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How Mentors Helped Me Find My Career Path (And Why You Need One Too)

ByMilie J

I didn’t grow up thinking I needed mentors. I thought I could figure things out on my own if I just worked hard enough. 

But looking back, I realize that the people who showed up—whether intentionally or not—made all the difference. 

They weren’t always official “mentors,” and I didn’t always know I was being guided. But they were there during key points of my life, nudging me forward, and I owe a lot to them.

Let me walk you through how each of them shaped my journey.

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1. The Accidental Mentor – My First Supervisor

My first mentor wasn’t someone who intended to be one. She was my supervisor at my first job, and I think I looked up to her more than I ever said out loud.

At the time, I was obsessed with doing everything perfectly and quickly. I had this idea that independence meant doing things on my own, without asking for help. But working under her taught me something deeper—how soft skills at work matter just as much (if not more) than technical skills.

She led with quiet compassion, and although she wasn’t the loud, commanding type, her hard work made people respect her. Watching her manage a team made me want to do better—not just for myself, but for the team. I became loyal because she led by example. 

She might not have been the best manager in the corporate sense (and she admitted that), but she was one of the best people in the company. And that mattered more.

2. The Protector – My Insurance Manager

My second mentor was my manager at the insurance company. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who carried so much pressure from all directions but still treated his team with such patience.

He was that buffer between staff and upper management—the kind of manager who gets squeezed from both sides but never lets it trickle down. 

I remember one teammate was going through cancer treatments, and instead of letting her feel like a burden, he reorganized the team’s workload so everything still ran smoothly. It wasn’t just about being kind; it was about being human.

He also pushed for me to join workshops and certification programs. Not many people go out of their way like that unless they really believe in you. 

He saw potential in me at a time when I wasn’t even sure of myself. And honestly? That changed everything.

3. The Industry Voice – A Mentor from Afar

My third mentor is someone I’ve never worked with. In fact, we’ve only spoken once. But he’s been a big influence through his LinkedIn content and his book on the insurance industry in the U.S.

After following him for a while, I booked a free one-hour consultation. I was excited—ready to talk about my international certification and my plans. But what I got was a dose of tough love. He told me, plainly, that my U.S. accreditation might not hold much weight here in Asia. I’d already spent thousands of ringgit by then.

At first, I felt discouraged. But looking back, I appreciate his honesty. Sometimes, we need people who don’t sugarcoat things. He helped me redirect my focus toward regional certifications that align better with where I am geographically and professionally. 

That one call saved me years of chasing the wrong path.

4. The Grounded Guide – My Head of Department

My fourth mentor was my head of department at the same insurance company. She was sharp, witty, and incredibly good at her job. 

She was also my lecturer for the Malaysian insurance certification. Yes—that lecturer who always picks on you to answer questions in class. (Spoiler alert: It kept me alert every week!)

But our connection grew beyond the classroom. Before I left for my master’s degree, we had one last lunch together. She told me something I won’t forget: “Your skill set is rare. If you combine your insurance background with data science, you’ll be a force.”

She even suggested focusing on commercial lines or reinsurance—the more technical sides of insurance. 

That conversation made me feel seen. It validated my decision to leave and chase a new direction. Bittersweet? Definitely. But her words have stayed with me ever since.

5. The Coach Who Believed in Me – My Blogging Mentor

Now, this last one is a little different.

After a year of silently following her online while juggling study and work, I finally hired her as my blogging coach. It wasn’t cheap—I’ll be honest. But I felt I owed it to myself to give this passion project a real shot.

She screened her students before accepting them, which honestly made me feel more accountable. She wasn’t just taking my money—she was investing her time and energy in people who were serious. She helped me create a personalized one-year plan for my blog (which I ended up finishing in three months!) and was always just a DM away when I had doubts.

There were moments when I questioned everything. Was this even worth doing? Would anyone read my stuff? 

But she grounded me with her experience and encouragement. And that was enough to keep going.

Key Takeaways of Having Mentors

1. Mentors don’t have to be official

Some of the most impactful mentors in my life never had the title “mentor.” They were supervisors, managers, or even online voices who unknowingly helped me grow just by doing what they do best.

2. Soft skills matter

Compassion, patience, and empathy aren’t just buzzwords—they’re traits that make people worth following. I didn’t realize how much they mattered until I saw how they built trust and loyalty in a team.

3. You’re not alone

There’s something comforting about knowing someone’s been in your shoes before. The right mentor often shows up when you least expect it, and sometimes all it takes is watching how they carry themselves.

4. Honest advice is a gift

Not all advice feels good at first, but the best kind challenges your thinking. Hearing the truth—especially when it’s hard—can save you time, money, and a lot of emotional energy in the long run.

5. Invest in yourself

Whether it’s paying for a course, getting certified, or hiring a coach, investing in yourself is never wasted. Growth doesn’t come free, but it pays off in confidence, clarity, and new opportunities.

6. You outgrow mentors, and that’s okay

People enter your life for a season, and mentors are no different. Even if they’re no longer actively guiding you, their lessons live on and continue shaping your path.

Final Thoughts

The thing is, none of these people are actively mentoring me today. Life moves on. But each one played a crucial role during some of the most important chapters of my journey.

Mentors don’t always arrive with titles or contracts. Sometimes, they’re just good people doing their best—and by doing so, they light the way for others.

If you’re trying to figure out your path, keep your eyes open. Your mentor might already be around you, quietly shaping the next version of you without either of you even realizing it.

And if you’ve had mentors who helped you grow—even unintentionally—reach out and thank them. They probably don’t even know the impact they made.

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