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By Keith F. Luscher

You probably have heard a lot about how important it is to network--getting to know as many people as you can who can open up doors of opportunity. For many, the whole process seems overwhelming. Want in on a simple, first step? The answer is simple. Adopt a mentor.

Perhaps the advice should be: Have a mentor adopt you. A mentor is usually a professional person in a top level within an organization (or profession) who counsels, advises and guides a less-experienced individual. A mentor can be great if you have a fairly clear idea of what you want to do for a living, or are at least considering. By associating closely with someone already out in the field, you can learn all kinds of insights that you won't get in the classroom.

A mentor can even help you be sure you are making the right decision as far as your career is concerned.

You can learn all kinds of important things from a mentor:

• You can observe them "in action" in the courtroom, meeting room, office, with customers, or wherever they work.
• You can learn how they came to be in their positions. You'll hear about their pitfalls as well as their victories. Don't be surprised when they tell you they started out going in a completely different direction.
• Mentors can inform you of different types of positions in their field, most often because they have held most of them as they have advanced in their careers.
• You can gain a clearer career direction for yourself, from their guidance in academic choices and outside activities.
• With their connections with you as well as other people, they may be able to help you find opportunities to serve and learn.

Mentors can be great. The trick is finding one yourself if your college doesn't have a structured mentoring program. If it doesn't, here's what you can do:

• Check your career-guidance office and ask about finding a mentor. A counselor should be able to help you out.
• Call some local chapters of the professional organizations for your chosen field. An official there may also be able to mention it at the next meeting (don't be surprised if they invite you) or even run a blurb in the newsletter. While you have them on the phone, don't forget to ask about volunteer opportunities!
• Consider looking to a college teacher or professor for assistance.
• Lastly, think of who you know already!

Many professional people are very willing to become mentors once someone asks them. They often see it as a chance to help a younger person out and to give back to a profession that has done very well for them.

-- Keith F. Luscher is a consultant, speaker, and author of the book Don't Wait Until You Graduate! How to "Jump-Start" Your Career While Still in School and The Last Guide to Networking You'll Ever Need. He invites--and responds to--your questions, comments and experiences. He can be reached via e-mail at keithluscher@aol.com.