Mentee Duties

It is important that the mentee understands that it is its duty to drive the mentorship forward.

Importantly, mentees must prepare for each interaction with the mentor. The mentor is there to provide guidance on topics brought up by the mentee. For the programme to be successful, the mentees are to fill in a form in advance for each meeting with the mentor and submit it to the mentor. It is also important that the mentor and mentee understands that mentees are not the mentor’s PhD student, PostDoc or employee. Mentors are not supposed to ask their mentees to do technical work for them.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Come to your meetings prepared with a clear idea of what topics or issues you want to address. The mentees will have to fill in a form in advance for each meeting with the mentor and submit it to the mentor.

• Be proactive and assume responsibility. 

• Commit to your development.

• Be open and honest on your goals, expectations, challenges and concerns.

• Actively listen and question.

• Build a supportive and trusting environment.

• Seek guidance, opinion, feedback, and direction from your mentor.

• Be open to constructive criticism/feedback, and ask for it.

• Respect your mentor’s time and resources.

• Apply what you learn from your meetings when back on the job.

• Keep your mentor informed of the process and your progress.

• Give feedback to your mentor on what is working or not working in the mentoring relationship.

• Participate in the scheduled events for the program.

By actively engaging, being open to learning, setting goals, seeking guidance, taking initiative, building a strong relationship, and possibly expressing gratitude, mentees contribute to a fruitful and meaningful mentorship experience.

Benefits from this experience as a mentee:

• Knowledge and experience sharing.

• Access to an expanded network.

• Increased confidence.

• Career guidance and advancement.

• Personal growth and perspective.

• Accountability and support.

• Having a caring ear to hear your triumphs as well as your frustrations 

• Developing your skill as a “planner” — getting a sharper focus on what’s needed to grow professionally 

• Developing your skill as a “learner” — finding new ways to acquire new skills 

• Developing your skill as a “communicator” — improving your ability to express your expectations, goals, and concerns 

• Learning what it is like to be in a higher-level position 

• Receiving honest feedback 

Overall, mentorship accelerates the mentee's growth, boosts confidence, and offers guidance, leading to greater success and fulfilment