Learning will always be an essential part of any career. This rings even more true in the aviation industry, where new technologies and systems are constantly being introduced to improve air travel all over the world. Hence, there is a challenge for today’s pilots to not only ensure that their current skill sets remain solid as ever but also that they absorb new information to keep up with the changing times.
In such cases, the guidance of a mentor can prove to be invaluable as they’re able to nurture what skills you currently have while also introducing new ways on how you can still grow based on their own rich experience. Here are a few more reasons why getting a good mentor is a must for every pilot:
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A Way to Sharpen Your Skills
At its core, mentors are people who have the ample experience and wisdom to offer you advice and support regarding your craft. Having a mentor whose expertise you can bank on means being under the tutelage of someone you can constantly learn from. Whether it’s about reaffirming the best practices or exchanging thoughts on new changes in the industry, a mentor can help spark in you a zeal in active learning instead of being complacent.
No doubt that you’ve found mentors during your time in pilot school in the form of your teachers. However, mentors can come in all forms. They can be retired pilots, industry experts, or even your own colleagues, so long as you stand to learn from them. In short, to be a mentee means to take a more proactive approach to sharpening your skills.
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Opens Up Networking Opportunities
The aviation industry is huge, yet you may find it difficult to expand beyond your circle due to the busy nature of your job. Having a mentor can open up networking opportunities, allowing you to meet new people who can help you thrive in your career. This is especially important if you’re a new pilot, as you want to get a wider view of the industry by talking with people aside from those you already work with.
The benefits of networking are two-fold. First, you get to pick the brains of industry professionals, which you can then use to upgrade your own skills. Second, you’re able to market yourself should you ever look for other career opportunities in the industry. Either way, your mentor can introduce you to people who can help you grow based on your mentor’s assessment of your current skill set and goals.
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Offers a Wealth of Experience Beyond Classes and Simulations
As the saying goes, experience is the best teacher. While undergoing extensive training and flight simulations can aptly prepare you for pilot duties, the hands-on experience and the wealth of stories that a mentor can offer can further enrich what you already know. Having a mentor means having someone to turn to and ask during times when the answer to your question can’t be found in the flight manual.
Whether it’s a story about them troubleshooting an error or one about dealing with industry politics, your mentor’s past experiences can become new learning opportunities for you. Then, should you ever encounter the same circumstances, you’ll find yourself more than prepared to handle it.
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Helps You Set Feasible Career Goals
A good mentor will encourage you to set long-term career goals, even as they give you a reality check on whether these goals are feasible or not. Having someone who can readily offer an honest evaluation—and have the industry know-how to back it up—can help steer you toward the right direction career-wise. This also saves you from wasting time and resources pursuing avenues that won’t truly contribute to your goals.
However, first you must be open with your mentor about your career plans and aspirations. Mentorship is a two-way street, so being transparent with them about your priorities is crucial. This will help them work with you better in coming up with a strategy toward fulfilling your career plans.
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Provides a Steadfast Support System
As with any profession, self-doubt and anxiety can at times cloud our judgment. The aviation industry can be highly competitive, so having a trusty support system in the form of your mentor can give you the push you need to get back up during times of stress. This emotional support, together with their professional guidance, can help keep you on the right track.
This support system can also take the form of being an accountability partner. After you’ve set career goals and shared them with your mentor, they can monitor your progress toward achieving them or offer to steer you to the right direction if it seems you’ve reached a dead end.
Mentorship among pilots encourages a cycle of learning, hence making them essential in the continued growth of the aviation industry. By getting a mentor, you’re able to hone your skills so that, in turn, you too can guide the pilots that’ll come after you. We hope the points mentioned above can spur you to seek out that mentor who can help you spread your wings further.