Demystifying mentorship: Tips for successfully navigating the mentor-mentee journey

BACKGROUND

Quality mentorship is crucial for long-term success in academia and overall job satisfaction. Unfortunately, formal mentorship training is lacking, and there is little recourse for failed mentor-mentee relationships.

METHODS

We performed a literature review to understand the current state of mentorship research with a focus on: (1) what mentorship is and why it is important for success; (2) establishing mentor-mentee relationships; and (3) the role of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

RESULTS

From the literature review, we compiled a number of mentorship recommendations for individuals, departments, institutions, and professional associations. These recommendations focus on building a mentorship network, establishing formalized mentorship training, how to build a productive and mutually beneficial mentor-mentee relationship, and instituting a system of mentorship accountability .

CONCLUSION

We hope that by centralizing this information and providing a list of resources and actionable recommendations we inspire and encourage others to make meaningful changes in their approach to mentorship to create a more kind, caring, and equitable environment in which to conduct our work.

The Changing Face of Psychology

Given the increasing number of women entering the field of psychology, this study investigated the degree to which achievement motivation, leader identity, career salience, and willingness to compromise career for partner and children were predictive of leadership aspirations generally and in the American Psychological Association. Data from 202 female graduate students in counseling and clinical doctoral programs indicated that leader identity, career salience, and willingness to compromise career for children predicted overall leadership aspirations. Achievement motivation, leader identity, and career salience also predicted plans to pursue leadership positions in the American Psychological Association. Graduate students nearing the end of their doctoral programs were more willing to compromise career for children and prioritize their partner than women early in their program. The implications of these findings for research, training, and counseling are discussed.

Time Management, Passion, and Collaboration

The present study interviewed 17 of the most research-productive counseling psychologists within APA-accredited counseling psychology programs. Using Consensual Qualitative Research, seven domains emerged from the interviews: root of productivity, personality characteristics, productivity strategies, work environment, nonwork life, impact, and tips. Within these domains, 13 general categories emerged and 19 typical categories emerged. Overall, these participants were successful early in their careers, received mentorship/support while in graduate school, chose research topics that were salient to them and about which they were passionate, effectively managed their time, collaborated well with students and professionals, had a structured approach to writing, worked in a supportive research environment, and spent a considerable amount of time outside of work with family or participating in hobbies. Based on the results, practical suggestions are offered for individuals within the field of counseling psychology who wish to be productive researchers.