Building Your Mentorship Network in College

Carla Harris highlights that success is rarely achieved in isolation, particularly during the four crucial years of college or any graduate program.

She notes that even seemingly independent academic work is often supported and facilitated by professors or teaching fellows who are invested in student success, emphasizing the need to move beyond a siloed approach to personal and professional development.

Harris advises that the first step in finding the right mentor is to clearly define personal goals, whether they involve academic excellence, securing internships, or networking for future business partnerships.

She explains that clear objectives act as a roadmap, guiding students to identify the specific types of relationships needed to advance their careers and simplifying the process of narrowing down potential mentors.

Carla Harris suggests viewing oneself as an institution or company, requiring a diverse 'board of directors' to provide varied perspectives and guidance.

She recommends seeking different mentors for specific needs, such as summer experiences, building professional presence, or developing writing and communication skills, all with the aim of achieving one's 'best excellent self' through this comprehensive support network.

Harris encourages students to actively scout for potential mentors in diverse environments beyond traditional academic settings, including on campus, at church, in extracurricular activities, or even at a gym.

She emphasizes that shared activities, such as a wellness journey, can provide common ground to initiate new relationships and foster mutually beneficial connections where both parties can share intellect and experience.