Navigating the UX world requires more than just skill—it's about depth, intuition, and meaningful connections.
A mentor isn’t merely a guide; they're the catalyst for your evolution.
But how do you, as a mid-level UX professional, discern if a mentor aligns with your journey?
How do you ensure your time will be transformative, not just transactional? Let's dive deep.
Your First Interaction
Before diving into unconventional methods to choose your mentor, let's unravel the art of “soulful qualification.”
During your initial sessions:
Listen to their stories: Does their journey inspire you? Is there an emotional resonance?
Ask them about failures: A mentor who openly shares mistakes offers invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability.
Observe their listening skills: Are they truly present, absorbing what you share?
Gauge adaptability: Pose hypotheticals. "How would you approach a design trend from 10 years ago today?" Their answers reveal adaptability.
1. Relevance & Diversity
More than just UX jargon
Apart from expertise in your UX area, do they have knowledge in other unrelated fields?
Sometimes, cross-industry insights can spark unique solutions.
Example: When discussing a UX challenge, your mentor brings insights from psychology, art, and even gastronomy, explaining how a diner’s experience in a Michelin-star restaurant relates to user experience.
2. Experience & Adaptability
Merging wisdom and innovation
It's not just about their years in the field.
Have they regularly updated their skills to stay current?
A mentor who's familiar with both traditional methods and the latest trends can offer a richer perspective.
Example: Your mentor, once a print designer, showcases a magazine from the '90s. They draw parallels between its layout and today's mobile interfaces, demonstrating a blend of past wisdom and present innovation.
3. Engagement & Challenge
Beyond conventional design tasks
While interest in your goals is essential, find out if they're willing to challenge you with unexpected tasks or exercises to push your boundaries.
Example: Instead of wireframing a website, your mentor challenges you to "design" a user-friendly experience for a physical library. This exercise hones your skills to transcend digital boundaries.
4. Communication & Storytelling
Painting the big picture
Breaking down complex ideas is one thing; can they also weave a compelling narrative around UX concepts?
Storytelling can be an effective tool in understanding intricate designs.
Example: You’re struggling to convey a design story. Your mentor narrates a user’s journey as a captivating bedtime story, turning abstract concepts into relatable tales.
5. Feedback Quality & Tact
The art of gentle honesty
Honest feedback is crucial, but can they also deliver it in a way that's imaginative or even humorous?
Sometimes a lighthearted analogy or metaphor can make tough feedback easier to digest.
Example: After presenting a design, your mentor uses a fable to highlight issues. It’s an indirect, imaginative way to critique, softening the blow while driving the point home.
Good mentorship is more than just a list of tasks.
It's a deep connection between two designers.
By really understanding your mentor's experience, adaptability, and care for your progress, you set the stage for a game-changing mentorship.
Remember, mentorship is not just about transferring knowledge; it's about enriching the soul, challenging the mind, and fueling the passion for design.
—Marina
Want to learn more? A few ways I can help you.
Apply for a 1-on-1 UX mentorship to boost your design career like never before.
Book a one-off 1-on-1 call for a personalized advice without committing to a monthly UX mentorship.
Follow me on LinkedIn for unconventional UX tips throughout the week.
If you aspire to become a UX mentor, check my book on Amazon.
I send weekly emails about UX leadership and mentorship, along with practical advice on weaving AI into your UX processes and mentorship programs.