4.1 Developing Core Mentoring Goals

Mentors and mentees need to be clear on how to monitor their respective responsibilities in the mentoring relationship. They should write a contract outlining their agreement within the mentor-mentee relationship, and it should be revisited by both parties throughout the relationship. Both short- and long-term goals should be listed and assessed throughout the mentor-mentee relationship. The process of setting goals is iterative. A sample format is as follows:

Short-term Goals

List research goals for the coming year. Be as specific and indicate how outcomes will be assessed.

1. Goal:                                           Expected outcome:
2. Goal:                                           Expected outcome:
3. Goal:                                           Expected outcome:

Long-term Goals

List research goals for the next 1-3 years. Be specific, and indicate how outcomes will be assessed.

1. Goal:                                           Expected outcome:
2. Goal:                                           Expected outcome:
3. Goal:                                           Expected outcome:

Both short- and long term goals will vary depending on the scope and the research area of the project. For example, some projects are only given a short window of time, e.g. one semester, while others are longer. For short-term projects, the research activities must completed in the given time frame. The goal and the expected outcomes should be realistic. For long-term projects the mentoring process may include opportunities for a mentee to learn more complex advanced research skills, develop oral and written communication skills, and have more exposure to professional demeanor. In either case, research goals and outcomes are explicit parts of the research plan.