How To Find Marketing Mentors When You’re Not Sure Where To Start

Let’s be honest - finding a mentor can feel a lot like dating. You’re looking for someone who “gets” you, has the experience you admire, and hopefully won’t ghost you after the first coffee chat. 

But here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as one perfect mentor who checks all the boxes. Instead, think of building your team of mentors who will support you throughout your career. 

We sat down with MKTG WMN member Rachel Del Vecchio, who got real about finding and nurturing these career-changing relationships. Here’s what we learned. 

Mentors come in all shapes and sizes 

First things first - throw out that mental image of the perfect mentor who’s going to solve all your problems. Rachel dropped some truth about how mentors can show up in unexpected ways: “I’ve definitely had some bosses in my time that have also been mentors…but a really key mentor in my life actually was part of a college shift from journalism to advertising.” 

Your dream mentor team might include:

• The boss who actually gets it (yes they exist - believe it or not)

• Industry veterans with the battle scars and wisdom to prove it 

• Career coaches who help you see the bigger picture when you’re stuck in the weeds

• Life mentors who remind you there’s more to life than stressing over quarterly KPIs

• Peer mentors who are right there in the trenches with you, sharing war stories and wins

Getting real: vulnerability is your secret weapon

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: asking for help is hard.

Rachel got brutally honest about her early career: “I was so lost…I didn’t want to admit that to anybody at the company that I wasn’t where I felt I should be.” 

Ring any bells? We’ve all been there, maintaining that “I totally know what I’m doing” facade while frantically Googling how SEO works or how to create a formula in excel. 

But plot twist: that vulnerability you’re trying to hide? It’s actually your superpower for building authentic mentor relationships. So - don’t be afraid to go deep and get real. 

Great mentors don’t fall from the sky

If you’re waiting for your perfect mentor to spot you across a crowded networking event and take you under their wing….well, you might be waiting for a bit. 

Rachel describes how you have to put in the work to find your mentor: “It has to be intentional. I think you can’t count on a mentor just like falling into your life and taking an extreme interest in you and booking the meetings with you and like having it all be on them to shine their light on you.” 

Looking for a plan to find a mentor? We’ve got you. 

Here’s your game plan: 

1. Get crystal clear on what kind of guidance you’re actually looking for (vague goals = vague results) 

2. Identify the marketing rockstars whose careers make you think “I want that” 

3. Join professional networks where potential mentors hang out (hint hint - maybe it’s MKTG WMN) 

4. Reach out with specific, thoughtful questions (not just “will you be my mentor?”

5. Come prepared with actual goals and challenges to discuss

Make the most out of your mentor relationship

Once you’ve landed a mentor, how do you keep the relationship going without feeling like you're constantly asking for favors? Take a page from Rachels playbook: “I came to the call with a SWOT for myself…here is the next best thing I can give you as far as where I am struggling right now and where there might be opportunities for me.” 

Pro tips for making the most out of your mentor meetings: 

• Come prepared with 1-2 challenges you want to tackle 

• Follow through on their advice (and let them know how it went!) 

• Respect their time (they’re probably juggling as much as you are)

• Show gratitude and appreciation for their guidance 

• Be open to feedback, even when it’s not what you want to hear 

It’s ok to have different mentors for the different seasons of your career 

Your needs will evolve throughout your career, and that’s ok! Sometimes you need technical guidance to level up your marketing game. Other times, you need someone to talk you off the ledge when your toxic workplace is making you question your career and abilities. 

Del Vecchio reflects on one of those moments: “I wish I had a third party person during one of the toughest moments in my career to be like….there could be a place for you at an ad agency, but this is clearly not like a safe place for you right now.” 

Consider building your mentor network for:

• Career pivots (because sometimes you need a complete rebrand)

• Work-life harmony / integration (because “balance is so 2020)

• Navigating workplace drama

• Skill-building 

• Confidence boosting (to combat imposter syndrome) 

Build your dream team of mentors

Remember: there’s no “right” way to build your mentor network. The key is finding what works for you and being authentic in your approach. Having mentors throughout your career means you don’t have to figure out the tough stuff alone. 

Ready to find your mentors? The MKTG WMN community is full of amazing women and nonbinary marketing professionals ready to share their experience and insights. Don’t wait for the perfect moment - your future mentor could be just one conversation away. 

Want to connect with other marketers who get it? Join the MKTG WMN community today!