learning about a potential mentee
Overview -
While projects can be adapted to a mentee's preparation level, interests, and time available, this might not always work, so it's important to consider these needs when evaluating a mentee for possible acceptance or project assignment. Similarly, mentors can adapt to variations in mentee's level of independence and preparation within the bounds of the time the mentor has available, so mentor availability is an important consideration, too.
helpful things to learn about the mentee
When interviewing potential mentees prior to acceptance or mentor assignment, it's important to learn some key things, such as:
Particulars of their interest in your group's research
Level of experience and knowledge beyond their completed coursework
Career interests
Coursework they particularly liked and what about it interested them
Personal passions, if any
Time available to commit to a project, both hours per week, number of semesters, and willingness to do summer internships
What the potential mentee desires to get out of the experience
how to evaluate a potential mentee
To maximize commitment, satisfaction, and success, it is important to connect with some key things of the mentee's background and qualities, such as,
Potential mentor's available time
Mentee's desire for outcome of their experience
Skill level of the mentee relative to time available for training
Size of the project relative to the number of semesters the mentee can commit
How the potential mentee's interests might fit with the research group's work
Useful sources of info about potential mentees
Evaluating graduate students: preliminary examination slides and documents can be a good source
Evaluating undergraduates:
Resumes
Unofficial transcripts
Catalog course descriptions for coursework completed
Related work samples, if applicable, such as written projects
Evaluating high school students:
Unofficial transcript
School profile on school website
Teacher recommendations, if available
Evaluating potential mentees, in general
Face-to-face interview