Building a Mentor Relationship in the Non-Profit World

By Laina Vlasnik Yip

Recently, I had coffee with a few friends who work across various sectors. We discussed the different dynamics of working in a non-profit versus a large corporation. After our conversation, I realized how fortunate I am to have worked at non-profits where I have had informal mentors who took time to help me with my career. Unfortunately, non-profits often lack formal mentorship programs, so as professionals we are often on our own when it comes to mentors.

You will need multiple mentors over the course of your career to maximize your success. For young professionals entering the non-profit field, you should find someone who is at least a little older and who has more experience than you have. Ideally you will have mentors who both understand the dynamics of your organization and the greater landscape of your field. Mentors will help you understand what challenges you face in your profession, and they can help you navigate those challenges successfully. Sometimes these qualities cannot be found in one person. Over time you will build multiple relationships to meet these needs, but how do you get started?

Here are a few steps:

Make a plan.
Envision the kind of relationship you would like to have with a mentor. Are you looking for someone who is well connected within your field to give you context about the landscape? Are you looking for someone to help you “learn the organization” from another perspective? Does this person have different skills than you have or a position that you want someday? Those are great qualifications. There are many reasons to have a mentor, so think carefully about it before asking.

Find a good match.
Find someone who is well respected, available, and interested in mentoring you. You need someone who has enough time to work with you on projects and to understand your career goals. You will need to talk on a somewhat regular basis that works with your schedule so you can build a relationship.

Do your homework.
Research the person’s experience and interests before you approach him/her about a mentor relationship, even if it is informal. Think of questions you would ask potential mentors and write them down so you can remember them when you have the opportunity to ask. Write goals for a mentorship. These goals can change, but it will be hard to choose the right person without asking yourself about your goal for finding a mentor. Share your goals in a manner tailored to the person’s communication style. If he/she is very formal and would like to measure your progress against these goals in a specific manner, work together on a format that works.

Bring your(best)self.
You want to find a mentor who will stretch you by teaching you new things or by showing you a new way to think. However, you don’t want someone who wants to mold you into someone you know you are not. Carefully weigh the advice that this person gives you. This is another reason to have multiple mentors. If something seems skewed that one person tells you, ask for advice from another perspective while keeping the advice of the other person in confidence. Prove yourself to be a person of great integrity in all interactions.

Read between the lines.
If you ask for mentorship and the person seems less than receptive because of other commitments (personal or professional), or for any other reason said or unsaid, be respectful. This could involve politics that you’re unaware of and can’t ask about. Don’t take it personally, but instead think constructively about others who can mentor you.

Keep in touch.
Periodically sending a personal, handwritten note sends a strong message about your level of professionalism and your sincere feelings of appreciation. Most people don’t take the time to do this anymore, so when you do, you will stand out. Schedule time on your calendar to follow up with the person over time (perhaps once per quarter after you have moved to another organization). This person will be a much more valuable asset for your future if you stay in touch.

About the Author:
Laina Vlasnik Yip works as a Grants Manager in the education reform movement in New York City. In 2010, Laina was named a “Woman Innovator” by Pipeline, a social venture startup. A former educator, Laina mentors students in her free time.

This article is a partnership between the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of New York City (YNPN-NYC) and Opportunity Knocks to provide real-world insight into the careers of non-profit professionals. YNPN-NYC supports the professional development of the next generation of non-profit leaders by providing opportunities for skill-building, information sharing, and networking. Become a member to receive discounts on professional development resources, access to free events, and more.