This four-part article, presented over the next month, explores questions near and dear to the hearts of today's graduate students: What should you look for in an advisor? How do you navigate the murky waters of student-advisor relationships? Where can you find a mentor? How do you develop mentoring skills?
Differences Between Advisors and Mentors
Many students use the terms "advisor"
and "mentor" interchangeably. An advisor is often assigned to you by
the graduate program. Your advisor helps you select courses and often directs
your thesis or dissertation. Your advisor may or may not become your mentor.
A mentor is much more than an advisor. A mentor guides you towards growth and development - he or she becomes a trusted ally and guides you through the graduate and postdoctoral years. In science, mentoring often takes the form of an apprenticeship relationship. The mentor aids the student in scientific instruction, but perhaps more importantly, socializes the student to the norms of the scientific community.
