We think McGonagall would make the most amazing work mentor ever, and here’s why...

She’d help you find your talents
Would Harry have become the youngest Quidditch player in almost a century if it weren’t for Professor McGonagall?

‘The boy’s a natural. I’ve never seen anything like it. Was that your first time on a broomstick, Potter?’
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

A good boss spots hidden talents and encourages you to do better. McGonagall saw Harry’s potential – just imagine how encouraging she’d be to someone starting out.

If you needed help, she’d be there for you
Even in the face of office politics.

‘Potter has no chance whatsoever of becoming an Auror!’
Professor McGonagall got to her feet, too, and in her case this was a much more impressive move; she towered over Professor Umbridge.
‘Potter,’ she said in ringing tones, ‘I will assist you to become an Auror if it is the last thing I do! If I have to coach you nightly, I will make sure you achieve the required results!’
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Ever seen department heads clash before? The workplace can be a politically-charged place from time to time, but someone like McGonagall would have your back.

She would also know that biscuits make everything better
Every workday is improved by a nice, calming biscuit.

‘Have a biscuit, Potter.’
‘Have – what?’
‘Have a biscuit,’ she repeated impatiently, indicating a tartan tin lying on top of the piles of papers on her desk. ‘And sit down.’
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

It’s a real skill, knowing exactly when to deploy the biscuit tin to motivate your staff. And McGonagall had it.

She would take on extensive paperwork on your behalf
We could’ve all used a little extra help with tedious work admin.

‘It’s called a Time-Turner,’ Hermione whispered, ‘and I got it from Professor McGonagall on our first day back. I’ve been using it all year to get to all my lessons. Professor McGonagall made me swear I wouldn’t tell anyone. She had to write all sorts of letters to the Ministry of Magic so I could have one.’
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

For a moment, just imagine how great it would be to own a Time-Turner.

She was fierce and protective
McGonagall was one of those reserved characters that came to life when her school, her colleagues and her students were in danger.

‘Get back!’ shouted Ron, and he, Harry and Hermione flattened themselves against a door as a herd of galloping desks thundered past, shepherded by a sprinting Professor McGonagall. She appeared not to notice them: her hair had come down and there was a gash on her cheek. As she turned the corner, they heard her scream: ‘CHARGE!’
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Now that’s the kind of courage you want from a mentor.

She would secretly be very fond of you
She might not respond to every email or acknowledge your bright ideas with outward enthusiasm, but she would be devastated if something should happen to you. Like she was when she thought they’d lost Harry Potter...

He waited. Any moment, the people for whom he had tried to die would see him, lying apparently dead, in Hagrid’s arms.
‘NO!’
The scream was the more terrible because he had never expected or dreamed that Professor McGonagall could make such a sound.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

That’s how much she cared. If that moment didn’t give you goosebumps, we don’t know what would.

You’d secretly be very fond of her, too
And you’d do something drastic if anyone disrespected her, just like Harry did.

As Amycus spun round, Harry shouted, ‘Crucio!’
…
‘Potter!’ whispered Professor McGonagall, clutching her heart. ‘Potter – you’re here! What –? How –? She struggled to pull herself together. ‘Potter, that was foolish!’
‘He spat at you,’ said Harry.
‘Potter, I – that was very – very gallant of you…’
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

No one messes with my boss.

You’d look back and realise she was the best boss you ever had
McGonagall was stern, but only because she was teaching one of the most difficult feats a wizard or witch could hope to master.

‘Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts,’ she said. ‘Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned.’
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

It takes a seriously skilled person to teach that subject in the first place, let alone tame a roomful of teenagers. You might be inexperienced when you start out under a boss like McGonagall’s wing, but you’d come out stronger and wiser for it.