Do you NEED a mentor?

Do you actually need a mentor to succeed in this business? I've had some passing ones over the years but not yet one singular, strong, immense one like Graham was to Buffett, Price was to Klarman, Fama was to Asness etc. At this point I feel like it's not necessarily abt whether one needs a mentor or not, but it's a reflection on my own charisma and raw talent that a strong mentor hasn't picked me up yet.

4 Comments
 

Externally from outside your firm. No, you don't need a mentor.

Inside a firm - absolutely! It doesn't matter how good you are at your job if someone isn't willing to give you a shot and believes in you. At two different companies, I got promotions that were way above my experience and I excelled at them.....I couldn't excel at them unless someone believed in me and gave me the chance to prove myself.

Similarly, I've been in roles where I could do my superiors' jobs in my sleep. Didn't get the promotion because no one wanted to give me a chance. So you absolutely need someone who his both looking out for you and appreciates the great work that you do for them. Without the two, you literally go nowhere in most companies or move very very slowly up the ladder.

Just noticed that you are in ER as I was....this is the perfect example. Every associate out there does good work after a few years of experience. However, someone on the equity research team has to believe in you that you can take the next step from associate to full analyst. No amount of reports or models can give a research director or head analyst that comfort. Ultimately, someone has to take a leap of faith on you. If you can't find such a person, you will stay an associate forever or will leave the firm.

 

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