Mentoring in IT...how??!?!?

JockVSJock

Guys, lately I've been reading some books on Entrepreneurship, because in a sense, studying for IT certs has made me feel like I am somewhat of an entrepreneur.

One of the books that I'm reading is called You Call the Shots by Cameron Johnson

One of the chapters in the book, he talks about finding great mentors. He goes on to talk about how thru his line of work, he has struck up friendships with Donald Trump, Michael Dell, and Joe Polish.

Now you don't have to be an gifted entrepreneur to have mentors.

What I'm more interested in is how do I strike up a mentoring relationship with others who maybe above me at work. Especially ones who have some experience/knowledge under their belt.

In case you haven't seen some of my other posts, this would really help in the career path and what I'm wanting to do in some cases is increase my skillset, like troubleshooting. Starting to think like a sys admin/networking guy, because that is the career path I'm wanting to take.

thanks

veritas_libertas

JockVSJock wrote: »

Guys, lately I've been reading some books on Entrepreneurship, because in a sense, studying for IT certs has made me feel like I am somewhat of an entrepreneur.

One of the books that I'm reading is called You Call the Shots by Cameron Johnson

One of the chapters in the book, he talks about finding great mentors. He goes on to talk about how thru his line of work, he has struck up friendships with Donald Trump, Michael Dell, and Joe Polish.

Now you don't have to be an gifted entrepreneur to have mentors.

What I'm more interested in is how do I strike up a mentoring relationship with others who maybe above me at work. Especially ones who have some experience/knowledge under their belt.

In case you haven't seen some of my other posts, this would really help in the career path and what I'm wanting to do in some cases is increase my skillset, like troubleshooting. Starting to think like a sys admin/networking guy, because that is the career path I'm wanting to take.

thanks

I have thought about this alot lately as well. As I look back, if it had not been for a good Computer Networking instructor I would not still be pursuing Networking and Security.

Something I found that helps is being a part of local association. For me it is the ISSA. I have also learned allot from being a part of this forum.

RobertKaucher

Well, to start I have to make fun of vertitas for his spelling of alot. Not "to allot". Or at least I would make fun of him, if I could spell either.

I would say just get the guys you have some respect for talking. Show them respect and show interest in what they do and the mentoring will come naturally.

veritas_libertas

RobertKaucher wrote: »

Well, to start I have to make fun of vertitas for his spelling of alot. Not "to allot". Or at least I would make fun of him, if I could spell either.

I would say just get the guys you have some respect for talking. Show them respect and show interest in what they do and the mentoring will come naturally.

Uh oh, spelling **** spotted! ??: Just kidding!

veritas_libertas

veritas_libertas wrote: »

Uh oh, spelling **** spotted! ??: Just kidding!

You gotta be kidding. Evil German troops with a certain emblem are filtered out?

RobertKaucher

veritas_libertas wrote: »

You gotta be kidding. Evil German troops with a certain emblem are filtered out?

LOL, that's funny.
But you busted me with "wieling" so I gotta get on you!

veritas_libertas

RobertKaucher wrote: »

LOL, that's funny.
But you busted me with "wieling" so I gotta get on you!

True enough

undomiel

Find some guys with knowledge and make friends with them. Get them to talk about themselves and what they do. People like to talk about what they do. Then engage them in some conservation about IT topics of interest to you that you know would fall in their expertise. It's pretty much just every day conversation and camaraderie that does it. Can't find anyone around your work that would make a good mentor? Start reading some blogs and e-mailing some questions. Eventually someone will bite.

UnixGuy

Socializing with IT people is always good.

but what I found more useful is IT forums ! Ready about others and interacting with professionals world wide is priceless...

dynamik

Might want to look at doing something like this too: Informational Interview

tpatt100

IT forums are a great way to find mentors. I found a few that I kept in touch with back in my help desk days via the Internet and some of my classes. Really what benefited me though was finding out what they did to get where they are and model yourself on those things.

vCole

IT forums, ftw.

HeroPsycho is most def. my mentor, and I appreciate all his advice/guidance. Not only on a technical level, but personal and career wise.