4: Mentorship 101: Finding your next Mentor
I’ll be the first to admit that I was an anti-social graduate student. Unlike most folks in my cohort, I wasn’t interested in joining student associations, grabbing drinks with classmates during happy hour, or even joining my Advisor for her bi-annual dinner gatherings. I was only concerned with getting ahead; for me, that included participating in research, co-authoring publications, and securing an impressive GPA. If an activity was not obviously beneficial toward my training, I simply didn’t make time for it.
Looking back, I regret not making time to create and sustain a larger network of individuals in my field. However, I made very strategic and intentional decisions about what kinds of relationships I chose to foster. For me, having good mentors were a priority and today, I believe this particular priority has better served me well over time. Early into my program, I made it a priority to meet and work with faculty that were actively engaged in research and writing. From my enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, I was able to gain invaluable mentors that have been pivotal to the success of my career. No matter if you’re an introvert, or a networking maven, here are some tips to create the mentoring relationships that will leverage your existing experience and future training:
Identify someone who shares your interest and is willing to mentor you
Start identifying potential mentors by searching your campus for faculty who are working on projects that you find interesting. Sending an introduction email is perfectly acceptable to request an in-person meeting and establish if the individual has adequate time and willingness to mentor you. I first met my most influential mentor by sending an email expressing my interest in her research.
Volunteer to assist with research or a project, particularly something that allows you to learn something new
After identifying a mentor, volunteer to assist on his/current project to demonstrate your eagerness to learn. This sacrifice of time and energy will demonstrate to your mentor that you are deserving of special attention. I typically don’t work for free, but volunteering to work alongside my mentors have always been investments that later paid off.
Consider yourself an apprentice; be willing to take advice and perform tasks outside your comfort zone
There’s no need for a mentor if you’re not willing to learn new skills. I learned some of my most lucrative skills by working with mentors who shared their expertise with me.
Sustain relationships; avoid burning bridges
No relationship is perfect. Be prepared for your mentor to view you as a mentee rather than a colleague. As you develop professionally, you may naturally outgrow the mentee/mentor relationship and seek a more collaborative relationship. I’ve often grown frustrated with my own mentors who have failed to see me as a colleague; however, the relationships that I’ve fostered over time are more valuable to me than my own ego. In short, don’t burn bridges
Remember, your mentee/mentorship relationships will be invaluable as you develop academically and professionally. I believe that these relationships should be carefully nurtured and sustained throughout your career. Finally, be open to the unlikely mentor; you never know who’s mentorship will be most beneficial to you in the long-haul.
~Inez
