All your questions about mentorship, answered

Why should I talk to a user research mentor?

Of all the strategies for creating a product, user research is one of the few that can ensure it meets actual user needs without unnecessary features.

But conducting effective user research takes a lot of skill, smart methodologies, and learning from each iteration while you’re figuring things out.

Because while user research is insightful, it’s also complex. Recruitment challenges and biased data are common, making it more important than ever to have practical, actionable advice.

Plus, the sheer number of research methods can be overwhelming for a new product manager.

Yes, there are plenty of DIY guides and case studies out there. But theory and practice are two very different beasts.

Wouldn’t you rather have confidence in every insight you gather?

You can. Just talk to a user research mentor.

What can a user research mentor do for me?

Most user research mentors have conducted and overseen multiple research projects from start to finish. Some have been successfully applying user research since their early days in the field.

These mentors bring the real-world experience you need to navigate the challenges of understanding and designing for your users.

With a mentor’s advice, the path to a user-centered product becomes clearer. You’ll learn how to recruit participants, design effective studies, and analyze data for actionable insights. They’ll help you avoid common biases, identify true user needs, and develop a research plan that aligns with your goals.

For more experienced researchers, a user research mentor can dive into advanced techniques like triangulating data, conducting longitudinal studies, and leveraging mixed methods. They can even share examples from their own projects so you can learn firsthand.

So you can achieve greater success with less trial and error, regardless of where you are on your research journey.

Should I talk to a user research mentor now?

Whether you’re just starting to conduct user research or already deep in the process, you should talk to a user research mentor.

If you haven’t started yet, a mentor can guide you through the early stages. They’ll help you craft a solid research plan, figure out the best methods for gathering data, and provide tips on synthesizing insights without overwhelming yourself.

They can also advise you on when and how to iterate on your findings and how to build a user-centered design process.

If you’re already conducting user research, a mentor can help you when:

  • You’re struggling to recruit the right participants
  • You’re facing challenges with interpreting complex data
  • You’ve hit a plateau and need new techniques for deeper insights
  • You need creative solutions for presenting findings to stakeholders
  • You’re considering new research methods and want to ensure they align with your overall product strategy

Even for seasoned researchers, a mentor’s insights can accelerate your progress and help you reach new heights.

Why should I trust GrowthMentor’s mentors?

Excellent question. After all, the “mentorship” world is full of high-priced consultants, armchair analysts who have never done the work themselves, and outright snake-oil salesmen looking to make a quick buck.

But, there are plenty of experts out there who want to share their experience and knowledge. At GrowthMentor, we’re lucky to have 700+ of those experts.

The secret comes from our vetting process. We not only double-vet all of our mentors so only the top 3% makes it through our process, we also look at their soft skills. Because no one wants a mentor who’s a snob or a jerk.

On top of it, 85% of our mentors don’t charge an extra fee. Why?

The short answer: Because they want to help people.

The long answer is because…

  • They enjoy sharing their knowledge
  • They learn from their mentees
  • They want to be a “force for good” in the business world
  • They want to pay it forward

But don’t just trust our word on it. Hear from the mentors themselves.