Why Every College Student Needs a Mentor (and How to Find One)
Author: Tierney Education Team
Read time: 4 minutes
This content was aided by the OpenAI language model Assistant. Learn more at https://openai.com/.
College can feel like a list of never-ending choices: what to major in, which internships to pursue, how to prepare for a career that still feels light-years away. The good news is... You don’t have to navigate it alone. Finding a mentor can be one of the most powerful moves you make in college.
A mentor doesn’t have to be a professor, advisor, or even someone officially assigned to you. They’re simply someone who’s been where you are and is willing to share what they’ve learned. The right mentor helps you make better decisions, build confidence, and see possibilities you didn’t even know existed.
Why Mentorship Matters
Here’s what having a mentor can do for you:
Perspective: They help you zoom out when you’re stuck in the day-to-day grind.
Connections: They introduce you to opportunities and networks you might not find on your own.
Confidence: They remind you that uncertainty is normal, AND that you’re more capable than you think.
Accountability: They push you to follow through on goals, just like a coach or teammate would.
Every successful person you admire likely had mentors along the way — sometimes several, at different stages of life.
How to Find a Mentor (Without It Feeling Too Awkward)
You don’t have to wait for a formal mentorship program to start building your own network of guides. Mentorship often begins with one simple action: curiosity.
Here are three practical places to start:
1. Talk with Your Professors — Especially During Office Hours
Professors aren’t just there to grade your work. They’re often deeply connected in their fields and love seeing students take initiative. Show up during office hours with genuine questions about the class, their research, or your career interests. Those informal conversations can lead to real mentorship opportunities or introductions to others who can help.
2. Explore LinkedIn (It’s Not Just for Job Accomplishments)
LinkedIn might feel intimidating at first, but it’s one of the easiest tools for finding people doing what you want to do.
Search for alumni from your school working in industries you’re curious about. When you find someone interesting, send a short, polite message:
“Hi [Name], I’m a student at [University] studying [major]. I’m really interested in your work in [field]. Would you be open to sharing how you got started?”
Here’s the secret: people love talking about themselves. You’re not bothering them, you’re giving them a chance to share their story and feel helpful.
3. Reach Out to Professionals in Your Field of Interest
If there’s a company or job that fascinates you, reach out directly to someone in that role. Ask for an informational interview; a short chat (even 15 minutes!) to learn about their path and advice. These conversations are often the first step to internships, research opportunities, or future collaborations.
A Final Thought
Mentorship isn’t about asking someone to be your “official mentor.” It’s about being open, curious, and willing to learn from others. Sometimes, mentorship happens in a single conversation that changes how you see your future. Other times, it grows into a years-long relationship that shapes your career and your confidence.
At Tierney Education, we see mentorship as one of the most valuable parts of a student’s journey. Whether it’s a professor, a professional, or a coach, finding people who believe in you (and who challenge you) can make all the difference.
