It can sometimes be challenging to determine how to initiate a mentoring relationship. There are several different avenues prospective mentees and mentors can use to meet and engage. Here, you will find several strategies that can be used by both mentors and mentees in the initiation of a mentoring relationship.

Mentees

There is no perfect way to find a mentor. As described above, the first step should involve reflecting on your goals and motivation for seeking mentorship.

Below you will find a list of steps that will help guide your initial search for a mentor.

• Consider colleagues whose work inspires you.
• Look through departmental or faculty websites, professional association membership lists and teaching and learning center staff lists.
• Speak to your department head or dean.
• Contact potential mentors via email or phone to set up initial conversations.
• Set up an initial meeting where you can meet and introduce yourselves to investigate if a mentoring relationship would fit.

Mentors

Mentorship can allow you to improve your educational leadership and mentorship practices. Initiating mentorship might evolve from a mentor extending an opportunity for mentorship or from a mentee actively seeking mentorship.

Extending an opportunity for mentorship can take many forms. For example, you may express your interest in becoming a mentor by talking with your department head, your teaching and learning center or any professional associations, or by simply informally offering your help by taking a colleague for coffee.

Receiving mentorship requests can be both complementary and overwhelming at the same time. If mentorship is of interest, having an initial conversation with a prospective mentee can help establish whether a mentoring relationship would be mutually beneficial.

adapted from “The Mentorship Guide for Teaching and Learning,” by Barrette-Ng et al,  Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning at the University of Calgary, shared with a CC BY NC 4.0 license.