Ask HN: How do you find a mentor at a new job or a new place?

2 points by andher 10y ago ↗ HN

Hey HN. I was hoping to tap into the collective wisdom of the veterans.

So I'm just about to start a new job (graduated right now) in San Francisco for a well known mid-size company. I believe finding a mentor is one of the best ways to learn how to navigate the landscape, but I'm not sure what is the best way of doing that.

Any advice on how to find someone who can act as a mentor, either in your work or outside?

2 comments

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wehadfun 10y ago ↗

I don't know. I never seeked out a mentor. I would guess identify someone you truely admire that is not in your command chain and ask if you can pay for their lunch and ask them questions.

humbleMouse 10y ago ↗

If you try to "seek one out" it will look tacky. Just go with the flow and don't interrupt people when they are obviously concentrating. Be respectful and I bet senior people will go out of their way to teach you things.