Mentoring Program
Mentoring Resources
Mentoring plays a crucial role in early professional development. While styles of advising and mentoring vary across the disciplines, there are some fundamentals that we encourage both mentors and mentees to consider. For those new to establishing and maintaining this kind of relationship as well as those more experienced mentors looking to find information on best practices, ASEEES recommends both of the guides below.
Shared Vision and Accountability
We can’t emphasize enough that both mentors and mentees share responsibility for ensuring productive and rewarding mentoring relationships. Both parties have a role to play in the success of mentoring. Mentors and mentees should work together to develop a shared agenda, goals, and responsibilities for the mentoring relationship. Attention to accountability in the early stages of the mentoring relationship helps avoid the temptation to over-promise and set realistic expectations for all involved.
Benefits of Mentoring for the Mentee
- Makes a smoother transition into the workforce;
- Furthers his/her development as a professional;
- Gains the capacity to translate values and strategies into productive actions;
- Complements ongoing formal study and/or training and development activities;
- Gains career development opportunities/increases career networks;
- Develops new and/or different perspectives;
- Gets assistance with ideas;
- Demonstrates strengths and explores potential.
Benefits of Mentoring for the Mentor
- Obtains a greater understanding of the barriers experienced by young professionals;
- Enhances skills in coaching, counseling, listening, and modeling;
- Develops and practices a more personal style of leadership;
- Demonstrates expertise and shares knowledge;
- Contributes to the overall development of the profession.
General Resources
For more resources, please visit:
- University of Albany Mentoring Best Practices
- University of Michigan Rackham Graduate School:
“How to Get the Mentor You Want: A Guide for Graduate Students” [PDF]
“How to Mentor Graduate Students: A Guide for Faculty” [PDF] - University of Washington Mentoring Guidelines for Good Practice
- Stephen Volk on “Bridge Mentoring: How to Advise While Being Advised, Mentor While Being Mentored” AHA’ Perspectives on History (2012)
- John French, “Learning the Craft: The Role of Graduagte Mentors,” AHA Perspectives in History (2007)
- AHA Forum on “Art of Mentoring”
- National Mentoring Partnership