For youths, the benefits of mentoring is statistically proven. Studies of Big Brothers Big Sisters, show students with mentors are 52 percent less likely to skip a day of school and 37 percent less likely to cut a class. Other studies show mentees are 42 percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs and 27 percent less likely to start drinking. Research funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation suggests that youths with mentors even achieve better grades. The benefits don't fade as time goes on either. Sometimes mentors are overlooked in the working world, but the positive impact they have still affect professionals and graduate students every day.

Fitting into a Professional Environment

Whether you're entering the workforce for the first time or even navigating a new company's culture, figuring out the ins and outs of a workplace can be daunting. Mentors in the workplace often have beneficial knowledge you can use to make decisions — knowledge you can't find elsewhere.

"Mentors allow you the benefit of their experience to see around corners and anticipate what is coming at you so you can make better decisions," Neil Fiore, an executive coach in Berkeley, California, told The New York Times.

While anyone can prepare for a job or career by researching the industry, mentors can provide a valuable look into the politics at play and the relationships and attitudes shared by your specific employer and fellow co-workers. In many situations, this information is integral to seeking higher positions and earning respect from the network of people that will directly contribute to your career growth.

For new employees just entering the workforce, a mentor can steer you through more sensitive professional dilemmas. Having a confidante in a trusted mentor opens the door for two-way conversations about professional attire, the touch barrier in the workplace or even how to deal with uncomfortable situations like the distracting "chatty Cathy" that comes by to talk your ear off each morning.

Overcoming the "Imposter Syndrome"

Gloria Larson, president of Bentley University, recently wrote about the power mentors have in helping professional leaders — and women in particular — overcome negative feelings associated with praise. Mentors help leaders overcome the imposter syndrome, which is the belief that, despite an excellent track record and a history of success, one does not believe that he or she deserves recognition. Instead of accepting acknowledgments, these professionals are convinced that they aren't worthy, that they aren't as knowledgeable as co-workers think they are, that they are merely "imposters." Basically, it's the opposite of the flashy intern who does nothing but acts like he owns the place.

Imposter syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt that can rob you of motivation and can stifle your professional career when you fail to accept credit and gain recognition in the workplace. Some sources claim around 70 percent of people have struggled with imposter syndrome at some point. Research also suggests that it's a particularly pervasive problem for high-achieving women in the workplace. Not only can imposter syndrome affect worker enthusiasm, and thus performance, but this phenomenon can also tamper down company productivity at the same time. So how do you destroy this feeling?

"Find a mentor," Larson urges. "I never would have had the confidence to achieve success without a strong mentor and, perhaps even more importantly, without sponsored support."

Larson described that a sponsor, which is someone inside your company that can specifically advocate for you, is particularly beneficial.

How Do You Find a Mentor?

Mentorship programs for youths like Big Brother Big Sister make finding a role model and confidante at an early age easy for those who want one. However, finding a like-minded mentor as an adult in the professional arena is not always an easy task. Not every company or educational institution has an available mentorship program, but many do. The Wall Street Journal reported that about 70 percent of Fortune 500 companies have mentoring programs. Some companies invest in mentorship training courses, matching software that pairs new employees with seasoned pros and create scheduled meetings between the two.

Other companies don't offer this structured approach, and this puts the onus on you to find a mentor. Not any co-worker or academic professional will do, however. In searching, you should consider three important criteria: availability, credentials and trust.

A mentor that is too busy to offer advice or ask questions won't be of any use to you professionally. Once you know that YOU have time, remember to carefully consider what his or her schedule is like and how reliable he or she is.

"It all comes down to time and availability," Barbara Wankoff, national director of workplace solutions at auditing firm KPMG, told the Times. "You want a mentor who is going to make your needs a priority, no matter what might get in the way."

Even with the most flexible schedule, a mentor's advice may not be useful if it isn't credible or doesn't fit your needs. Before reaching out, do some research (LinkedIn is perfect for this) about your potential mentor and their career, education, and associations and interests. Also, do some personal soul searching. What are your specific professional goals and how can this person help you reach those goals? Find out if they have experience that can guide you in the right direction. You're looking for someone who can give you advice about your industry and make suggestions you may not have thought of. Make sure their perspective is the one you truly want and need.

Finally, you'll want to confide in someone you can trust. Consider the personality of the individual. If you're looking for someone you can make a personal connection with, make sure you're comfortable with him or her beforehand and that the candidate knows you well enough to keep your best interests at heart. While you may be able to find some direction in your company's human resources or train and development department, remember that you can also reach out to professional organizations and graduate school alumni for potential leads.