We have been getting this question a lot lately and we wanted to take the time to explain why you should pay for Tech mentor or coach. Let’s be honest, THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS FREE ADVICE. (We’ll get back to this in a moment).
*Certain people will need to use paid services while others can - DO-IT-THEMSELVES. Every person and situation is different. But we love the saying that goes like:
"If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together."
There are people who simply need their hand held throughout the process and want simple results the first time. That's perfectly ok. Why would anyone want to keep posting to forums every time they have question and either 1) not getting a response fast enough or 2) getting bad information which only holds you back from your dream job.
Disclaimer: no mentor or coach can guarantee you will have a tech job at a FAANG/MAANG (Big Tech) company. ONLY YOU CAN DO THAT. What they can offer you is the best shot at getting you closer to your end goal. THE REST IS UP TO YOU.
What is a MENTOR:
A mentor is a trusted advisor. Ability to proctor advise about a particular subject matter.
They are a person you can speak to on occasion about what you're trying to accomplish in tech. They can also be coaches but it's not synonymous.
What is a COACH:
A person who trains intensively (as by instruction and demonstration) pupils. Someone whose job is to teach people to improve at a subject.
They are a professional you can request services for instruction and demonstration of a particular subject within said industry.
What is a SPONSOR: (Within a company)
They are person who can introduce and support (a proposal) to be executed. Therefore, they can get you a promotion. Remember this person must hold some type of power to alter your status.
The best mentors or coaches are typically professionals actively working in said field not just industry.
For example: our industry is Tech but the field could be operations, in the department/subject of Human Resources.
Let's do another example: our industry is Tech but the field could be engineering, in the department/subject of Software.
Hopefully that didn't go over your heads if it did, tap into our facebook group we're happy to help.
Uba Law Group stated this,
When you want things for FREE you are expecting full value from a person who's a working professional. That working professional has bills to pay that maintain the resources necessary to provide value to you. If you want a person to provide you with amazing resources then why not pay them so they can continue doing just that.
The resources you are wanting for FREE actually cost mentors and coaches. They most likely have one or two degrees and spent 6 years or more gaining professional development through time. Student loans are no joke and most of us are paying them so we should understand.
Many tech mentors and tech coaches also paid to attend conferences/summits (upwards to $1,000) allowing them to grow their network...a network that they can leverage to help you not only get your foot in the door but seat at the table.
In addition, mentors and coaches might still have 9 to 5 jobs and need to pay themselves for the hour(s) they are away from that work helping others by sharing social capital. They also need financial capital for bills. We all like to eat don't we? Well they have to eat too and so do their families.
Lastly, a lot of people don't acknowledge the person(s) who have helped them become successful. But let's be honest here, you can't pay people with clout because clout doesn't guarantee to pay the bills.
Actor, Michael B. Jordan once said, "I was FAMOUS but I was BROKE."
Free can make you cheap. Until you spend a reasonable amount on yourself, how can you expect FAANG Companies to pay you six figures when you wont pay a mentor/coach/expert to help you get your foot in the door and stay in the door so you can get a seat at the table? FAANG companies want to work with people are invested in their own growth. They don't want to pay, to work with a person, who doesn't value themselves as a professional.
We always say, "You can never out work a person who's passionate and disciplined." That person will always find away to get what they need to succeed. If you are lacking one or the other...we suggest getting a coach.
It's proven that, when you invest in something you are more dedicated to the process. When you don't invest in it something you are more likely to walk away from it or have imposters syndrome.
You deserve to have a community of people supporting you every step of the way. You deserve you feel confident. You deserve a chance at your dream job and life that doesn't include living pay check to pay check.
As we like to say at NIT,
You have to PAY the COST to be the BOSS!
Meaning = I invested in myself to be the BEST candidate for the industry and a company decided to meet me half way and invest in my growth as well.
Again, NOT everyone needs a coach or mentor because some of you are self sufficient and have both hard and soft skills to land a tech job. But, why do it alone when you can ask help to get there a little faster.
If you can't afford to pay someone we have a few things you can do > check out our post on How to get a Tech mentor or Tech Coach for FREE.
Be sure to check out our list of Mentors and Coaches who can help you get where you want to be. If you still want free resources please feel free to join our peer community and follow us on all social media platforms.
