How to Turn Your PT Role Models Into Mentors
Is there someone out there who appears to be living your PT dream? Someone with the knowledge, skills, and impact you aspire to achieve? Rather than just following them on social media and wishing you could be as skilled as they are, you can turn your role model into your mentor!
To start, in our almost 20 years of PT experience, it has been EXTREMELY rare that we’ve met a PT who is not genuinely compassionate. Our field is full of people who want to help others, especially motivated PTs who want to make a bigger impact. If that is true, which we deeply believe it is, then your PT role model may want to help you achieve your goals.
Step 1: Find a Way to Connect
My personal favorite ways to connect are through Instagram, LinkedIn, and even the ancient art of sending an email! You can also meet them after a lecture at an APTA conference, CSM, or another event where they have been asked to speak.
Step 2: Make the Initial Reach Out
When reaching out, we have found it most effective to express that you see and appreciate their knowledge, skills, and impact and that you aspire to achieve similar outcomes. Then, make your ask: would they be willing to set aside some time to talk for 15 minutes?
Step 3: Be Prepared for the Conversation
Make sure you are well prepared with what you want to discuss when you do have some time set aside. We have found it best to ask them about the path they took to improve their knowledge and skills and why they made the choices they made along their path. Most people enjoy talking about their personal story and will appreciate that you are genuinely interested.
Step 4: Gauge the Interaction and Follow Up
If you find that you are vibing and feel like a follow-up conversation is in the cards, feel free to make the ask. If not, thank them for their time and generosity and ask if it is okay for you to reach out again sometime in the future.
Step 5: Build Your Network
By building your network with people who are doing what you hope to do, you will be amazed at what can happen. Be brave, reach out, and make a connection!
In conclusion, turning your PT role models into your mentors is about taking the initiative and being genuine in your approach. Most PTs are compassionate individuals who are happy to help those motivated to make a difference. So don’t just admire from afar—reach out, connect, and start building a relationship that can propel you toward your goals.
Did you find these tips helpful? Let us know! Contact our PT Success Team at ptlighthouse@thejacksonclinics.com
To learn more about The Jackson Clinics and to explore a career with us, please visit thejacksonclinics.com/careers