Creating the conditions for success through effective mentorship

As we navigate our academic and professional journeys, we often encounter challenges that require guidance and support from others. While some of us may be fortunate enough to have a trusted mentor or advisor, others may struggle to find the right person to turn to for advice. This is where the concept of a matrix of mentors comes in — a network that can provide different types of support at various stages of our careers. These roles can be broken down into four categories: coach, mentor, advisor and therapist.

I’ve always thought of coaching as learning that focuses on developing specific skills or achieving specific goals. Just like sporting coaches who can spell out specific plays, a career coach can provide guidance and feedback for improvement in the professional moves that matter. For example, if you want to improve your public speaking skills, you might seek a coach who spells out what a good speech looks like, provides feedback on how you did, and gives you feedback to help you perform better next time.

When I think of mentoring, on the other hand, the word holistic comes to mind. It’s a form of learning that focuses on personal and professional development. A mentor has experience in the field and can provide guidance that pertains to your career path. Mentors help identify our strengths and weaknesses, provide feedback and help set goals for professional development. More often than not, the mentor is (a peer mentor) or has (an experienced mentor) taken the same career path as you.

The next up is a bit tricky to explain because advising is similar to mentoring, but advising tends to focus more on specific tasks or decisions around academic progress. In fact, some graduate students refer to their major professor or committee chair as their “advisor,” who often has the same role as the mentor. However, during your college career, academic advisors help you navigate the complexities of your academic choices. When considering a career change, you might seek an advisor who can evaluate your options and help you make an informed decision. An advisor can provide information and resources to help us make the best choices during a more finite situation.

Finally, therapy is a type of learning that focuses on our emotional and mental well-being. A therapist can help identify and address any emotional or psychological issues impacting your personal or professional life. Therapy can be particularly helpful for those who are struggling with stress, anxiety or other mental health issues. 

A matrix of mentors can provide the guidance and support we need to thrive. 

Find my latest post on Instagram and let me know in the comments which of these roles is the hardest to find for your mentor matrix or in which role you often see yourself.

– Dean Wentz, Vice Provost and Dean, Graduate College