While mentoring is a one-on-one relationship, it is also a partnership. Strong mentoring partnerships are forged when attention is paid to mutual roles and responsibilities. Here's what you need to do to be a good mentor/mentee:

 

Mentor

  • Commit to and meet with your mentee regularly.
  • Listen and learn. Discover who your mentee is as a person and what his/her goals are.
  • Have an honest interest in your mentee’s chosen career path.
  • Jointly set goals and clear expectations.
  • Guide, encourage and support your mentee in their academic and personal life.
  • Be a role model, share experiences and demonstrate personal integrity.
  • Teach mentees how to learn from their mistakes.
  • Make relevant introductions and create opportunities for collaboration and professional development.

Mentee:

  • Choose your mentor wisely. Ensure he/she is compatible with you in the areas of your research interest and personality.
  • Initiate and schedule discussions with your mentor regularly.
  • Be honest and share a true self-assessment of who you are and what your goals are.
  • Make a commitment to prepare, attend meetings and take action after meetings.
  • Listen. Consider all suggestions without being defensive.
  • Follow through on suggestions that make sense.
  • Participate. Take full advantage of the introductions, services and assistance offered.
  • Give back. Share how you’ve used your mentor’s advice.

We acknowledge the excellent resources of Northwestern University, Brown University, the University of Michigan, the University of Washington, the University of California Berkeley, and the Council of Graduate Schools.