Overview -
Mentoring assignments, whether requested or assigned, can provide significant personal and professional benefits, particularly if the mentoring relationship is actively planned and structured. Knowing what rewards to anticipate can contribute to a mentor's commitment and help them shape its direction and outcome. Some common rewards for research mentoring at different levels and to achieve various purposes are outlined below:
Passing on a professional legacy
Increasing your own depth of understanding by explaining concepts and methods to others
Gaining practice and confidence in scientific communication and project management
Establishing lifelong professional connections and relationships
Contributing to the professional growth of others
Experiencing the transformation in a mentee that comes with increasing professional confidence
Exposure to fresh perspectives, ideas and approaches
Sharing mutual interests and experiences with a budding colleague
Ensuring the success of your research group
Maintaining the continuity of your project
Building teamwork
Developing and demonstrating leadership skills
Becoming a part of a mentoring community