Being a Mentee and Establishing a Developmental Network Presentation offers strategies for new graduate students about how to be an excellent mentee. The benefits of mentoring relationships are outlined and the types of support that mentors can provide are shared. The concept of developmental networks is also introduced, followed by tips for establishing a network during the first year and how to grow and maintain a network throughout graduate school.
Tips for getting the most out of your graduate experience:
1. Make it a priority to develop relationships with your faculty. When you have time, read a recent article by your faculty member. You can learn a lot about faculty including how they think and what they value by reading their work.
2. Join research organizations (ASHE, AERA, CSCC) as a graduate student member. Build your network and get support by following graduate student accounts on social media (e.g., @ashegrads, @AERADivJGradNet).
3. Meet with your faculty advisor on a regular basis to get feedback and advice on your progress and goals. Don't be afraid to tell your advisor what you need and want. It is our job to support you.
4. Be intentional in seeking out opportunities during your program that will push your thinking, give you experiences that you wouldn't otherwise get (e.g., publishing), and/or will help develop your professional network.
5. Focus on learning rather than grades. I know faculty always say this but it is because it is true - especially for research methods classes that prepare you to complete your exams and dissertation.
6. Expect and seek out constructive feedback about your ideas and writing throughout your coursework and dissertation.
7. Seek out opportunities to share your work and ideas. Ask for help from faculty in submitting papers that you write for class to conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Collaborate with other graduate students.