For a Nigerian student, mentorship can be especially useful when the path from classroom learning to employment is unclear. You may know your course but not know which skills employers value, how to approach an internship, how to build evidence of your ability, or what mistakes to avoid during your final years. The right mentor can provide perspective, but finding one requires more than sending a random message to a successful person and asking them to mentor you.

Understand what you actually need

Before searching for a mentor, define the problem you want help with. You may need guidance about choosing a career direction, preparing for SIWES, building technical skills, improving communication, applying for internships, preparing for graduate employment, or understanding a professional field. Write down two or three questions you genuinely want answered.

Do not choose a mentor because of popularity alone

A person with a large social-media following is not automatically a good mentor. Look for evidence that the person has relevant experience, communicates responsibly, treats beginners with respect, and is willing to explain rather than simply show off success. A mentor does not have to be famous. An experienced graduate from your department, a lecturer, a professional you meet during an internship, or a senior student who has already navigated a process successfully may be more useful than an internet celebrity.

Start with people you can realistically reach

Your university already contains potential sources of guidance: lecturers, departmental staff, alumni, student leaders, teaching assistants, internship supervisors, professional associations, and graduates working in relevant industries. You can also build relationships through academic events, workshops, seminars, career programmes, practical placements, and legitimate professional communities.

Approach respectfully

A strong first message is short and specific. Introduce yourself, explain why you are contacting the person, mention the relevant connection, and ask one reasonable question. Avoid demanding that someone become your mentor immediately. Mentorship normally develops through repeated useful interactions.

Prepare before asking for advice

Do not ask a mentor a question you could answer with a few minutes of basic preparation. If you want advice about a career, first understand the field. If you want CV feedback, prepare the CV. If you want internship advice, know what type of placement you are targeting. Preparation shows respect for the other person's time and makes the advice more specific.

Learn how to receive criticism

Good mentorship is not constant encouragement. A mentor may tell you that your CV is weak, your portfolio is too broad, your communication needs work, or your expectations are unrealistic. Do not automatically become defensive. Ask what they would change first, then decide what you can act on.

Make the relationship useful for both sides

Mentorship should not feel like endless requests. Show progress. If someone recommends that you improve a skill, return later and explain what you did. If they suggest a project, complete it and ask for feedback. If they introduce you to an opportunity, behave professionally. Visible progress is one of the best ways to keep a professional relationship meaningful.

Know the boundaries

A mentor is not your employer, personal assistant, lecturer, financial sponsor, or emergency service. Respect their time and privacy. Do not send repeated messages demanding immediate replies, and do not expect introductions to powerful people simply because you have spoken once.

Be careful with false promises

Students can be vulnerable to anyone promising guaranteed jobs, admissions, scholarships, or instant professional success. A legitimate mentor should not need to manipulate you with unrealistic promises. If someone demands inappropriate payments, confidential information, or behaviour unrelated to legitimate professional guidance, step away.

Keep developing independently

A mentor can accelerate learning, but cannot replace effort. Continue reading, practising, building projects, attending classes, improving communication, and seeking opportunities. The goal is not dependence on one person's answers; it is becoming increasingly capable of making good decisions yourself.

When the relationship does not work

Not every mentor relationship will fit. Communication may be inconsistent, the person's experience may no longer be relevant, or their advice may conflict with your circumstances. You can remain respectful while reducing contact. Finding the right mentor may take several attempts.

Final thought

The strongest mentorship relationships usually grow from curiosity, preparation, respect, and visible progress. Do not chase titles. Look for people with relevant experience who are willing to offer thoughtful guidance. Start with one useful conversation, ask better questions, act on good advice, and report your progress. Over time, a simple professional connection can become one of the most valuable relationships you build during university.