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A great read to get you started:

Mapping a Mentoring Roadmap and Developing a Supportive Network for Strategic Career Advancement (Beronda Montgomery, MSU)

"The mentoring roadmap concept encompasses the following steps: (a) self-reflection, (b) establishment of mentor–mentee relationship(s), (c) maintenance of mentoring relationships, and (d) advancing in mentoring relationship(s)."

Another great resource from the ACS: ChemIDP

Seven Tips for Mentees and Additional Tips for Developing a Successful Relationship with your Mentor

 

  1. Initiate.
    In order to sustain the mentoring relationship, take the initiative to ask your mentor a question, to let her know your educational and professional interests and objectives, and to ask about her own experiences.

     

  2. Honor Your Commitment.
    Your mentor probably has a very demanding job. She has volunteered to take on the added responsibility of mentoring. Please be appreciative of your mentor’s time and investment; respond in a timely manner to your mentor's questions and comments. If you don't have the time to respond at length, send a short message letting this person know you will be in contact when you have the opportunity.

     

  3. Help Your Mentor Help You.
    Tell your mentor how she can be most helpful to you.

     

  4. Expect Support, Not Miracles.
    You can expect a certain level of support and advice from a mentor, but she can't solve your problems for you. Perhaps the most valuable quality a mentor can offer is an alternative point of view. A mentor can put the situation in perspective, offer feedback, serve as a sounding board, and identify others whose brain you might pick or activities you can engage in or small ways you can position your work to meet your goals as well as resources that may be helpful to you.

     

  5. Communicate Clearly.
    Initiate contact with your mentor if you have questions or would like to discuss something. Identify your needs and communicate them as clearly as possible to your mentor. It may be helpful to put some focused energy into organizing your thoughts and concerns before talking to your mentor, so that the time is spent wisely.

     

  6. Be Teachable.
    Be willing to learn new things, obtain another perspective, and be responsive to suggestions and constructive criticism.

     

  7. Follow Through.
    When you decide to act on your mentor’s suggestions, act in a timely manner and then report back to her.

 

 

Unreasonable Expectations Regarding Mentors

 

There are some common unrealistic expectations of mentors that can cause irritation and is a disappointment on both sides. As a general guideline, the mentor should not be expected to:

  • Provide the mentee with personal introductions to other people unless they’re comfortable doing so.

  • Spend more time on the relationship than she is able to give.

  • Take the lead in the relationship, setting up all meetings and driving the mentee’s career development.

 


Specific Tips for Mentees

 

These practical strategies can help mentees build a relationship with their mentors:

  • Remember that you own your development, your mentor doesn’t. It’s up to you to identify objectives as well as keep the relationship focused and moving forward.

  • Use active listening skills in discussions with your mentor.

  • Be prepared to ask for specific advice on your skill set, ideas, plans, and goals. The more specific you are, the easier it will be for your mentor to respond.

  • Be complete yet succinct in your comments and explanations.

  • Make it easy for your mentor to give you honest, specific feedback. Ask for it early in your relationship.

 

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