I met a young man the other day and discovered, in conversation, that he was a first-year student at the university where I teach. He's studying art and science, and expressed his ambition to attend a medical illustration program at another school. I introduced myself as an art prof with a particular interest in anatomical drawing, and cheerfully volunteered my contact information. "When you're getting ready to apply to the illustration program, I'll be happy to give you some advice."
He hesitated. I initially assumed that he felt awkward accepting advice from an instructor at one school about applying to another (although it's done all the time, expected, and arguably necessary). Perhaps, oh vanity, he thought I was a cougar preying on salsa-dancing frosh? (See the jolly photo alongside column. That is not, I'm afraid, the face of a cougar.)
We bumped into each other later at the bar and I actually handed him my email address. He hesitated again. Why? "Because I don't know what I'd ask you for."
He didn't know what he'd ask. To me that says that he wasn't really working on getting into this program, just daydreaming about it. My offer put him on the spot, facing the difference between Wouldn't It Be Nice and I'm Working On It. Oops.
Last week, a friend asked if I'd stop by and answer a few questions for her daughter, who is also studying art at the university where I teach. When I arrived, the young woman had her most recent assignment on the table, paint on the palette, and a handful of questions prepared for me. Who got the most from their opportunity with me?
I love dreams. Without them, we'd never begin. But dreams are just the beginning. When you are ready to work on pursuing that dream, I have two pieces of advice.
- First, recognize mentors. When someone offers you their contact information it doesn't usually do any harm to accept it, with thanks. When senior professionals in your field offer you their contact information, that's called mentorship*. Accept with thanks and follow up somehow. (I'd aim for an email a week later but things may move much faster, or slower, in your neighbourhood.)
- Second, prepare for mentors. If you don't know what advice to ask for, whatever will you say when your dad's bridge buddy turns out to be a graduate of your dream program? "Pass the guacamole?" I'm not suggesting that you interrogate them until dawn. But if you had a chance to ask one question, a question that would help you on your next step, what would that question be? The more specific and purposeful your question, the more likely a mentor is going to recognize, respect and respond to your genuine interest.
Recognize mentors, and prepare for them. That's not a criticism. That's friendly advice. (See the jolly photo alongside the column? That's a friendly face.) The next time I say, "Feel free to ask me for advice," I hope to hear someone say, "How nice of you to offer. How do you recommend I present my portfolio?" or "Thank you for that. May I call you next week when I've reviewed the admission requirements?" or "That's great. What do you think are the most interesting schools for printmaking?"
Seth Godin also has some wisdom on this.
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