The Mentor–Mentee Relationship

A relationship in which an experienced person — a mentor — counsels and supports a less experienced person — a mentee — to help them develop professionally and personally is known as mentorship. While the practice is beneficial for all involved, research shows that Indigenous students and professionals who have a mentor typically experience increased perseverance and success. Here’s a breakdown of what contributes to a positive mentor–mentee relationship.

Know Yourself

Before starting a mentorship, there are things to consider for both sides. If you’re seeking a mentor, first identify your career goals and areas where you struggle or need guidance. Ask yourself what you’d like to gain from the relationship. Are there specific skills or knowledge you hope to learn from your mentor? Are you looking for advice on how to navigate a particular challenge? And don’t forget to recognize your own personality and the mentoring style — coach, sounding board, subject matter expert — that will best resonate with you.

Likewise, if you’re interested in working with a mentee, understand the ways in which you can bring value to the relationship. What has your professional and life experience taught you? What skills and knowledge can you impart to your mentee? How much time can you commit to your mentee? And what kind of mentor do you want to be — coach, teacher, sounding board? Once you know what you need and what you can offer, you’ll be able to find your counterpart.