Having a mentor is an effective and meaningful way to approach career development. Mentors can advise on ideas for getting recognition at work, short- and long-term professional goals, and leadership development. Mentorship is also an effective way to maintain accountability for career growth.

In the "10-Minute Mentorship" video series, nationally recognized speaker, author, coach, and 2020 Governmental Affairs Conference emcee Antonio Neves interviews credit union leaders about career development topics. Here are five pieces of advice from guest mentors for stepping it up in the workplace:

1. When plans go off the rails, think differently. CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle knows firsthand that the goals you thought you were working toward can change almost overnight. Going into 2020, the credit union movement was "humming on all cylinders," Nussle says. Then, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic began. To respond effectively to a volatile situation, Nussle recommends thinking in terms of horizons. "The first horizon is what you're doing today," he says. "The second one is what's around the corner. The third one is what the future needs to be."
2. Question conventional workplace wisdom. Christian Hartley, branch manager at $3 billion asset Keesler Federal Credit Union in Biloxi, Miss., wants to correct one big career myth once and for all. "Early in my career, I was led to believe that tenure equals talent," she says. "I realized that's not the case. Oftentimes, we think you have to be at a place for 50 years in order to be successful, and that's not necessarily the case." She says that young professionals can set themselves up for career advancements like promotions, but for those who feel overlooked, she recommends showing gratitude, self-development, and tracking successes.
3. Focus on current roles and responsibilities. Mastering the role you currently hold will propel you forward to whatever's next for your career, says John Smith, senior manager of mortgage sales at $22 billion asset BECU in Seattle, Wash. "Become the expert: the one that people go to for resources and look to for an example," he says. Having somebody who believes in you at work is crucial to professional development, Smith says. He suggests finding a mentor or peer who is willing to be honest and have open conversations about performance and goals.
4. Follow the path to authenticity. Andrea Cooper, director of talent management at CUNA Mutual Group, believes that getting recognized at work starts with leveraging who you are instead of taking the same steps others might follow. "Find a way to be yourself and help others see the value of who you are," she says. "It starts to build a reputation. The best way to get that recognition is to bring who you are to the front." Emulating other successful people isn't always the right path for you, Cooper says. "I tried sometimes to be like others who were finding success, and it just felt artificial," she says.
5. Build a personal brand. Young professionals should avoid losing sight of their personal brands as they advance in their careers, says Jay Singh, assistant vice president of business services at $740 million asset Sunmark Credit Union in Latham, N.Y. "Life takes over, you get busy with work, you get more responsibilities, and you forget to focus on yourself," he says. "If I was starting all over again, I would stay focused on building my brand." Over the years, Singh has learned that career development is important, but work doesn't define him as an individual.

The "10-Minute Mentorship" video series is sponsored by CUNA Mutual Group.