Graduating from college and entering the workforce can be a tricky transition for many college graduates. But I received some advice the other day that has made me optimistic about launching my professional career: follow the mentor, not the money.

The initial phases of professional life can be confusing. You are still deciding what you want to do and who you want to be. Finding a mentor to give you guidance and help you achieve your career goals can alleviate the overwhelming stress people find early in their careers. Not only do mentors boost your professional capabilities, but also your confidence.

As the world becomes increasingly “smaller” and the job market more competitive, the benefits of having a mentor cannot be underestimated. The most obvious advantage of having a mentor is learning from their real-life experiences. Whether overcoming professional challenges, making business decisions, or determining if graduate school is a good investment, mentors are filled with an immense wealth of knowledge that can be incredibly useful.

Aside from advice, mentors also have vast professional networks. As someone who is personally invested in your success, your mentor will open up this network to you. These connections are people who can introduce you to other professionals, new business opportunities and maybe even jobs to advance your career.

Before you begin the search for a mentor, it is important to do some preparation. Establishing expectations between you and your mentor is a good starting point. What do you want to learn? How often would you like to meet with your mentor? How long do you see this mentorship lasting? Outlining these goals from the beginning will lead to a more effective, meaningful mentorship.

It is crucial that you find someone that you can actually learn from. The ideal mentor is someone you respect professionally and would like to emulate. Personality is also important. If you enjoy communicating with your mentor, your experience will be much more fulfilling.

Follow a mentor and the money will follow.