What Exactly Does Mentoring Mean?

Ideally, there would be a simple answer to this question, but in truth mentoring has a unique meaning for each individual mentoring partnership. Mentoring typically involves a close, individualized relationship that develops over time through caring and guidance between a student and a mentor. Mentoring is defined by the focus of the mentoring program, the guidelines of the individual mentoring relationship, and the specific needs of the student. 

The MMAP program involves three main focuses—(1) providing support, (2) sharing experiences, and (3) working to establish and achieve goals. 

1. The first, and most important, focus area is providing support – academically, socially and personally. 

• This does not mean providing counseling or tutoring.  Rather, the MMAP encourages mentoring partners to build a rapport and a friendship with each other. 
• Let the relationship develop naturally.  This means spending time just getting to know each other and earning the other’s trust.  Once a solid relationship has been established, you can begin to work on more personal and important issues. 
• Also, once you have established a relationship, your mentoring partner may consult with you when they have a problem they aren’t sure how to handle.  Trying to force this type of relationship prematurely will most likely create an uncomfortable atmosphere.

2. The second area that the MMAP recommends as an area of focus is sharing one another’s life experiences. 

• This means opening up your world to your mentoring partner, and being open to learn new things from your partner.
• You and your mentoring partner will most likely come from different backgrounds, have varied interests, or take part in different community, scholarly or career-related activities. Mentoring provides a wonderful opportunity to expand your horizons and share your own unique experiences with someone else.

3. The third area on which mentoring pairs should focus is identifying and working toward goals. 

• It is very important to speak to your mentoring partner about the importance of identifying goals, developing ways to achieve those goals, and monitoring progress. 
• Work together to establish long and short-term goals, including possibly personal, career, academic, and especially goals for your mentoring relationship and for his/her personal life.
• Plan to periodically review your progress toward these goals, and change them if appropriate.

 

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