How to find a professional mentor (without creeping the person out)

It’s an enormous advantage to people who want to become well-rounded thinkers—particularly young professionals in the most impressionable stage of their careers. As clients increasingly demand more knowledge, creativity, and strategic thinking, the earlier you can start becoming an information sponge, the better.

Make a plan for developing relationships with colleagues who have knowledge and experience that you don’t. Don’t be afraid to tap the expertise available within your own company to bolster your skill set.

The first step: Give yourself an honest analysis of where you excel and where you need to learn more.

Next, create a short list of people you could learn from or would like to have the kind of relationship in which you can bounce around ideas and brainstorm projects. Once you know with whom you want to work more closely, determine how best to approach tightening your relationship.

Talk to your HR department to see whether your company has a structured mentoring program. If so, find out how you can be part of it. If not, maybe you could help start one. Programs that pair junior-level employees with more experienced people are great for access to busy executives willing to help younger associates.