How to Find a Mentor — Advice from Sujan Lama, 10+ Years BioTech Professional

If you're trying to find a mentor, you’re already thinking ahead—and that’s a great sign.

But where do you start? How do you know someone’s the right fit? And what if you’re stuck with a bad manager?

We spoke with Sujan Lama, who has over 10 years of experience in the biotech industry, about what mentorship really means and how to recognize the kind of support that actually helps you grow.

“A Good Manager Is More Important Than a Good Company”

Before diving into how to find a mentor, Sujan makes one thing very clear:

“If you find a good mentor or a good manager—that’s way more important than finding a good company.”

Why? Because great managers help you grow. They give you room to try, fail, and try again. They’re not breathing down your neck—they’re walking alongside you.

“Cherish the good managers. They’re rare.”

Sujan’s had both kinds—the supportive, empowering kind and the micromanaging type. That contrast shaped the kind of mentor and leader he is today.

The Interview Is Also for You

If you're applying for jobs or internships, remember this: you’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you.

“This is a time for you to ask questions. Try to find out what kind of mentorship style they have.”

Do they give their team autonomy? Do they allow failure? Are they accessible for feedback? These are fair questions—and they can save you from months of frustration later.

Know Your Mentorship Style

Some people thrive under close guidance. Others, like Sujan, prefer to be left alone to experiment and only seek help when needed.

“I don’t want someone hovering over my shoulder. I like when my manager says, ‘Here’s a task—go do your thing. Fail if you have to. If you need help, come to me.’”

That’s a key insight: the right mentorship style is different for everyone. If you prefer step-by-step guidance, that’s valid. But if you value freedom and creativity, make sure your mentor supports that.

Let People Fail—Then Support Them

As a mentor, Sujan gives his interns space to try things, fail, and then come back to analyze what went wrong.

“If something doesn’t make sense to you, do it again. Do it a third time. Then let’s sit down and talk through it.”

This trial-and-error mindset is especially important in fields like biotech, where nothing works perfectly the first time.

“You’ve got to fail to get there. Whether it’s an experiment, a new tech implementation, or writing an essay—failing is how you refine and get better.”

Mentorship Is About Growth, Not Perfection

Whether you’re looking for a mentor, or hoping to become one in the future, Sujan’s advice is powerful:

• Ask questions in your interview process.

• Find someone who gives you room to learn and fail.

• Know your own work style and what kind of feedback helps you thrive.

• And most importantly—don’t be afraid to fail.

“I have no problem failing. I don’t always get it right the first time. I tweak it, I try again. That’s just how learning works.”

Final Thought: The Best Mentors Let You Fail Forward

A mentor isn’t there to hand you answers. They’re there to support your learning process, even when things don’t go smoothly.

So when you're looking for a mentor—don’t look for someone who’s always in control. Look for someone who trusts you to figure things out, and stands by you when you need help.

That’s the kind of mentor who’ll actually help you grow.