienced professionals. You can also leverage online platforms such as LinkedIn to expand your search, allowing you to connect with PR professionals around the world who may be open to offering virtual mentorship.
However you approach it, finding the right mentor can make all the difference in your career growth. No one succeeds without help, and mentorship is proof of that. Surrounding yourself with experienced professionals who uplift and challenge you will accelerate your growth and set you up for long-term success.
Breyana Stewart
Breyana Stewart is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where she majored in Mass Communications. Breyana has found her true calling in public relations, a profession that combines her talents for written and oral communication with a strong strategic sensibility. She is a self-acknowledged ambivert, as comfortable making client presentations as she is toiling away on social media editorial calendars or media outlet research.
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