Presentation for UF Graduate School Professional Development series. November 2012.

1. The mentoring
relationship
Gillian Lord

2. Who am I?
Associate Professor of Spanish and
Linguistics
Chair of the Department of Spanish and
Portuguese Studies
Director of the Lower Division Spanish
Program

4. MENTORIN
G

5. M
MUTUAL RESPECT
Respect each other as humans
No perfect relationship
Know what you’re looking for

6. E
EVOLVES OVER TIME
Mentor will fulfill different needs over
the course of your graduate studies
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you
need

7. N
NETWORK of MENTORS
Mentoring involves diverse functions
No one person can fill all needs
Academic sponsor
Emotional support
Career advice
Pedagogical insights

8. T
TRUST
Needs to be mutual
Mentor wants you to succeed, you
must trust the mentor’s judgment
Respect each other’s time

9. O
OPPORTUNITIES
Take advantage of opportunities to
network, share, engage with others
ORGANIZATION
The power of an outline!
Drafts, meetings, everything

10. R
RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIPS
Process is two-sided, both
participants have to be engaged,
committed
Decisions are mutual
Each can learn from the other

11. I
INVESTMENT of TIME
It takes time to develop any
relationship, don’t expect it to happen
overnight
Both must commit and participate
Part of the evolution

12. N
NEGOTIATION
Work together, stay in contact
Establish goals together
(professional, academic, etc.)
Establish guidelines for feedback,
communication responses, etc.

13. G
GUIDANCE
The mentor is a guide only
The dissertation is your own
A good mentor will allow you to make
it your own
Even if that means letting you
make your own mistakes!

14. Thank you.