The Benefits of Mentoring: Achieving Your Goals
In the process of completing their academic careers, students may stumble upon various sorts of obstacles. To find aid to be able to overcome these obstacles, many students resort to confiding in a mentor.
Research indicates that graduate students with mentors often outperform their peers. W. Brad Johnson, PhD, a psychology professor and mentoring expert, highlights that mentorship provides access to professional networks, leading to valuable opportunities for mentees.
Graduate students with mentors often express higher satisfaction with their academic experiences, take a more active role in professional organizations, and cultivate a stronger sense of their professional identity, as observed by Johnson.
Nonetheless, finding the right mentor can be difficult. Although many graduate programs assign advisors, these individuals may often focus on administrative tasks or immediate goals rather than helping students with their long-term career objectives.
Nadine J. Kaslow, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association and a psychology professor at Emory University, emphasizes that mentors should guide you in clarifying your career goals. She notes that additional support can improve outcomes during graduate studies, internships, and postdoctoral opportunities.
Johnson’s research indicates that around 70 percent of psychology PhD students and 50 percent of PsyD students have mentoring connections with their advisors. However, he notes that these mentorship experiences vary significantly. He states, “Program leaders believe students will naturally connect with faculty mentors, but this isn’t always the case.”
Exploring the Benefits of Peer-to-Peer Mentorship
Johnson emphasizes the importance of students developing a “constellation of mentors” rather than relying on a single mentor, as faculty schedules can be demanding. He encourages proactive networking with faculty, peers, and industry professionals through meetings, volunteering, and collaboration.
Todd Avellar, a doctoral student at UC Santa Barbara, underscores the value of early mentorship, sharing how psychologist Tania Israel guided him in setting career goals and attending conferences. Avellar serves as a peer mentor, helping new students navigate graduate school, addressing common questions, and providing practical advice.
The APAGS committee, of which Avellar is a member, advocates for high-quality mentorship in graduate programs, noting essential skills like networking and publishing are often overlooked in classrooms. The committee suggests initiatives like “speed mentoring” to connect students with professionals.
Gina Raciti, a doctoral student at George Washington University, reflects on her master’s program, crediting Johnson for encouraging her to pursue a doctorate and helping her build crucial skills. She highlights the importance of support in overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome in graduate school.
The Importance of Seeking Outside Help
Johnson emphasizes the value of having a “constellation of mentors” for students, noting that depending on one individual for all guidance may not be practical due to faculty members’ busy schedules.
As an associate professor and training director at Purdue University, Ciftci is committed to mentoring students, highlighting that the experience is mutually beneficial. She learns from her mentees’ fresh perspectives and emphasizes that students must be actively engaged in the relationship.
The APA and APAGS focus on mentorship initiatives for underrepresented students. For example, the APA’s Disability Issues in Psychology connects disabled graduate students with mentors who share similar experiences. Both mentors and mentees can apply online through the APA website.
Moreover, APA Division 45 (Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race) has developed a mentoring program for graduate students from ethnic or racial minority backgrounds, or those interested in psychological issues relevant to these groups. Applications are collected during the Division 45 conference in June and December through an online submission process. This initiative has successfully matched over 40 students with ongoing mentors.
Navigating the Dos and Don’ts for Mentors and Mentees
When establishing a mentorship with a faculty member or professional, it’s essential to consider key factors to prevent issues. The APA Centering on Mentoring Task Force provides a free guide with recommendations for mentors and mentees, addressing concerns like inappropriate relationships, unpaid labor, and mentee dependency.
- Set Clear Boundaries: It’s important to establish clear boundaries and expectations at the start of the mentorship. Both mentors and mentees should understand the relationship’s nature, which will evolve as the mentee advances. According to Eddy Ameen, PhD, mentees shouldn’t expect mentors to act as therapists.
- Initiate Communication: Mentees should take the initiative to arrange meetings and seek guidance, as faculty members often have busy schedules. Effective early communication is crucial to prevent relationships from fizzling out. Mentees should aim to be noticeable without being intrusive.
- Provide Constructive Feedback: Mentors should offer candid, constructive feedback without harsh criticism. The goal is to guide mentees, empowering them to make their own decisions and build on their strengths.
- Maintain Autonomy: Mentees should feel free to reject a mentor’s advice if it doesn’t align with their career goals. Johnson points out that some faculty may unintentionally try to mold mentees in their image, which isn’t always helpful.
- Address Power Imbalances: Power dynamics in mentorship can complicate authorship disputes in collaborative projects, as Ciftci notes. Mentees should recognize these dynamics.
- Know When to Seek Alternatives: If a mentorship turns toxic, mentees should consider ending it or seeking guidance from others.
Mentorships benefit both mentors and mentees by fostering community contributions and supporting professional growth for newcomers, while also offering valuable insights to mentors.
Mentorship is vital for professional development, even after graduation. Ciftci emphasizes that “significant learning occurs outside the classroom,” highlighting the importance of mentoring for graduate school success. Ultimately, effective mentorship can significantly impact careers.
Bibliography
Smith, B. (2014). The lifelong benefits of mentoring. Https://Www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2014/11/mentoring-benefits
If you wish to learn more about certifications, please get in touch with us.
More information about certifications.