Stage 4 of 7 · 6 lessons · ~2 weeks
Finding and keeping mentors
Mentors are people further along who help you see further. You do not need one perfect mentor; several people, each helping with one part, is more realistic and often better.
Start: What a mentor is, and is notLessons· one lesson for each topic, in this order
Do this
- Write the two or three questions you most want a mentor's view on
- Sketch your personal board of mentors with four or five seats
- List five possible mentors, from people you know to people online
- Send one short first message with a specific question
- Thank anyone who helps within a day
- Send an update after you act on their advice
- Ask Tauseef a question at /account/ask/ if you need a direct answer
Start with
- PlatformFreeSefism 1:1 Mentorship
Sefism
Sefism's own one-to-one sessions with Tauseef for approved members
Practise
Keep handy
- MentorCruisePaid
Longer-term mentors in tech when you want someone in your corner for months
How to ask questions that get useful answers from busy people
Also worth your time
- Google Summer of CodeGo deeper
A paid summer of open source work with a mentor assigned to you
Before moving on: A personal board of mentors with names in at least three seats, one first message sent with a specific question, and one follow-up update after acting on advice.
Do not wait for a perfect mentor. Ask small, specific questions to people a few years ahead, act on what they say, and tell them how it went. That is how mentors are made.
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).