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Ask
Chelly
By
Daschell M. Phillips
My
professors at Norfolk State University
in Norfolk, VA thrust me into the world of mentors before I even
understood the importance of having one. During my sophomore year
in college I was strongly encouraged to join a mentorship program
at the Virginian
Pilot where I was paired up with a professional journalist.
We were "urged" to meet at least twice and have lunch
together.
I
was paired up with a broadcast journalist, due to a shortage of
print journalists in the program. We only met once during my junior
year when I became serious about looking for a job and I was asked
by her receptionist to go to lunch alone while I waited for her
to meet with me later that day. She looked over my resume, gave
me a few tips and I vowed to keep in touch and that was it.
I
am sure you are wondering why I told you that horror story after
advising you to get a mentor, but I assure you that is not the
end of the story. There have been many times when mentors have
been a great inspiration to me.
- First,
references. It doesn't matter if you are applying to schools,
looking for an apartment
or starting your career.
People always ask for references.
- Another
thing is direction. In your particular field a mentor is
the best source of advice from what courses to take while in
school to what level of degree is required. And most of the
time they have access to the people who can give you the internships
and job opportunities you need to get your career started.
- Finally
relationships. It is important to build relationships with
people in your industry. You never know when you'll need a helping
hand from a professional in your field.
"Find
someone who's been through some of what you are going to be going
through," said my mentor, Alysia Tate, editor and publisher
of the Chicago Reporter.
"It's really those relationships that get you jobs, get you
in the door somewhere and just keep you going."
Tate
said her mother, who was also a journalist, is her role model.
In
retrospect, I had plenty of informal mentors before and after
that formal mentorship program. Angela Robinson, former NSU professor
and advisor to the student newspaper, helped me become goal oriented
in pursuing a degree in journalism. On those days when I wanted
to slack off instead of come into the newsroom, she'd call me
and get me back on track. And thanks to all of the recommendation
letters that NSU Professor Richard Koonce and Freelance Editor
Pam Geisinger always write for me, almost every job, scholarship
and special program I apply for is mine.
Of
course there were many others who contributed to the development
of my career path, but the people I mentioned above are the ones
who really worked with me through the ups and downs. They are
also the ones with whom I feel comfortable enough to discuss not
only the professional side of my career but my personal feelings.
The
way I pay all of these people back for their help is by doing
a good job and impressing the people they refer me to.
There
is nothing more embarrassing than having someone portray you in
a good light and then you perform badly. If you do not put your
best foot forward, you can single-handedly ruin several relationships.
The
relationship between you and your mentor may become strained because
their colleague only has harsh words for them about you. Your
mentor looses his/her colleague's trust. And depending on the
size of the industry the rest of your mentors' peers will hear
about everything that happened. This is not to scare you; it's
just to remind you how important this relationship is.
For
those of you who were not fortunate enough to be propelled into
the life of mentorship, I would like to suggest some ways that
you can begin your search for a mentor.
- Keep
in touch with teachers, counselors and advisers that you
shared a comfortable connection with when you were in school.
They can be used as references and will have enough faith in
you to sign a letter saying they believe in your potential.
- Professional
organizations are also a good place to find mentors. One
thing I have learned during my years as a reporter is that almost
every profession has a national organization with tons of professional
members. Become a part of the local chapter and go to the events.
They often have prominent speakers and networking events like
the one I was invited to when I was paired up with my first
mentor.
- Give
back. When mentors refer you to a job opportunity, scholarship
program or university, make them proud by always trying your
best. And when you see someone else who needs help don't hesitate
to lend them a hand. There are enough opportunities to go around.
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