Dear GRL: Your Career Deserves a Mentor (and Here's Why)
Hey GRL,
Can we talk about something real for a minute? You're out here crushing it, building your career, navigating workplace politics, and trying to figure out the next move – but you don't have to do it alone. If there's one thing that can absolutely transform your professional journey, it's finding a mentor. And no, I'm not talking about some stuffy corporate relationship where someone twice your age lectures you about "paying your dues." I'm talking about finding that person who genuinely invests in your growth, opens doors you didn't even know existed, and helps you level up in ways you never imagined.
The numbers don't lie – 68% of millennials who stay at their organization for 5 or more years have a mentor, compared to just 32% of those without a mentor. That's not a coincidence. When you have someone in your corner who's been where you want to go, everything changes. They help you see blind spots, navigate office dynamics, and make strategic moves that actually advance your career instead of just keeping you busy. Plus, millennial and Gen Z workers who have a mentor are 21% to 23% more likely to report being satisfied with their current job, compared to those without a mentor. In a world where job satisfaction feels like a luxury, that boost in happiness at work is everything.
Here's what's beautiful about mentorship in 2025 – it doesn't have to look like the traditional model your parents might remember. Your mentor could be someone just a few years ahead of you who gets the unique challenges of building a career in this economy. They could be in a completely different department but share your values around work-life balance. They might even be someone you initially connected with on LinkedIn who becomes your biggest advocate. The key is finding someone whose career path or leadership style resonates with you, and who's willing to share their knowledge generously.
So GRL, if you've been waiting for the "right time" to seek out a mentor, this is your sign. Start with your own network – that colleague who always seems to handle difficult situations with grace, the alum from your program who landed their dream job, or even someone whose career journey you've been following on social media. Send that coffee chat request. Be specific about what you're hoping to learn. Most importantly, remember that great mentorship is a two-way street – you bring fresh perspectives, energy, and insights that make the relationship valuable for them too. Your career trajectory is waiting for that game-changing relationship, and honestly? You deserve to have someone who believes in your potential as much as you do.
With love and ambition,
The GRL Team
