Issue link: http://pgaofcanada.uberflip.com/i/1051475
The challenge is to figure out what you are truly passionate about and whether a career in golf, and specifically the role of a Teaching Professional, will cause you to jump out of bed each morning energized to face the challenges inherent in the role. If you can give 110 percent effort to your current Assistant or Associate Teaching Professional role and are not solely fo- cused on your paycheck, then you are likely on the right path and will be able to persist through difficult mes. If you are unable to focus and give maximum effort each day, are frustrated or unhappy in your role, it is me pause, reflect on your situa on, and re-set your career goals. 3. DON'T GO IT ALONE Mentors are essen al to career success, so if you don't have one, get one. With so few dedicated teaching posi ons available in the golf industry, you will benefit from the feedback and guidance from someone who has achieved career success in the role you covet. This research makes clear that mentors provide invaluable support to those working in the golf industry related to the following key elements: 1. Gaining job-specific skills needed for success in the role (Mentors as teachers). 2. Valida ng your experiences and beliefs in terms of what things mean to others around the club. When adap ng to a new club's culture, a mentor can offer invaluable insights related to how you should behave in certain situa ons. Mentors can help you avoid poten ally career-limi ng decisions, as well as assist you to establish key rela onships with club members and staff (Mentors as guides). 3. Offering unfiltered, honest feedback on how you are doing in the role. If the mentor is on-site, he/she can provide immediate feedback on your performance. If you listen to, internalize and incorporate this feedback, you can accelerate your learning and overall performance (Mentors as truth-tellers). 21 Being around great golf professionals who took an interest in me and acted as mentors were the biggest influence on my career… they taught me what was really important like 'ge ng out in front' of your customers… to an cipate their needs…they also allowed me to make mistakes and learn. -- Colin Orr For young people who love to teach and coach…golf can offer them a lot in return… it may not be financially rewarding early on…but if you go in with a plan and pursue it, the rewards will come, and you won't be sorry. -- Derek Ingram I worked as an appren ce coach early in my career and was mentored by the head coach who not only taught me how to teach…but showed me how to act as a coach…I also had 'tough' mentors who really condi oned me for the role I'm in now. -- Jon Bloome I was fortunate to have always had a variety of mentors…they guided me through my career decisions and actually exposed me to job opportuni es that I would not have had access to…this was extremely helpful to me and my career. -- Derek Thornley