Finding & Developing a Strong Mentor Relationship
Choosing a mentor
Many different people advise and guide you in your personal, academic and professional lives. You may also have one or two people that you regularly seek out for support. For the purposes of the Leadership Scholarship application, we ask that you choose one person who knows you and cares about your growth as a leader. This person may be a community leader or a member of the faculty or staff on campus. We do not recommend family members for this role.
Developing a relationship with your mentor
It is important that once you identify someone to support your application, you have a conversation with him or her. You can use the application as a starting point to frame your relationship. You may wish to set expectations such as how often you wish to meet or talk, how you will do this (in person, telephone, email) and what you would like to discuss.
You could share your essay with your mentor and talk about your goals for the project as well as for yourself. Be sure to explicitly ask him or her to write a letter of recommendation once you’ve had at least one conversation, and communicate the date by which the letter must be received. Your mentor may find it useful to visit the Faculty/Mentor Instructions page to better understand the application process and what we're looking for in his/her letter.
What you and your mentor can expect from one another
Mentors’ Expectations
We surveyed mentors of Mary Gates Leadership Scholars and asked them what they expect of the students they mentor. We summarized some common responses from the mentors.
- Mentors expect the students they mentor to maintain consistent communication, and to be responsive, prompt, prepared, and organized. Mentors expect students to be willing to dialogue, to communicate their needs and expectations, and ask for help when they need it.
- Mentors expect the students they mentor to be enthusiastic about their project, and to be willing to put in the effort necessary. Mentors expect students to be self-motivated, disciplined, and willing to take action. Mentors also hope that students will challenge themselves and take risks.
What students can expect from their mentor
We surveyed mentors of Mary Gates Leadership Scholars and asked them what students can expect from them as a mentor. We summarized some common responses from the mentors.
- Students can expect feedback from their mentors. Mentors can help students in refining their ideas, and shaping their project into a form that can be accomplished. Students can expect their mentors to offer advice and guidance regarding their project and to help them think about ways to connect their work with larger scholarly work and the broader context.
- Students can expect their mentor to be available and willing to listen. Mentors often provide personal encouragement and guidance in helping students achieve their immediate and longer term goals. Mentors are committed to their students’ growth and will often encourage their student to reflect on their own experience. Students can expect support from their mentors, both for their project and for meeting their learning and leadership goals.
Thanking your mentor
Most mentors embrace their roles without reward for their time or effort but purely for their interest in helping others. You can show your appreciation for their guidance simply by thanking them. You might also recognize your mentor more publicly with a note to their organization or department, or to our office.
In addition, the UW offers more information to help guide you through developing a strong mentor relationship.