Finding Your Near-Peer Mentor
đ #24 of Heer's Heuristics
Hey friends,
Whatâs your next big project? Maybe you want to change jobs, become an entrepreneur, open an online store, or write a weekly newsletter.
Whatever the project is, two things can help you succeed:
Finding a great mentor
And, actually getting started
Youâve heard lots about beating procrastination and âeating the frog.â But, less relevance is placed on mentorship, specifically near-peer mentorship, despite how fundamental it can be to success.
I first came across the term near-peer mentorship during my PGCE course, during which I spent a year learning how to become a better teacher and the concept is simple: near-peer mentors are people doing the thing you want to do but a few steps ahead.
Instead of being mentored on business by Richard Branson or learning YouTube from MrBeast, near-peer mentors have just passed the stage youâre in now. Theyâve only just overcome the inertia of getting started and have a wealth of experience highly relevant to you.
Letâs dive a little deeper.
Near-peer mentors have context. Theyâve only just started. They know the best resources to use, they understand the questions and fears you have, and they have overcome the mistakes youâll likely face. Unlike a seasoned pro, they are still in touch with their roots.
Take the example of a university course.
Your professors know the subject in depth, and they can talk for hours on niche aspects of the course. But when it comes to which notes have the highest utility, which question banks are most relevant, and which parts of the course can be glossed over instead of learnt in detail, a student a year ahead would be better placed.
Near peer mentors offer the 80/20. Theyâve just done the test, made their first sale, or published their first story, and theyâre often more approachable than experts in the field.
So, where can I find a mentor?
One of the biggest advantages of the online world is the ability to make connections worldwide. Distance is no longer a barrier. Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or any other social media platform offers access to huge communities covering every possible niche you may be interested in.
The formula is simple. Find people doing what you want to do, reach out with meaningful messages, and 10x your likelihood of success.
Not everyone will reply, but continue to reach out. Thatâs what will separate you from the rest.
The Portfolio Clinic are a great organisation doing just this.
If youâre a Foundation doctor looking to get into speciality training, the portfolio clinic pairs you with trainees who have just gone through the process. They help with applications, interviews and everything in between. You can sign up here.
Near-peer mentorship is one of the easiest ways to get a head start. Itâs easy to get lost in the result and focus on those with all the awards and merits, but shifting that focus to those who are only a few steps ahead is what matters.
Heer âđŒ