A mentor is a counselor

A mentor is a counselor into whose hands is entrusted the teaching of the next generation. Odysseus, preparing to leave for war, entrusted the care of his son, Telemachus, to his friend, Mentor. Each junior researcher must have a mentor, an advisor or professor or principal investigator to watch out for them, to encourage and challenge them. Junior researchers need advice both on technical aspects of their research and on the broader social aspects of making a good life as a professional. Because it involves a relationship of unequal power, mentoring is difficult enough when the junior and senior persons involved share a cultural background, gender, and ethnic identity. When the relationship involves individuals of groups traditionally under-represented in research, the activity requires special care and attention. Here we first consider the marks of a healthy mentoring relationship and then explore the challenges and opportunities inherent in the gender and racial diversity of mentors and mentees.

Who is a good mentor? He or she is someone with integrity who takes as their primary responsibility the development of the mentee’s academic and research skills. A good mentor fosters an atmosphere of openness and mutual respect, commits to helping the mentee through to the end of the mentee’s project, has significant research experience, and is an excellent teacher. Good mentors know the literature of the field, are in touch with principal authors and opinion-makers, and are respected by their colleagues. They give constructive criticism and encouragement through difficult times; they help mentees to develop conference presentations and alert them to postdoctoral opportunities and job openings. They ensure that a mentee’s advisory committee is formed expeditiously and meets at least once a year.