We are all talk here at Think Differently about mentorship lately. That’s because it plays a big part in our Entry to Media Programme, our own career and life journeys, and the media industry as a whole. So why does it matter?
Most careers don’t follow a straight line. They stall, accelerate unexpectedly and occasionally take a turn you didn’t expect. While obviously ambition and hard work are essential, are they enough on their own? This is where we suggest that mentorship can make a difference.
We recently ran a poll on our Think Differently Business page asking: Where do you think mentorship creates the most long-term value? The options were Leadership Growth, Faster Career Progression, Better Decision-Making and Personal Fulfilment. One comment really stood out: “I wish there was an option for all of the above!” Honestly? We agreed. Because the truth is, what you gain from mentorship can’t be something Googled or… Chat GPT’d! (We’re millennials, but we’re trying, okay?)
Leadership growth is often the most obvious benefit. Great mentors don’t just teach you how to do the job, they show you how to be a leader. You see how they handle challenges, communicate when things get tough and own their mistakes. That kind of real-world example sticks with you.
When it comes to faster career progression, mentorship isn’t about cutting corners. It’s about having someone help you make sense of the road ahead. A mentor can spot opportunities you might miss, help you avoid a few wrong turns and give you the confidence to take the next step. That simple “you’re ready” at the right moment? Our CEO knows just how powerful that can be from her own experience. And here we are now.
Better decision-making is another big plus. Early in your career, even small choices can feel overwhelming. Mentors bring experience and perspective. They won’t tell you what to do, but they’ll help you think things through, see the bigger picture and learn from mistakes without letting them knock your confidence.
And then there’s personal fulfilment, which often gets overlooked. Mentorship isn’t just about careers, it’s about people. Feeling supported and encouraged can build confidence that carries into every part of your life. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. And some (in this company) would argue this is the most important part of all.
So yes, we wish “all of the above” had been an option too. Because mentorship isn’t just one thing – it supports growth in lots of different ways. And in an industry built on relationships and creativity, that kind of support really matters.
Our Entry to Media Programme is underway with industry mentorship playing a key role. Please reach out to entrytomedia@thinkdifferently.ie if you would like to get involved.
