The Time Has Come for IT Mentoring

I have long believed that the various fields within "IT" are missing an important element. Broadly speaking, it would be defined as apprenticeship or a formal mentor/mentee relationship. 

Today I am announcing a new Reddit discussion at:

https://www.reddit.com/r/ITMentor/

Here's what's up:

I had some early jobs in HUGE corporations, but have spent most of my IT career in smaller companies, including companies I've owned. In the last thirty years, I've worked with thousands of IT consultants all over the world. And I've worked with employees of companies of all sizes. 

One of the most important things missing in our industry is a well-defined path (or set of paths) from newbie amateur to experienced professional. It sorta mostly just happens. But the lack of clear paths that are generally accepted means that we have too much reliance on "sink or swim" as a way to pass career-focused knowledge from successful people to in new hires.

Many, many people in various IT-related groups are employees who are overwhelmed with the lack of training, lack of good SOPs, and bad management. They are overworked and hate their jobs. They could "just" improve themselves despite their environment, but that's easier said than done. Connecting with mentors can give them advice, encouragement, and perspective.

Today I am starting a new Reddit around mentoring in the IT industry. I was actually surprised to find that one did not exist. And I'm embarrassed that it took me so long to step up. I was actually surprised to find that /ITMentor was available. Join us:

https://www.reddit.com/r/ITMentor/

This Reddit makes no attempt to create a formal program, but merely to facilitate more discussion about IT career paths, and how "older" (more experienced) folks can help "younger" (less experienced) folks make the most of working in IT. The big goal, of course, is to help mentees become more professional, avoid unnecessary mistakes, and embrace this wonderful industry as a powerfully good part of their life. 

Improving our profession begins with a commitment to building pathways to professionalism. Mentoring can be a powerful tool in that endeavor. 

My audience includes tens of thousands of people who are seasoned professionals. That is, generally older and more experienced. I encourage you to join this Reddit and lurk a bit. If you are ready to jump in and volunteer to help, please do so. But even if you're just curious, we would love to have you.

Everyone has something to offer. You can Google all the drawbacks of mentoring (lack of confidence, time commitment, etc.). But the absolute truth is: Your experience matters. It can help someone. And even if your advice is limited to a few posts in the conversation, someone will find that useful. I promise.

Regular readers will know that I have a love affair with the SMB IT community. I love finding people who want to help others. And I love finding people who just need a little advice and encouragement to get to the next step on the ladder. And I love bringing these people together in communities, courses, and even in-person events.

Since the day I discovered this global community (at SMB Nation way back in the day), I have been amazed with how openly people help each other. I honestly feel sorry for the people in IT who hate their jobs and feel stuck. Connecting with someone who loves their job and loves their career is a great way to help those people both personally and professionally.

Helping people step up to mentoring and helping those in need to find mentors is a natural, long-overdue endeavor. 

Please check it out. Please join us. Please ask for help if you need it. Please offer assistance to those who ask. It really is a big step toward professionalism for everyone.

I welcome your feedback here, of course. But I much prefer you join our Reddit and contribute to conversation.

Thank you for being part of this awesome global community.

- Karl Palachuk

- Smallbizthoughts.org

/ITMentor - https://www.reddit.com/r/ITMentor/

Feedback? Put it in the Reddit.

:-)