To develop more fully as people we need to seek out mentors. It is important, however, that we do not limit ourselves in who we choose to fulfil that role, as those who are different to us can often offer the best insights.

For those in structured mentorship relationships, mentors have most often been assigned. However, for those in university or in a workplace with no clear structure, finding a mentor can prove incredibly difficult. Here are 10 tips for finding a mentor:

1. Be attentive to the people around you - you will be surprised what skills and wisdom they carry. A mentor does not have to have seniority to add value.

2. Look beyond your workplace; explore the associations and organisations associated to your industry.

3. Ask your lecturers and past mentors to remain as mentors to you even while you enter the workplace.

4. Become an avid reader - you can be mentored through books and international business cases.

5. Explore the opportunity for online mentorship; you can access international mentors through this type of relationship.

6. Don’t feel that you need to have only one mentor; you may have a number of mentors that mentor you in various areas. For example, I have a business mentor, a spiritual mentor and a self-esteem coach.

7. Don’t approach the mentor asking for help, rather request that they share their lessons learnt and workplace wisdom with you. You will get to your challenges soon enough.

8. Join an association where men and women from diverse backgrounds commit to mentoring young professionals.

9. Allow a mentorship relationship to come to an end in its own time. Don’t push to keep it running when the season is over.

10. Consider approaching a mentor who is very different from you; different age, race, gender – you will be amazed at the lessons you learn as a result of this diversity.

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