What Is Mentorship and Where to Find it in the Food Industry?

Last Updated on March 14, 2025

When asked about their career journeys, many successful professionals credit mentorship as a defining factor in their growth. No one advances in a vacuum; those who actively seek and apply guidance from experienced individuals set themselves apart.

From academic advisors to professional mentors, having someone to offer insights, challenge blind spots, and encourage risk-taking can make all the difference.

Veronica Hislop, our resident podcast host, has even pointed out that mentors can help us identify our blind spots. Her academic mentor point out their tendency to talk through their thoughts when nervous—something they had never noticed about themselves before.

But what is mentorship, and why does it matter?

What is Mentorship?

At its core, mentorship is a relationship where a more experienced person provides guidance to someone less experienced.

The mentor: A trusted advisor and expertise source
The mentee: Someone receiving advice, training, and support

While some mentoring relationships are high-profile such as Warren Buffett mentoring Bill Gates—mentorship doesn’t require a famous name. Friends, colleagues, teachers, or industry professionals can all serve as valuable mentors.

Why is a mentor important?

Mentors provide more than just career advice; they serve as sounding boards, motivators, and sources of industry knowledge. As author and entrepreneur Seth Godin once said, “You are more powerful than you think.” However, recognizing that power can be difficult without external guidance. A mentor can:

• Help mentees recognize their potential
• Offer insights into career paths and industries
• Encourage risk-taking and innovation
• Provide networking opportunities
• Share hard-earned lessons from personal experience

Mentorship is also a two-way street. As Dan Gheesling noted, “Experience can’t be purchased, it can only be earned or shared.” Great mentors are willing to share both their successes and failures to help others navigate similar path

Types of Mentorship

Mentorship can take many forms but it generally falls into two categories:

• Informal Mentorship: Naturally developed relationships with colleagues, friends, or supervisors, often unstructured but filled with valuable advice.
• Formal Mentorship: Structured programs with defined goals, typically focusing on skill development, career advancement, or leadership training.

Both forms are valuable and many professionals benefit from a mix of both.

What Makes a Good Mentor?

A good mentor is more than just someone with experience – they must also be willing to invest in another person’s growth. The best mentors:

• Are lifelong learners who continue expanding their own knowledge.
• Are open to discussing new challenges and perspectives.
• Have a history of success and failure and are willing to share both.
• Have the time to invest in a meaningful mentorship relationship.

Additionally, mentorship doesn’t have to come from a single person. As Melody Ge, founder of the Women in Food Safety Group, shared on episode 67 of That’s a Food Job! podcast,

“I didn’t really go out thinking, ‘Oh, I need a mentor, so I’m going to find one.’ To me, it’s like a two-way relationship. It naturally happens with the right chemistry. Some of the mentors I’ve mentioned probably don’t even know they were mentoring me.”

How to Find a Mentor

If you’re ready to dive into mentorship, the first step is to know what you want from the relationship.

Once you’ve identified your goals, here are some great places to find a mentor:

• Former and current supervisors.
• Alumni from your school or program.
• LinkedIn or professional networks.
• Association groups.
• Leaders or colleagues in your company.

When choosing a mentor, look for someone whose values align with yours—especially regarding work-life balance and ethics.

Even your professors may be able to connect you those that can mentor you.

Jared Kilgerman, shared on the podcast with us that:

I became very good friends with one of my professors who just shared a bunch of things in common… As summer approached, I was like, ‘Stephen, you know, I’m having a really tough time finding work. I’m not asking you to get me a job, I’m just asking if you know anyone who happens to be hiring in and around the management consulting, learning and development space—I’d love an intro.’”

Mentorship Programs in the Food Industry

If you’re in the food industry, here are a few formal programs to check out:

• The Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
• Professional Manufacturing Confectioners Association (PMCA)
• Women in Food Industry Management (WFIM)
• International Association of Food Protection (IAFP)
• National FFA Organization

But remember…

You may already have mentors in your life without realizing it.

Overcoming Common Mentorship Challenges

Finding and maintaining a strong mentor-mentee relationship isn’t always straightforward. Here are some challenges and solutions:

1. Difficulty Finding the Right Mentor
   • Broaden the search beyond direct supervisors.
   • Attend industry events and engage in online networking.
   • Look for mentorship moments in everyday interactions.
2. Mismatched Expectations
   • Define clear objectives for the mentorship.
   • Discuss the frequency and format of meetings early on.
3. Outgrowing a Mentor
   • Recognize when mentorship needs evolve.
   • Seek additional mentors for different career stages.

How to get the most of a Mentee-Mentor Relationship

• Be mindful of the mentor’s time—arrive prepared and follow up.
• Show appreciation—a simple thank-you note or small gesture can go a long way.
• Don’t expect a job offer—mentorship is about guidance, not employment.

Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal or complicated. It doesn’t even need a label. It can start as simply as saying, “Hey, I admire the work you’re doing—would you mind sharing how you got there?”

Remember

Mentorship is one of the most valuable tools for professional growth. Whether formal or informal, it provides guidance, confidence, and career direction. The key is to stay open to learning and actively seek out those who can offer insights and wisdom.

For those in the food industry, mentorship opportunities exist within companies, professional associations, and even casual workplace conversations. By recognizing the power of mentorship, both mentees and mentors can contribute to a stronger, more connected industry.