How to Identify an Informal Mentor
Several oil and gas companies have formal mentorship programs, in which experienced workers are matched with newcomers to help them get acclimated to the culture and excel in their role with the company.
Typically, these programs are structured, the results are measurable and there is a direct benefit to the employer. But at times, young industry professionals aren’t exposed to a formal mentorship relationship. Do they still need the guidance? Absolutely. But how will they get it and who will they get it from?
An informal mentorship is less about structure and more about organic development. Often times the mentee will seek out the potential mentor and the relationship takes shape based on mutual agreements of time commitment, frequency and objectives.
Rigzone asked young professionals to share their experiences in how they were able to identify informal mentors and how the relationship helped them further their careers.
Mentee Testimonials
Marty Dytrych is working on starting his own company and he credits his informal mentor with helping guide him down the right path and meet the right people.
Three years ago, Dytrych was working with an advertising agency focused on oil and gas, but knew nothing about oil and gas. So he began researching in order to educate himself on the industry. That’s when he came across some YouTube videos about how not to cold call. Taking that advice, Dytrych decided to reach out to the creator of the video and offer his services.
“I must have called him about 10 times before I got him on the phone,” he said.
Persistence paid off and Dytrych landed a meeting. After that, an informal mentorship was formed as Dytrych’s mentor offered to come by his agency and teach the entire staff the basics of oil and gas at no cost.
“Since then, he’s provided advice about all things oil and gas, my career trajectory and introduced me to people and events that have helped me accelerate my professional growth,” said Dytrych.
ADVICE: Look for people who are knowledgeable about the entire industry and willing to provide you with time and honest feedback. And you should have a great amount of appreciation for them in helping you grow.
Patrick Pistor was asked to be a guest on a podcast show to discuss deepwater operations and HSE after reaching out to the host. That turned into him being a cohost on the podcast and developing a mentor.
“He helped me navigate the land mines associated with starting my own digital marketing business,” said Pistor. “We now bounce ideas off each other, and I think he gets a lot of value out of my knowledge of the oil and gas industry.”
ADVICE: Look for professionals who are where you want to be and just start a conversation. Don’t try and force a mentor/protégé relationship if they don’t have the time or aren’t interested. There are a lot of great mentors out there, so just be friendly and be yourself.
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