This section outlines expectations for mentees and includes information on academic and career planning using Individual Development Plans.
Jump to: Individual Development Plans (IDPs) | Graduate Student Mentoring Checklist for Mentees
How to Be an Effective and Engaged Mentee
Mentoring is a collaborative, two-way relationship. While faculty mentors offer guidance and support, graduate students play an equally important role in shaping the success of the partnership.
Engaged mentees are proactive, reflective, and committed to their own development—both academically and professionally. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Set Clear Goals and Reflect Often: Effective mentees take time to reflect on their values, strengths, and long-term aspirations. Tools like Individual Development Plans (IDPs) help students articulate their goals and identify the skills and experiences they need to achieve them. When students bring a clear sense of direction to mentoring conversations, mentors can provide more focused, tailored support.
- Be Proactive and Take Initiative: Mentees should take initiative in scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and following through on action items. Proactive engagement shows commitment and helps mentors provide timely, relevant support.
- Communication Regularly and Transparently: Consistent, open communication builds trust and keeps mentors informed of progress, challenges, and needs. After coursework is completed, it can be even more important to maintain regular contact to discuss research and upcoming milestones.
- Be Open to Feedback: Growth requires vulnerability. Engaged mentees are receptive to constructive feedback—even when it’s challenging—and use it as a tool for learning and improvement.
- Build a Support Network: No single mentor can meet every need. Seeking out multiple mentors, including faculty, peers, alumni, and professionals across disciplines, can help provide guidance on different aspects of a student’s development.
- Demonstrate Professionalism: Professionalism includes being prepared, punctual, and respectful of your mentor’s time and boundaries. It also means taking responsibility for your own progress and being accountable for commitments.
- Understand Policies and Expectations: Stay informed about university and departmental requirements. Reviewing program/school handbooks and official communications ensures you know what’s expected and can plan accordingly.
- Speak Up When You’re Unsure: If unclear about expectations, progress benchmarks, or research direction, say so. Mentors can't help with what they don’t know. Speaking up allows for timely support and course correction.
Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a powerful tool that supports graduate students in setting intentional academic and career goals while fostering meaningful conversations with their mentors.
Designed to promote self-reflection and strategic planning, the IDP helps students assess their values, strengths, and areas for growth in relation to their long-term aspirations. It also encourages students to document progress in both disciplinary expertise and transferable skills that are valued across academic, nonprofit, government, and industry sectors.
In 2021, the University Council on Graduate Study (UCGS) required that all PhD students complete annual IDPs.
Whether using tools like ImaginePhD for humanities and social sciences, myIDP for STEM fields, or an IDP document created by your program or school, the IDP process fosters a proactive, collaborative approach to mentoring that enhances student success and satisfaction throughout graduate training and beyond.
Here are some helpful tips for conducting an annual review.
Creating an IDP—Tips for Students
Creating an IDP is a collaborative and reflective process that helps graduate students align their academic experiences with long-term career goals.
At Pitt, students are encouraged to use structured tools and resources to guide this process.
The University of Pittsburgh has a standard IDP template that can be helpful for those getting started with an annual plan.
Here are key steps to get started.
- Assess your values, interests, and skills using tools like ImaginePhD (for humanities and social sciences) or myIDP (for STEM fields).
- Explore career paths that align with your strengths and aspirations—both within and beyond academia.
- Set specific, measurable goals for research, teaching, skill development, and professional engagement.
- Identify resources and opportunities (e.g., workshops, internships, mentoring) to support your goals.
- Review and revise your IDP regularly in conversation with your mentor or mentoring team to reflect progress and evolving interests.
To learn more about resources and templates for IDPs and career planning, check out our mentoring resources page.
Graduate Student Mentoring Checklist for Mentees
This checklist is designed to help graduate students at the University of Pittsburgh build strong, productive relationships with their mentors.
Before You Begin
- Reflect on your goals, concerns, and what excites you about graduate school.
- Understand the roles of mentors vs. advisors—mentors may support your broader development.
- Identify what you need in a mentoring relationship (e.g., communication style, availability, feedback).
Initiating the Relationship
- Schedule an initial meeting to discuss goals, expectations, communication preferences, and meeting frequency.
- Share your academic background, interests, and career aspirations.
- Ask about your mentor’s background, career path, and motivations.
- Clarify how your mentor can support your academic, professional, and personal development.
Professional Development
- Discuss your Individual Development Plan (IDP) and update it regularly.
- Seek guidance on networking, publishing, teaching, and career exploration.
- Ask for feedback on presentations, writing, and job materials (CV, cover letters, etc.).
- Explore mentoring opportunities for yourself, mentoring builds leadership skills.
Resolving Conflicts
- Recognize signs of misalignment (e.g., mismatched goals, communication breakdowns).
- Address issues early through honest, respectful dialogue.
- Seek support from other mentors, peers, or administrators (e.g., DGS, ombuds) as needed.
- If needed, develop a plan to transition to a new mentor—do so thoughtfully and professionally.
Expanding Your Mentoring Network
- Build a mentoring team: include faculty, staff, peers, and professionals from various fields.
- Use LinkedIn, Pitt Commons, and professional organizations to find mentors regionally and nationally.
- Attend seminars, workshops, and networking events to meet potential mentors. Be sure to follow up after connecting initially.
What You Gain
- Confidence in your academic and career path.
- A sense of belonging in your field.
- Access to networks and opportunities.
- Increased productivity and satisfaction.
The University Center for Teaching and Learning (UCTL) offers mentee best practices workshops to support students as they begin working with mentors.