Mentors Matter: Strategies for Selecting the Right Mentor

Throughout life, mentors serve important roles, both personally and professionally.  This is particularly the case for early career professionals, where guidance and counsel from a mentor can encourage success. Given the importance of mentors, there is certainly merit in considering strategies for identifying and selecting suitable mentors, especially those in a typically trainee-advisor relationship where one must formally chose among a variety of possible mentors.  It has been our experience after having mentors with a variety of strengths and weaknesses that it really comes down to individual fit.  Characteristics of good mentors include compassion, fairness, and good listening skills.  They should engage you, learn about your career aspirations, and provide opportunities to help you achieve your goals, while also helping you expand your thinking and horizons.  In addition, strong mentors have a willingness to provide advice, without dictating and while still allowing independent ideas.  It is worth noting that for most, mentoring is a challenging and underappreciated task, so when you have a good mentor, be sure to acknowledge their important role in your career and life.  In the age of life-long learning, you are never too old or wise for a mentor.