In graduate school, one of the most important relationships we strive to build is with our advisor or mentor. This relationship is often developed with a supervisor or with other faculty members who have an interest in our academic and professional goals. Mentoring is a process where students are socialized to the values, norms and practices of the discipline. A positive mentoring relationship should nurture our personal, scholarly, and professional development. As graduate students, we need to play an active role in the mentoring relationship by taking personal responsibility for our development. Below are some suggestions toward enhancing the mentoring relationship and accomplishing academic excellence.
Be proactive in the relationship
Take the initiative to approach your mentor to discuss relevant topics and ask for his or her advice. Honestly share professional goals and career aspirations. Do not be afraid to suggest areas of interest which you are keen to pursue, as this may open up new avenues for research and discussion. Establish the frequency and structure of the contact times with your mentor as well as their preferred channel of communication (e.g., email, phone, or face to face).
Be receptive to criticism
Though it would be ideal if all criticism was tempered with praise, it may not happen all the time. As graduate student, you must be open and receptive to comments, suggestions, and advice from your mentor, other faculty, as well as fellow students. Every mistake leads to learning and will ultimately lead you towards your goals. During any review process with the mentor, you should ask questions if you are unsure.
Be prepared for meetings
You should always be prepared for any scheduled meeting with your mentor. Be on time and prepare an agenda for the meeting. You should also update your mentor on what you have done since your last meeting and what issues you need advice about. Ensure that your mentor is aware of any deadlines, such as conference or progress report deadlines.
Crediting your mentor
To further academic development, you should actively seek opportunities to work with your mentor, other faculty members, or students on research projects. This could include conference papers, research grant projects, or cross-cultural studies. You must explicitly credit your mentor and other collaborators appropriately in all projects, conference papers, and publications.
Social networking
Besides your mentor, you may want to seek out other individuals who could help you in your training. These may be people who have specific knowledge about relevant sub-topics or methodology. You should update your mentor regularly on the progress of such social networking and seek his or her recommendations. Networking will enable you to become involved in interest groups and scholarly communities.
Be respectful
The ideal mentor-mentee relationship is one of mutual respect. Respect his or her time and need for privacy. Be mindful of deadlines and give him or her sufficient time to review your work so that constructive suggestions are possible. Though you have established a friendship with your mentor, there are still student and faculty boundaries you need to be conscious of when communicating with your mentor. It is wise to respect your mentor's expertise and authority, even if your relationship seems somewhat informal.
As graduate students, your mentor will play a pivotal role in your academic and professional success. Hence, it is important that you approach this relationship with respect, sincerity, and honesty. Cultivating a harmonious relationship with your mentor will enable you to succeed in graduate school and will prove to be professionally and socially rewarding.
REFERENCES
Guide for Mentors (2008). Retrieved 13 November, 2008, from https://dcprinciples.org/careers/careers1/mentor/guide-mentor.htm
Mentor and Graduate Student Strategies for Success (1999). Retrieved 13 November 2008, from http://graduate.louisville.edu/pubs/mentor-and-graduate-student-strategies-for-success.html
Woodford, B. (2005). Mentoring - How to obtain the mentoring you need. Retrieved 13 November 2008, from http://www.grad.washington.edu/mentoring
