Looking for a mentor? Start with someone you know
Mary Ellen Slayter

Dennis Damp, author of “The Book of US Government Jobs”, recently was a guest on Career Tracks, an online discussion about workplace issues. Here is one of the questions he was asked, and his response.

Q. I am in the intern programme at Health and Human Services. I am new to the federal government and am looking for a mentor; there is no mentoring program at my agency. What are some of the qualities that I should look for in a mentor? How can I best utilize the relationship?

A. In the federal sector, there are many options. Since they don’t have an official mentoring programme, look for someone in your office or agency whom you know personally or whom others may recommend who volunteers without asking, is congenial and is knowledgeable about your area of expertise. Start with your supervisor and ask him or her for assistance and a recommendation. Internships are designed to train potential employees in complex areas of operations, and interns need considerable guidance, training and encouragement. This should be built into the internship program, but don’t be afraid to ask for help if it’s not.

— LA Times Washington Post