By Kasey Brown, Angus Media

In college, you hear about the importance of internships. You gain valuable experience from them and insight into your future career path. They help you decide your preferred work environment. Sometimes the most important internship can actually show you what you don’t want to do. Internships also help gain industry contacts that may help later down the road.

Mentorships can benefit in a similar way. I think of it as the internship of the early career. Mentorships allow you to learn about work experiences and career paths early in your career. By being paired with a successful industry professional, it’s an open line of communication to ask questions. As journalists, we’re used to asking questions, but sometimes it can be intimidating to ask personal questions about career advice.

For instance, I was hired by my company straight out of school. While I had several internships, I never worked for a magazine. My mentor opened my eyes to another magazine’s working environment. Sometimes, in the midst of deadline stress, it’s easy to think that the grass may be greener in other offices, but it’s nice to know that no, they feel just as hectic at times.

She explained her curved path to becoming the executive editor at Meredith Agrimedia, and how emerging aspects of journalism had to be learned on the job. She shared resources she used to advance herself. She inspired me with new ways to reach goals and gave advice in juggling family responsibilities with career goals.

I would certainly recommend participating in the AAEA mentorship program. It takes a bit of time from both parties, but I believe it is incredibly beneficial.