I'm new to the sysadmin role and looking for advice on how to find a mentor who can guide me through the challenges of this job. How did you find your mentor? What should I look for in a mentor?
5 Answers
Finding a mentor often comes down to your work environment. I had a manager who was great about letting me learn through trial and error. Instead of just focusing on technical skills, look for someone who can guide you through the workplace dynamics and offers insight into the business side of things—those lessons can be just as valuable as the tech skills!
I totally agree. A mentor who understands the intricacies of office politics is invaluable!
I started at the ground level at a tech support role, which allowed me to work alongside seasoned pros. Just by doing grunt work for them and being eager to learn, I formed some great relationships that led to mentorship-like experiences without the formalities. Find ways to make their jobs easier, and you'll often get knowledge in return!
Great strategy! Building those relationships really pays off.
Honestly, I've never had a formal mentor. It was more of a sink or swim situation for me. Sometimes, you just have to dive in and learn by doing. That said, if you actively seek out knowledgeable colleagues and aren't afraid to ask questions, you'll pick up a lot along the way!
So, are you swimming now? How’s that going for you?
My first IT job provided a lot of opportunities for mentorship, but it was driven by the quality of the managers I had. They allowed me to explore and gave me room to fail while providing constructive feedback which was essential for growth. There's a lot to gain from leaders who truly advocate for you!
Sounds like you were really lucky! How did you establish that trust with them?
Most of my learning has come from self-teaching. I relied heavily on online resources—YouTube, forums, and even AI tools to navigate challenges. While I didn’t have a mentor, I turned failures into learning opportunities, and that has shaped my skills tremendously.
I appreciate that! What's one mistake that taught you a crucial lesson?
Exactly! I learned most of my technical skills on my own, but the insights about navigating corporate life really helped me succeed.