Mentor – noun

1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher.

2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.

Are you looking for a new job? Considering starting your own business? You might even be thinking about completely switching gears and starting a new career. If any of these statements apply to you, it might be a good idea to get a little help from someone who has been there, done that before.

A mentor can be any person you know who works in your ideal profession. They will be able to offer feedback and advice to help you get started on your way to a new career. So, before you become too tempted to quit your full-time job to open a new restaurant, seek out people who have done the same thing before. Here are some tips on how to find a professional mentor:

Check out mentoring programs in your area – In return for a small membership fee, many organizations provide you with access to events and educational seminars. These meetings will help you discover networking opportunities and connect you with a professional mentor. Check out our favorite programs, the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and Executives.

Choose your network wisely – Whether you realize it or not, we all have a network. Friends, family, and friends-of-friends often make great mentors. These types of people are always eager to offer you their support, advice, and even their own connections.

Take advantage of the ‘Net – blogging and other forms of online social media are an excellent way to establish professional connections. In fact, a good mentor doesn’t need to provide face-to-face interaction. You can find perfectly good advice via emails, blogs, and even Twitter!

One of the best pieces of advice is to scout out a particular company and ask if you can work as an intern for a few days. That way, you can determine whether you actually enjoy doing the work and have the necessary resources to make it happen.