Analytics India Magazine recently launched a community-based mentoring program, AIM Mentoring Circle which encourages data science professionals and enthusiasts, to connect with the best mentors in the industry. It aims at helping budding data scientists or those stuck in their professional careers to seek advice, guidance and suggestions from experienced professionals. The world’s largest one-on-one mentorship network, it provides data science enthusiasts with an excellent opportunity to learn in-demand skills and excel in their professional career.
It provides a platform for mentees to get insights from the best of the industry and establish themselves in the highly competitive field. Having a mentor means that mentees have a powerful resource of expertise, strategy and a deeper understanding of the industry. If made the most of this opportunity, it can prove highly rewarding to set a career growth. Here we bring 5 tips for the mentees to make the most of the mentoring program.
Express your curiosity to learn more: The mentors at the AIM Mentoring sessions are all about throwing insights about the latest developments in the data science industry. Being experienced in the field and knowing the latest developments, it will be in your advantage to get the best understanding of the industry from them. If you are curious enough and are willing to step out of your comfort zone, the mentor-mentee relationship will offer the best for you. Ask thought-provoking questions, engage with them and learn about the latest tools and technologies from them. Remember that mentors are always attracted to people who are proactive and curious. They are keen to have candidates who are eager to learn and are looking for value addition from them.
Share your interests and expectations with the mentors: While the data science field is huge and you may have specific interests in the field, it is best to let the mentors know so that they can help you in the best way possible. Before getting started with the mentoring sessions, set up a meeting just to convey your interests in the topics, establish a big picture and what outcomes you are looking for with the sessions. Let your mentors know of the goals you would like to accomplish with the program. Whether it is understanding the data science field better, making a transition into the data science field or learning more about the skills in the field. Setting a few smaller goals and taking the sessions topic-wise will be the best way to make the most of these sessions.
Chalk out an agenda with the mentors: Setting an agenda with the mentor helps in deciding how much time they should allot for you and meet your expectations in the best possible way. Coming prepared for the meeting helps mentors decide and work on a routine for the program more efficiently. Having an agenda can help you achieve your goals in a more efficient manner, saving both of them some time.
Be open to feedback: It is important to be apprised of the fact that the mentor is here to help you and therefore a candidate must be open to any suggestions and feedback from them. Opening up to the mentor will help them guide you towards your data science journey in an informed manner. Any feedback from mentors regarding career, taking up the courses, increasing your network or any other feedback should be considered in the best interest, given the experience they bring on the table. Give them the full picture of your challenges, needs, goals, and accomplishments so they can understand how to best help you.
Keep in touch with your mentors and follow up: For the relationship to yield the best possible results, keeping up with the mentors and staying in regular contact with them through emails will help you make the most of the mentorship program. It shows that you are ambitious enough to utilize this opportunity and consistent enough to set your career in the field. Reaching out to them more often will help your mentee-mentor relationship be alive and help you to seek more benefits from it.
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