The Power of Mentorship: Lessons That Shaped My Career

Every so often, we come across people who don’t just guide us but fundamentally shape who we become. For me, that’s what mentorship has always been about, not just advice, but honest conversations that shift perspectives and open doors you didn’t even know were there.

I’ve been lucky to have mentors who believed in me, but more importantly, challenged me. One of the most pivotal lessons came during my university years when I told a mentor that I was majoring in international business. Without hesitation, they asked me:

International business in what?

That question, though simple, forced me to stop and think.

Why Honest Mentorship Matters

At first, I didn’t have an answer. My degree felt broad and exciting, but my mentor was right, it was too vague. That moment made me realize that if I couldn’t articulate my direction, how could I expect others to see my value?

The truth is, the best mentors don’t just cheer you on. They give you tough feedback, the kind that might sting in the moment but ends up being the spark you need. That advice pushed me to explore new paths and ultimately led me closer to the work I’m doing today.

Embracing Serendipity in Your Career

One of the greatest insights I’ve gained from mentorship is the importance of serendipity. We’re often told to stick to rigid career plans, but the reality is far messier, and far more beautiful. Some of the best opportunities don’t come from sticking to a blueprint but from being open to unexpected detours.

My mentor encouraged me to embrace that openness. It’s a mindset that has defined my journey, allowing chance encounters, side projects, and even failures to guide me toward growth.

The Challenge of Broad Majors in Today’s Job Market

When I told my mentor I was studying international business, I thought it sounded impressive. But here’s the truth: broad or vague majors can make it harder to stand out. Employers want clarity. They want to know not just what you studied, but what you can actually do.

That’s the challenge with wide-open fields of study, they don’t always translate directly into job opportunities. Without a defined focus, you risk blending in instead of standing out.

What I learned is this: education should be paired with direction. The more you can connect your studies to specific skills, industries, or problems you want to solve, the easier it becomes to open doors.

Specificity Creates Clarity

That question,“in what?”, wasn’t meant to discourage me. It was about pushing me toward clarity. The job market values specificity. Employers and opportunities respond when you can define what you’re about, what you’re good at, and where you’re headed.

Broad goals sound nice, but they can leave you lost. Clarity builds confidence, momentum, and direction. That lesson changed the way I approached my career, and it’s one I try to share whenever I mentor others today.

Mentorship Is a Two-Way Street

What strikes me most, looking back, is how mentorship is never one-directional. As much as I learned from my mentor, they also found meaning in watching my path unfold. That conversation became a reminder for both of us of the long-term impact mentorship can have.

Now, I try to pay it forward. Whenever I connect with young leaders or students, I keep that same spirit of honesty. Sometimes the best thing you can give someone isn’t an easy answer, it’s the question that forces them to think deeper.

Final Reflection

Mentorship isn’t always about giving answers. Sometimes, it’s about asking the right question at the right moment. For me, that moment of honesty, international business in what?, became a turning point.

It taught me that serendipity matters, that clarity creates opportunity, and that tough love can be the greatest gift a mentor can give.

Looking back, I’m deeply grateful for the mentors who pushed me, challenged me, and shaped the leader I’ve become. And it’s a reminder for all of us, whether you’re a mentor or a rising leader, that a single conversation can change the trajectory of an entire career.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 - Why is mentorship important in career development?

Mentorship is important because it provides guidance, honest feedback, and real-world experience that can’t always be learned from books or courses. A mentor helps you avoid common mistakes, explore opportunities, and build confidence in your career path.

2 - What is the power of mentorship?

The power of mentorship lies in its ability to unlock potential. A good mentor can shift your perspective, open doors you never imagined, and inspire you to grow in ways you wouldn’t on your own.

3 - What are the 5 C's of mentorship?

The 5 C’s often linked with mentorship are: Clarity, Confidence, Connection, Challenge, and Care. Together, they help mentees set direction, feel supported, and achieve meaningful growth.

4 - What are the benefits of being a mentor?

Being a mentor allows you to give back, share your knowledge, and shape the next generation of leaders. It’s rewarding because it not only helps others grow but also deepens your own learning and perspective.

5 - How does a mentor impact your life?

A mentor impacts your life by helping you see your strengths, guiding you through tough decisions, and offering wisdom from their own experiences. Their influence often lasts far beyond your professional journey.

6 - How does mentorship benefit future generations?

Mentorship creates a ripple effect, when you guide someone, they often go on to mentor others. This cycle passes down knowledge, values, and opportunities, ensuring that future generations are stronger and better prepared.

About the Author:

Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized disruption strategist and keynote speaker who helps organizations adapt to change and leverage disruptive thinking. Named one of the "Best New Speakers" by the National Speakers Bureau, Shawn has spoken at some of the world's most innovative organizations, including IBM, Walmart, and 3M. His expertise in digital disruption strategies helps leaders navigate transformation and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain business environment.