Mentorship is often portrayed as essential for career success. We’re often asked in interviews, “who is your mentor?” as if another person is key to our own advancement. But what if mentorship opportunities never come? What if you are the one navigating, learning, and advocating for yourself? This has been my reality — and, surprisingly, it’s been one of my greatest strengths.
The Reality: Mentors Aren't Guaranteed
Throughout my career in medicine and data science, I’ve never had what’s considered a “traditional” mentor — someone who guided me step by step or opened key doors. I’ve had supportive colleagues and insightful advisors at times, but there was no singular person showing me the ropes.
For a long time, I thought this was a disadvantage. But over time, I’ve realized that not having a mentor pushed me to develop skills that are now core to my success: resilience, self-advocacy, and the ability to learn and adapt on my own.
Not Having a Mentor Doesn't Mean You're Not Coachable
Not having a mentor doesn’t mean I’m not coachable. It simply means I never found someone who aligned with my goals or was interested in working with me — for reasons that might have been circumstantial or outside my control. Being coachable is about being open to feedback, seeking improvement, and applying lessons learned — traits I’ve consistently embraced, even without a formal mentor.
Mentorship Can Be Lateral
While I never had a singular mentor, I found some mentorship in an unexpected form: laterally. Colleagues, co-residents, and classmates can offer invaluable support, even if they aren’t in positions to give you direct opportunities. They provide insight, share experiences, and act as sounding boards during challenging times. Some of the most helpful career advice I’ve received has come from peers navigating similar paths. Building these mutual support networks has been just as impactful as traditional mentorship.
What I've Learned Without a Mentor
Here’s how navigating my career solo has shaped me:
- Self-Advocacy: When no one is vouching for you, you have to speak up for yourself. Whether negotiating roles or pitching ideas, I learned to articulate my value clearly and confidently. Life is too short to be shy.
- Resourcefulness: Without a built-in guide, I became a relentless problem-solver. I sought out online courses, books, and communities. I asked questions — even when I was afraid of looking uninformed. I had to figure many things out on my own. Perhaps it would have been easier if someone could provide me with these resources or instructions directly, but a key part of the learning process is also navigating challenges solo.
- Independent Thinking: Without being tied to one mentor’s perspective, I developed a unique approach to my work. I could explore unconventional career moves like combining medicine, tech, and entrepreneurship — paths mentors may not have suggested.
The Case for Self-Guided Growth
I’m not saying mentorship is overrated or unnecessary — far from it. Having the right mentor can accelerate growth and open valuable doors. But if you find yourself without one, know that you can still succeed. In fact, you might even build a stronger, more adaptable career by forging your own path. You will always be your best advocate.
How to Succeed Without a Mentor
- Be Your Own Coach: Set goals, track progress, and hold yourself accountable.
- Build a Lateral Support Network: Seek out peers, colleagues, and even online communities for feedback and encouragement.
- Stay Curious: Never stop learning. Take courses, read widely, and follow industry leaders.
- Advocate Relentlessly: Speak up for yourself. Pitch your ideas, pursue new roles, and make your value known.
- Embrace Failure: Mistakes are powerful teachers when you don’t have a safety net. Use setbacks as fuel for growth.
- Self Care: Being your own guide can be tiring at times. Make sure you are kind to yourself and set aside time to recharge.
Closing Thoughts
Would mentorship have made parts of my career easier? Probably. But learning to navigate independently taught me something just as valuable: I can figure anything out, I can be my own coach, and I am my best advocate.
If you’ve built your career without a mentor, how has that shaped you? I’d love to hear your stories and insights.
