How to find a mentor

Aside from WSO Mentors, or any established school network...

If you have an opportunity of interaction with senior bankers, and if you seem to get along with anyone, try to ask if it's ok occasionally to ask questions, if you might need guidance about something (or something to that effect, which is essentially asking them to be a mentor).

In other cases, if you find that you establish a connection with a senior banker otherwise, it could also result in a mentor... I've seen cases where it was an alum of the same prep school, or fellow chess player, a fellow vet, fellow Freemason, same religious house of worship, or even the same gym, etc.

I know a young banker who impressed a senior in the beginning, and that senior would look out for him and even advocate for him. After he was promoted to a top role (think C level), he put the younger banker in a solid position that effectively made his career. It's all about being able to establish a connection with a senior who is in a position to offer guidance and potentially help. I always remember that as the classic scenario that everyone hopes to find.


A random/casual example, to make a point...

There is a certain very casual late night place (think of a Bodega, or coffee shop) here in the City where a lot of very senior bankers (think C level, founder, name on the firm, etc) informally frequent... but mostly kept quiet.

It's a bit of an unknown hangout, but there are enough top guys that go there, that it would be an ideal scenario for you...

I know of a case where a junior went with a senior banker, and after being introduced and some small talk, it was obvious that the junior was quickly making solid connections that night.

My point: Keep your eyes open to notice if you see bankers and seniors hanging out, or if you have an opportunity to interact with them, then just play it cool and try to make the contact.

Mentors can anywhere, but not always in the most obvious places.