Mentorship involves two parties, the mentor and the mentee, and effective mentorship requires preparation and participation from both to be successful. Whether you are considering your career or exploring a new research subject, a good mentor can help you develop a strategy that helps you achieve your dreams.

The following steps should be taken by mentees to prepare for your mentoring relationships, adapted from Bri Hart and Midhat Farooq for the American Institute of Physics (more):

1. Establish goals for the mentoring relationship.

   Share your aspirations with your mentor using the SMART framework to craft goals in academics and professional growth. Consider the mentorship activities and information provided elsewhere on the website to evaluate where you can improve (see: Building a Mentoring Network).

2. Develop a mentoring checklist.

   Discuss shared expectations for communication methods, frequency, and responsiveness with your mentor. Establish a plan for missed meetings and adaptability. Create a list of topics to help you stay on track.

3. Take initiative.

   Actively pursue opportunities for growth and implement your mentor's advice. Supplement your mentor's guidance by doing your own research.

4. Give feedback.

   If something is or is not working for you in a mentoring relationship, it is important to convey that to your mentor. Positive or constructive feedback can help a mentor refine their skillset to provide mentees with the best support possible.

5. Build a network of mentors.

   It is unlikely that 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.