Finding a mentor can be key to your success—3 expert tips for finding one: ‘It’s going to get you places’

One of the most common career tips that young professionals receive is to find a mentor, but it’s not always easy to determine the best approach.

Deborah Heiser, applied developmental psychologist and author of The Mentorship Edge, has a simple suggestion for nervous new grads: “Just reach out.”

Most people have a positive reaction to being asked for career advice, “even if they’re really high up,” Heiser says.

According to Heiser, who also founded The Mentor Project, it’s never too early to start putting out feelers to connect with people in your industry.

“Most people who are starting out think they have to get the job first to find the mentor,” she says. “But really, when you’re out looking, this is the time to start to gather your mentors.”