As I was finishing up my MBA, I was in a time of transition. I had moved from Boston to Baltimore, and was finishing up a business degree while having a career in engineering. I needed help through that transition, and was saved by an angel who became my mentor.
Dr. Doris Van Doren was my marketing professor and, in some ways, my polar opposite from a personality standpoint…and exactly what I needed. I would show up at her office weekly and we would talk through my life challenges. Classwork was never a topic of discussion. She mentored me through difficult career discussions and helped me figure out “what I wanted to be when I grew up.” She never told me what to do – she helped me determine my end goal and eventually find my own path to that goal.
After I received my degree, I kept in touch with her so that I could get a helping hand when I needed it. The mentor/mentee bond is strong; she even attended my wedding even though she lived in Maryland and I was married in Vermont.
Doris has since passed away, but the impact she had on my life was significant. I feel responsible to do the same for others – provide guidance to those that need it.
Actionable Idea: Everyone needs a helping hand. Find someone who can use some guidance and can benefit from your experience. Help them.
Repeat as often as you can.
Do YOU need some guidance? We all do. Reach out to someone who you feel can help you improve yourself. Ask if they will mentor you.
Repeat as necessary you need.
THANKS, DORIS!
