Proactive partnerships

Mentorship takes place every day at Yale in academic and professional settings, formally and informally. At its heart is the relationship between a mentor and a mentee. While it is always important for a staff person, undergraduate, graduate student, or fellow to find the “right” mentor, it is just as game-changing to make the most of your interactions by being an excellent mentee.

Paula Maguina, senior research finance manager, neurology, and Tanasia Thomas, who recently joined Internal Medicine in a new role, as a staff and academic coordinator, finished up their mentor-mentee relationship in October as members of Yale’s Working Women’s Network whose formal program fills up quickly each year.

“I’ve seen how powerful it is when a mentee comes prepared, engages honestly, and applies what we discuss,” said Maguina. “Watching Tanasia now step into her new role as fellowship coordinator at internal medicine has been incredibly rewarding. She fully embraced the process and truly earned this achievement.”

YourYale culled the following tips from the Employee Resource Groups’ guide for participants as they embark on their initial discussions.

Be passionately proactive

A model mentee takes initiative. Rather than waiting for your mentor to reach out, schedule meetings, set agendas, and follow up on discussion topics. Show that you value your mentor’s time and are dedicated to personal and professional growth by being prepared, punctual, and participatory.

Grab onto your goals

Define what you want to achieve as a mentee. Is it career advancement, skill development, or personal growth? Well-defined and well-articulated goals create a roadmap for the mentorship journey. Tell your mentor what your goals are and ask them to weigh in and evaluate your progress to achieve the best outcome for both of you.

Foster feedback

A good mentee is receptive to constructive feedback, which is one of mentorship’s greatest gifts. Embrace your mentor’s insights and perspectives; don’t jeopardize the exchange by considering them as criticism. Being open to feedback is the hallmark of a relationship of trust and mutual respect, which in turn allows for deeper, more meaningful growth.

Honor commitments consistently

Reliability is a cornerstone of a worthwhile mentoring relationship. If your mentor provides advice, suggests resources, or assigns tasks, follow through. Consistently honoring your commitments underscores your sincerity and dedication, which tells your mentor that their guidance is valuable.

“A good mentee is someone who is intentional, communicative, and proactive about their growth,” said Thomas. “A mentee should be willing to speak up about their needs, come prepared for conversations, and also be open to feedback and guidance. I believe it’s important to not only listen, but to act, whether that’s following through on advice, exploring new opportunities, or stepping out of your comfort zone.”

Act with appreciation

Express gratitude and applaud your mentor’s contribution — it goes a long way in nurturing a positive relationship. Show appreciation for their time, effort, and support. Respect their boundaries and maintain professionalism.

Care about communication

Keep your mentor informed of your progress, challenges, and achievements. This creates a richer understanding and gives your mentor opportunities to offer support.

Seek guidance, not solutions

The mentor’s role is to guide, not provide ready-made solutions. Focus on seeking advice, gaining insights, and exploring different perspectives. Take ownership of your actions and outcomes, allowing your mentor’s experience to inform your decisions, not make them. Empower yourself to develop problem-solving skills.

Mentorship is a two-way street. “My mentor can offer insights and connections, but I have to take initiative to apply them,” said Thomas.