Pro-active tips for successful mentoring relationships (by James Gould, HMS office of Postdoctoral Fellows)

1. Quit taking it personally (Q-TIP) – Constructive criticism and failure are part of the research enterprise; use them to inform your next steps.

2. Seek out a reality check– Your perception of a situation may not match reality, so check in with a colleague before a misunderstanding occurs.

3. Set goals and expectations together and re-evaluate them often – It is important to set goals and long term expectations; just make sure to revisit them going forward.

4. Always be prepared for a meeting– It is your responsibility to have all necessary meeting materials sent ahead of time if possible. If your PI wants an impromptu meeting, ask for a few minutes to collect your thoughts before sitting down.

5. Ask for feedback but make sure you have several ideas on hand– You will not know everything about a project but when seeking input you must also contribute.

6. Seek out other advisors in addition to your PI – This is a common practice that allows broader discussion with a non-invested party.

7. Do not isolate yourself – Be an active participant in your project, in your lab, in your community, and in your life. Introduce yourself to department administrators and staff.

8. Realize that mentoring goes both ways– As a rule of thumb in relationships, you get what you give. Treat your mentor as you’d like to be treated.

9. Be honest and clear about your preferred mentoring style– We all know you can’t always get what you want, but asking increases the likelihood that you will.

10. Remember that you are an adult and this is your career– You are ultimately responsible for your actions and how your career progresses.

11. Use the resources available to you – The Ombuds Office and the Office for Postdoctoral Fellows are just a few of the resources you have to help you in your tenure here.

Tips

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