Your guide to finding a mentor who actually gets you

Key takeaways about finding a mentor

• You don’t need the perfect mentor—just the right one for where you are now.
• Mentors can be professors, advisors, managers, or even peers.
• Knowing how to ask someone to be your mentor makes it way less awkward.
• Setting clear expectations helps the mentoring relationship grow naturally.
•  Look in to other ways to get support if you can't find a mentor right away.

Learn how to find a mentor—and why it's so important

Having a mentor can seriously change the game. They’re like a personal hype squad, career coach, and wise older friend all in one. But figuring out how to find a mentor—or even where to start—can feel confusing.

Whether you’re already in college or heading there soon, this guide breaks down everything you need to know: from the different types of mentors to how to actually reach out, and what to do if you haven’t found your match yet.

What kind of mentor do I need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all mentor. Your goals and interests will shape the type of support you’re looking for.

Types of mentors you might find in college:

• Academic mentors: Professors, teaching assistants, or advisors who help with coursework, research, and academic decisions
• Career mentors: Professionals or internship supervisors who can guide you on resumes, job searches, and networking (helpful if you’re eyeing your first internship)
• Peer mentors: Students who’ve been there, done that—offering tips on classes, clubs, and college life
• Personal mentors: Trusted adults (maybe even family or high school teachers) who keep you grounded and check in on your well-being

You can even have more than one mentor for different areas of your life. That’s actually pretty common.

How do I find the right mentor

Finding the right mentor starts with knowing what you need. Are you trying to choose a major? Land your first internship? Make it through your first year? Once you're clear on that, you’ll know where to look.

Here are a few common places to find a mentor in college:

• Professors or academic advisors: They know the ropes and might connect you with resources or research opportunities.
• Campus organizations and clubs: Upperclassmen often take on mentorship roles.
• Career centers: These campus hubs offer resume help, job prep, and sometimes mentorship programs.
• Scholarships: Some include internships and mentoring programs. Check Scholly Scholarships to find scholarships that match your interests.
• Internships or part-time jobs: Your boss or a more experienced co-worker could be a potential mentor.
• Alumni networks: Some schools match students with graduates in their field.

How to ask someone to be your mentor (without it being awkward)

This is the part that makes most people a little neverous—but it doesn’t have to be scary. Most mentors don’t even need to hear the word “mentor” right away.

Here’s how to ease into it:

1. Start with a conversation.

   Ask them for a quick chat or coffee to get advice on something specific (a class, your resume, their career path).

2. Be clear about your goals.

   Share what you’re hoping to learn or work on. This helps them understand how they can support you.

3. Make it low-pressure.

   You don’t need a formal ask. Try something like: “I’ve really appreciated your advice—would you be open to chatting from time to time as I navigate [college/career/etc.]?”

4. Keep showing up.

   A mentoring relationship grows over time. Follow up, ask thoughtful questions, and stay in touch.

Set expectations early to make it work

Once someone’s on board, it helps to set some loose guidelines so the relationship runs smoothly.

Talk about:

• How often you’ll connect (monthly check-ins, email updates, quick coffee catch-ups)
• What kind of support you’re looking for (career advice, networking help, life guidance)
• How you’ll stay in touch (Zoom, text, LinkedIn, etc.)

Don’t expect your mentor to have all the answers—but their advice or guidance will provide major benefits to you.

Keep the relationship going (and growing)

Mentorship is a two-way street. Even if you’re the one getting guidance, showing appreciation and staying engaged makes the relationship stronger.

Here’s how to maintain it:

• Follow up after meetings to thank them and share updates.
• Ask for feedback on how you’re doing.
• Celebrate wins (got the internship? Tell them!).
• Be respectful of their time—come to meetings prepared with questions or updates.

Over time, a great mentor can become a lifelong connection—someone who roots for you long after graduation.

What if you can’t find a mentor right now?

That’s okay. Sometimes the right person just isn’t in your orbit yet—but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Here’s what you can do in the meantime:

• Join clubs or leadership programs—you’ll meet upperclassmen or advisors naturally.
• Go to office hours—even casual conversations can spark mentorship.
• Use online resources like LinkedIn or alumni platforms to connect with professionals.
• Find support in unexpected places—sometimes a friend, older sibling, or co-worker offers the wisdom you need.

And remember: mentoring doesn’t have to be forever. Even a few helpful convos can make a big impact.

If you’re still exploring career paths, check out these career resources for college students or get tips on finding a job after college.

Ready to level up?

Mentorship is just one way to prep for college and beyond. If you’re still planning your next steps, keep exploring ways to set yourself up for success. 

Still looking for a college that's the right fit? Check out Scout College Search. And to find scholarship opportunities that match who you are, explore Scholly Scholarships.