The Mentor’s Advantage: Why Every NDT Professional Needs One
In the world of Nondestructive Testing (NDT), precision defines success — but mentorship defines legacy. Every inspector learns to detect cracks, flaws, and hidden defects. Yet the lessons that truly endure are the ones passed down through relationships — the kind that build confidence, sharpen judgment, and open doors to opportunity.
I was fortunate to meet Victor Hernandez through the ASNT New Orleans Chapter early in my career. Victor wasn’t a supervisor or instructor — he was a friend. But his insight, humility, and steady encouragement left a mark far deeper than any formal training ever could.
It was Victor who urged me to go beyond the routine of inspection work — to pursue college and continue earning certifications that would expand my future. He believed education wasn’t just a credential; it was a multiplier. His advice helped me see that NDT wasn’t just a job — it was a profession with depth, direction, and purpose.
Those conversations became turning points. The guidance of one peer, given at the right time, helped shape a path that would eventually lead me into leadership roles and the opportunity to mentor others myself.
What Makes a Great Mentor
In NDT, a mentor isn’t necessarily someone with a title — it’s someone willing to share perspective. They:
Encourage you when progress feels slow.
Offer advice from experience, not ego.
Help you see the bigger picture beyond the next certification.
Remind you that professionalism and integrity are what truly set you apart.
The Ripple Effect of Mentorship
When you experience that kind of mentorship, it changes how you lead. You start paying it forward — answering questions, sharing study tips, and helping the next generation of inspectors find their footing. The result is a stronger, more capable industry built on connection and trust.
Mentorship Matters
At AMS Level 3, mentorship is more than a slogan — it’s part of our foundation. We believe that the NDT community grows stronger when experience is shared openly, when competition gives way to collaboration, and when professionals invest in one another’s growth.
If you’ve had a mentor like Victor — someone who saw your potential before you did — take a moment to thank them. And if you haven’t yet found that person, start showing up at chapter meetings, conferences, or training events. The right mentor might be sitting beside you, ready to change your trajectory with a single conversation.
Because beneath every great career in NDT, there’s a story of mentorship — and someone who cared enough to make a difference.
Produced by: AMS Level 3 LLC
Creative Production: Skaggs Media LLC – www.skaggsmedia.com
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