Found a Potential Mentor

Hello friends,

First time writing a post here although I registered a year ago. Pardon me if I broke posting rules. There's something I want to remember today, and I think it might offer some inspirations for you guys when you find mentors.

I met this professional at a dinner event. There were some problems with my registration that night so I somehow ended up only getting one business card which was his. I followed up with an email stating my interest in his field. He replied and offered a chance to have a quick lunch on workday.

I went to the lunch with him today. He was very nice and asked me about my current status (I'm still studying). We have some common difficulties so that helped when we talked because he doesn't want me to make the same mistake he made.

He talked about some of the deals he got involved and these are impressive to me. He threw some questions to me when he talk about the deals, like my opinion to certain issues or what would I do if I were him. I don't think I gave brilliant answers but tried my best.

Later, he asked me about what I'm learning right now and apparently it's not very impressive... However, what impressed him might be my determination of breaking into the field. (It's impressive because I don't look even close to there but I still want to do it) He said I might not be able to assist him right now, but I can learn by myself until I'm ready for that. He could give me instructions on what to do until I can work for him.

He said If I want to go to HF, then he will be very demanding and I need to take initiatives. He said it's like throwing me into the ocean and if I don't swim, I'll drown and he's not going to save me. By then I realized that he's transitioning from a informational interviewee to a mentor.

It's time to work hard and I'm very motivated to improve myself now.

Takeaways: 1) Show up 2) Follow up 3) Be genuine 4) Do your study 5) Show that you're coachable

Hope you guys can also find good mentors for work and life. :)