Why Having a Mentor Matters

By: Elle McCray

Before you nosedive into the uncharted waters of the fashion industry, It helps to know that someone who’s “been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt” is there in your corner, guiding you along the way. Sure, some do go in blindly and “Bird Box” their way through the process, but in this day and age, with email and social media at our disposal, connecting with your own personal fashion mentor is only within palms reach.

While there are surely no promises that you’ll come out unscathed (in fact let’s be honest, fashion has a way of weeding out the weak), with the help of a mentor you’ll find yourself at an advantage, waving hello from ahead of the curve.

LEARN BABY, LEARN

If you’re a grad fresh out of fashion school and ready to waltz right into that dream job you just spent years of studying and sleepless nights working toward, here comes a bit of bittersweet news: school can’t/won’t teach you everything. Luckily, a mentor can help bridge the gap. There is always something to learn, especially in a creative industry like fashion, with its’ vast range of necessary skills, jobs, other turning gears that make it all happen. Having someone to venture beyond fashion’s sparkly surface level and answer those pressing questions, gives you industry insight that only first-hand experience can teach.

Tip: Intern. Interning before applying for a fashion job gives you a hands on opportunity to test the waters and shows employers that you have some experience in the real world, aside from schooling.

MISS OUT ON MISTAKES

Picture the harmonic pairing of wisdom and experience that a mentor has, as a big flashing arrow sign pointing your career into the right direction. With a mentor you are being steered by a seasoned vet who has already made the rookie mistakes, so you can avoid them. From resume building and networking to how to land your dream job, advice like this from a mentor is truly invaluable.

Tip: Offer something in return. A mentor is already acting as a martyr when helping you bypass common blunders, so make an effort to see how you can make the relationship more reciprocal.

NETWORK TO BOOST YOUR NET-WORTH

The more obvious aspect of having a guide is the inherent connection that you share. Forming a genuine bond with someone with the same love for fashion, whether it be styling, design, PR or any other role, build a deep sense of ‘big sister/ brother’ relatability.  This type of thing comes in clutch when it’s time to network. We’ve all heard the saying “it’s all about who you know”, and this couldn’t be more true in the coveted fashion industry. A mentor in your toolkit is like a helping hand on your climb to the top.

Tip: Name drop. Mentioning your mentor’s name in prospective networking conversation can be a major boost to your credibility.

Now mentors don’t just fall from the heavens, more times than not, you have to roll up those sleeves and seek them out for yourself. Fortunately, your mentor could be one hop on LinkedIn or Instagram away from helping you reach your wildest dreams. Who’s your dream mentor?