The Informal Art of Mentorship in Grad School

suring student success (Lechuga, 2011). On paper, mentorship seems like an easy process: (1) identify mentor/mentee, (2) establish mentoring relationship, and (3) get career advice to land your dream job. Often, however, the process is not so straightforward and simple. Whether you are the mentor or mentee, the relationship does not usually start with a conscious decision to serve in that role. Ask yourself the following questions—Who do you go to for writing advice? When you are applying for a scholarship, who reviews your application? Do you have good connections for career success upon graduation? When you are struggling to balance school, research, and well-being, who is the first person you call? Each of these individuals are likely serving as your mentors. You probably know them from a variety of experiences, and they are likely from different backgrounds and at various career stages. Are there less experienced students in your department that come to you with these same questions? You may be serving as a mentor to them in an informal capacity.