Mentors/Mentees

1. Mentors/Mentees Navigating the Mentor Relationship

2. Students’ Common Complaints • The mentor never gives timely answers to my calls • The mentor makes me feel like I’m bothering him/her • The mentor is too busy. The meeting is rushed • The mentor talks over my head

3. Students’ Common Complaints • The advice is vague. I don’t know what to do afterwards. • The mentor insists on too many rewrites. • The mentor changes his/her mind and gives conflicting advice. • The mentor doesn’t return drafts quickly. • The mentor doesn’t give help when I need it.

4. Students’ Common Complaints • The mentor focuses too much on the details and misses the big picture. • The mentor wants me to work on what they are interested in.

5. Mentor Common Complaints • The student calls without organizing his/her thoughts. • The student calls with unimportant matters. • The student thinks he/she is the only student I have. • The student doesn’t have basic skills for research.

6. Mentor Common Complaints • The student can’t write well. • The student expects me to do the research project for him/her. • The student freaks out over revisions. • The student underestimates how long things take and misses deadlines.

7. Mentor Common Complaints • The student expects me to rescue him/her from problems. • The student presents sloppy work. • The student refuses to take the initiative.

8. Your Role with the Mentor • Maintain contact. • Communicate your needs. • Topical Advice • Supportive Advice

9. Role with Mentor • Be a charmer • Read non-verbals • Acknowledge feelings by matching gestures • Set a positive environment • Remain friendly and cheerful • Show initiative and accept criticism • Be organized and use mentor’s time effectively

10. Role with Mentor • Exhibit personal integrity • Exhibit professionalism, maturity, and a strong work ethic • Be responsive to advice • Be honest about progress • Develop the ability to work independently

11. Traits of the Ideal Mentor • Has reasonable expectations • Reads and comments on material in a timely manner • Remains consistent • Sees mentor role as important

12. Ideal Mentor • Interested in you as a person and scholar • Meets regularly • Provides guidance on becoming a professional in your field

13. Being an Ideal Mentee • Observe common courtesies • Don’t appear without an appointment—unless your mentor encourages this. • Call or e-mail and leave a message about when you need an appointment. • Let the mentor get back to you with convenient times.

14. Ideal Mentee • Keep every appointment. • If you must cancel, call as soon as possible and apologize. • Come to the meeting on time. Be prompt. • Pace the conversation to cover all of your points. • If you hear impatience in your mentor’s voice, cut the meeting short and reschedule.

15. Ideal Mentee • If the mentor extends the meeting with questions or chit chat, patiently go along. • Listen—Don’t interrupt. • Take notes. • Come prepared. What exactly do you need? Bring your materials.