Ask HN: How to find mentors while working remote?

9 pointsbasketbla8mo ago3 comments

So far in every internship and job that I've had, there's been a more senior engineer whose brain I can pick. Just curious if anyone here has suggestions for finding similar opportunities outside of a job?

For context: I graduated college 2 years ago and have been working at a remote startup since. Now I'm going out on my own to focus a little more on some of the side projects I've been working on, but even a week in I'm starting to feel the strain of working on something solo.

Location has also been a little bit of an issue for me. I was in the bay area for college and found it much easier to find events / people to learn from. I moved to the the twin cities after graduating and haven't really been able to find the same community here.

Any advice is appreciated!

3 comments

ativzzz8mo ago

In any job I've had (all remote), just message any person with some experience with the thing you're working on. They're always more than happy to bounce ideas or hop on a call and chat about it

> Hey, I'm working on feature A that needs X, Y, Z solutions. I see you worked on something similar, I'm trying to figure out the right way forward. Can I bounce some ideas off you?

Works with people without the experience

> Hey I'm working thru a problem and having trouble coming to a solution, any chance I could bounce some ideas off you?

Basically I've never had a "mentor" and I just ask people questions

> working at a remote startup since

This was my first job too. The upside was the freedom to explore on my own. The downside was lack of experienced coworkers. So I quit after a few years to get more of those.

AI is also decent at answering these kinds of questions, but less rewarding since it's not a human you can chat with

basketblaOP8mo ago

That makes a ton of sense, thank you!

brudgers8mo ago

Usually, a mentor has to come from your professional network.

Maintaining your professional network requires work.

In your case, your past mentors are a place to start that work.

It is important to demonstrate a maturity and attitude that makes it make sense for a mentor to invest the time in the mentoring relationship.

Good luck.

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