Mentoring is not a one-size-fits-all practice. The core goals remain the same: support student development, promote independence, guide professional and interpersonal growth. However, the approach used varies depending on the mentee. Effective mentors understand that their style should shift based on the needs of the mentee, the nature of the project/work, and the surrounding research environment.
Knowing the major approaches to mentoring helps mentors be more intentional. It allows them to choose strategies that work best for each mentee rather than relying on habit or replicating how they were mentored in the past.
On the next page, we will look at several common mentoring approaches and their strengths and weaknesses. This will help you better identify the most effective approaches when working with diverse students.