Think an MBA or law degree will advance your career? Think twice. Experts say the best way to advance is by having a trusted and powerful mentor. A mentor is a person who advises and coaches you, offers support, and acts as your advocate. From the beginning, a mentor shows you the ropes, introduces you to the right people, and points you in the right direction, suggesting training and professional development opportunities for career advancement. In short, a mentor works to ensure that you receive advantages for advancement.

Few are lucky enough to have mentors tooting their horns. Most stumble along or believe success depends upon qualifications and credentials. Credentials do open doors, yet advancement requires more, including motivation and multiple networks.

Motivation is the toughest. Start, by recognizing that you're in charge. You have skills and talents and like any professional, you need support. Lots of it. You need more than one person, too. Staying motivated over the long haul takes networks of people to tap. Whether to relax, find assistance with projects, or gain career advise on promotions and raises, three types of networks will help you move forward.

Personal networks: Family and friends, like-minded people whose eyes light up when they see you. These are the people who make you feel good or recharged when you're around them, who love you, and who want to see you happy. Making time for your personal network is absolutely necessary for motivation.

Social networks: These are networks of acquaintances you see less often. They are people you have fun with and see at parties, or people who enjoy similar hobbies such as working out, hiking, biking, or going to the movies. If you're new in town, develop and expand your social networks by meeting people at places you enjoy, or by taking continuing education classes or volunteering in your community.

Professional networks: These are groups of people you meet even less often than social acquaintances. You see them at alumni gatherings, at professional meetings, or in the workplace. Professional networks also include former coworkers, bosses, academic advisors, and professors. Included, too, are career counselors, who can be hired as personal mentors, coaching you to press forward and attain your goals.

Although there are no guarantees for advancement, staying motivated and paying your dues through personal, social, and professional networks will earn you a positive reputation. If you begin to tap your networks and take action on your goals, you'll be motivated to move forward. If not, it may be time to see a career counselor for a review of your accomplishments and goals. You may realize, too, that making lateral moves or continuing your role at a deeper level, is the best form of career advancement and personal reward.

Center for Career/Life Planning © 1999