Developing good mentoring relationships in graduate school is fundamental to having a positive, rewarding experience. Successful mentoring relationships contribute to the creation of a stimulating environment, and dynamic of reciprocity, that facilitates the personal and professional development of the faculty member and the student alike.
The fit between a student and a mentor is therefore critical; questions of professional goals, intellectual interests, working style and expectations for the relationship all matter and should be discussed early on. Don’t be afraid to ask others both within and outside of your departments about ways to find good mentors. Regardless of how and where you find mentors, remember that there are others who are committed to providing guidance and support during your graduate school journey.
In essence, mentors are people who:
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Provide encouragement and support
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Demonstrate professional and scholarly integrity
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Have professional interests similar to their students
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Share their knowledge with students informally or in the classroom
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Give specific, timely, and constructive feedback on performance
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Provide sources of information about research, grants, internships, employment, or other professional opportunities
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Are sensitive to the diversity of student lifestyles, cultures, and experiences and are aware of the challenges faced by students from underrepresented groups in their fields
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Discuss mentoring with colleagues and former students to improve the mentoring climate in their programs