Building and Making the Most Out of Mentoring Relationships

When she thought about dropping her physics major, Jasmine (not her real name) sought mentorship. That mentor helped her stick with the major and find resources outside of school to thrive in physics. With her mentor’s support, Jasmine prepared for graduate school, pursued internships geared toward quantum physics, and connected with other Black women in the field. Having someone she could talk with monthly about the challenges she faced and how to overcome them, sometimes in person, was essential in Jasmine’s undergraduate career. Looking ahead, she says it helps to know that she has someone rooting for her who will help her navigate any challenges she might face.

According to the National Academy of Sciences, mentorship is an “alliance in which individuals work together over time to support the personal and professional growth, development, and success of the relational partners through the provision of career and psychosocial support.” Whether you’re tackling a research project or plotting your career path, having a mentor by your side can be a game-changer. According to Life Design Catalyst Coach William H. Johnson Jr., at this stage in your career, good mentors can build your scientific knowledge and expertise, help you grow personally and professionally, offer career guidance that is inclusive of various career paths, and support you as a whole person.

Good mentors may be closer than you think. Consider your professors, SPS advisor, academic advisors, postdocs, or even graduate students. Do they treat students or colleagues well? Do they possess relevant expertise and are they approachable?

To initiate a mentoring relationship, you can begin by expressing genuine interest in the person’s work or seeking advice on a specific topic. You can ask for an informational interview (see page 45) or offer to assist with projects. Many mentors also appreciate direct requests for mentorship if approached with a clear purpose.

Here are five tips to make the most of your mentoring relationships:

1 – Set Goals For The Mentoring Relationship

Share your aspirations with your mentor, using the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) to craft goals in academics, career, and personal growth. Your mentor can offer insights and suggestions based on your needs, and together you can brainstorm potential areas of focus for the mentorship.

2 – Communicate Expectations

Discuss shared expectations for communication methods, frequency, and responsiveness with your mentor. Establish a plan for missed meetings to maintain accountability and adaptability.

3 – Take Initiative

Actively pursue opportunities for growth, implement your mentor’s advice, and seek feedback on your progress. Be resourceful in supplementing your mentor’s guidance with additional resources, and stay committed to consistent communication and progress towards your goals.

4 – Show Appreciation

If you have a great mentor, let them know! Not only is appreciation a nice gesture, but giving positive feedback will convey to the mentor that they are providing the type of guidance and support you are seeking.

5 – Cultivate A Network Of Mentors

In most instances, no one mentor will be able to meet all of your mentoring needs. Consider what your personal and professional needs are with respect to current mentoring relationships. If there are gaps, seek additional mentors to add to your network.

Interested In Growing Your Network Of Mentors?

Check out these American Physical Society (APS) mentoring opportunities.

The National Mentoring Community (NMC) focuses on the needs of marginalized and minoritized students in physics and is open to all physics students. The program offers one-on-one mentoring relationships, virtual and in-person meetups with other mentees in the program, and emergency funding! Join now at go.aps.org/nmc .

If you are looking to connect with industry physicists, check out the APS IMPact program that helps connect physics students with industry physicists around the world at impact.aps.org .

Attending an APS March, April, or the Division of Plasma Physics Meeting? You might chat with APS Career Mentoring Fellows, who can offer expertise on career paths in physics. You can also invite these mentors to your department or SPS chapter to give a career talk. To learn more, visit aps.org/careers/guidance/mentoring.cfm .

The American Physical Society works to advance physics by fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and global community dedicated to science and society. Learn more at aps.org .

SPS members are eligible for a free year in APS when they register or renew. For details, visit spsnational.org/about/membership/free-ms-membership .