4.8 Planning the Next Steps

The relationship between mentor and mentee goes through changes when the specific goals and outcomes are achieved. Some mentoring relationships will end, while others endure and evolve into lasting professional friendships. Whether the mentoring relationship ends with the project or continues thereafter, the reflective process should be part of the mentoring experience, and it should be included in the research plan. In designing the reflection process, the mentor should consider the following:

• Celebrate achievements and give positive feedback;
• Elicit lessons learned from failures;
• Revisit the goals and discuss outcomes;
• Identify barriers and possible solutions;
• Provide personal evaluation of the process;
• Consider ways to improve the next mentor-mentee experience;
• Redefine the future mentoring relationship; and
• Develop a plan for future communication.

The mentor and mentee may choose to keep in touch with each other. The mentor may be asked or may offer to assist in the mentee’s academic or professional progression.