Mentorship is not one-size-fits-all, says this expert.

There’s an aphorism that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This advice could be a smart way to look at mentors, too.

A 2024 study from mentorcliQ found that 98% of Fortune 500 companies have mentoring programs, and the median profits for those with mentoring programs are more than twice as high as those without. In a 2020 survey by Vistage, 86% of CEOs credit mentors as a critical part of their career accomplishments.

While “get a mentor may be good advice,” mentorship is not one-size-fits-all, and it should never rest on one person’s shoulders, says Janice Omadeke, author of Mentorship Unlocked: The Science and Art of Setting Yourself Up for Success.

“Think of your mentors as a diverse set of resources meant to help you develop a holistic view of your career and improve your quality of life, each playing a specific role in guiding your life’s direction,” she says. “Having more than one mentor helps you avoid putting the pressure on one specific person to be everything for you throughout the journey of your career life span.”

Finding the right people will depend on your career and life stage. Here are the seven types:

1. Company Insider

The company insider is the person who knows “where all of the bodies are buried,” says Omadeke. “They’re inside the same organization and can help you get acclimated to the company culture, internal politics, and promotion and layoff processes.”

This person helps you build your internal network of advocates and understands your place inside the company. While they typically have been there long enough to understand the ins and outs, they do not need to be at the executive level.

2. Skill Master

If you’re trying to perfect your professional skills, seek a skill-master mentor. This person has profound knowledge in an area and can be internal or external to your company.

“If I wanted to expand my videography skills,” says Omadeke, “I would find an exceptional videographer mentor. They could help me expand my knowledge of a specific tool or area.”

3. Money-Minded Mentor

The money-minded mentor will examine your financial plan and help you achieve your goals.

“They look at how you are building a fulfilling career and life that isn’t dependent just on your employer,” says Omadeke. “They’ll review your salary, benefits, and any investments and properties to help you build a game plan to reach your financial goals through multiple channels.”

4. Industry Mentor

The industry mentor is a person who is in your industry and has a deep understanding of that particular space. While they could be someone who works at your company, Omadeke prefers to find an external mentor.

“Then, you get a diverse perspective outside of the bubble of your current employer,” she explains. “They can help you navigate the entire landscape of that industry, understanding future roles, and what’s required to break into those. And they can help you understand which companies may be a better fit within your industry, based on the culture you are seeking.”

An industry mentor may also know which companies are hiring, and they can help you build your brand and reputation inside that industry.

5. Network Mentor

The network mentor is your social butterfly. This mentor typically doesn’t work in your company, which helps you build your diverse network of connections.

“They will teach you how to build relationships in a way that aligns to who you are,” says Omadeke. “That way you don’t feel pressured to conform. They also help you become a connector within your space.”

6. Influential Ally

The influential ally is a mentor who supports you through their social capital or tenure within their role or industry.

“If you’re seeking to meet with an investor, the influential ally helps you get a warm introduction from somebody who is highly regarded and well respected by that person or in your industry,” says Omadeke. “They also mentor you to help you understand how to proceed with those conversations. And they improve your acumen so that you’re communicating at a peer level with other influential allies.”

7. Peer Mentor

Finally, a peer mentor is one to two positions ahead of you. They help you get an understanding of your short-term goals to reach your next promotion.

“They are really valuable because they understand the latest technologies and your lived experience, sometimes better than those who were in your space 10 or 15 years ago,” says Omadeke. Workplace cultures, workplace trends, and the way in which people interact with work change every three to five years. The peer mentor understands the exact experience that you’re having because they had it one to two years ago.”

How Many Do You Need?

Since each mentor guides in a specific area, having more than one at a time is a good idea.

“It’s just like in any other meaningful area of your life,” says Omadeke. “You don’t have just one friend who you rely on for everything. No one mentor can answer 100% of your career questions. When you diversify your network of mentors, you can focus on the specific areas where you need guidance based on that person’s strengths.”

While having more than one is good, Omadeke cautions against having more than three at a time so your focus won’t be diluted by trying to improve or change in too many areas simultaneously. The key is identifying your priorities and finding people to help you achieve them.

“Self-awareness is a critical component to building sustainable mentor relationships,” she says. “Get clear on finding people that align with your goals so you can expand in your career faster than taking a spray-and-pray approach.”