Excellence Everywhere - National University of Ireland, Galway

Q u e s t i o nq&aHow do I communicate the level of my commitment, especially cases where thatcommitment is limited?answerIt is always a good idea to lay out for trainees a clear picture of what they can expect from you. Goodstudents should be able to expect training from you, support for their work, access to resources necessaryfor them to succeed at the work they are doing in your lab, and help with someday moving on to their nexttraining position or to a job. If you are only able to commit to some of those things, make it clear from theoutset. If you would like to do far more to help a trainee’s prospects in the long term, you do not need tosay so. Actions will speak louder than words.Q u e s t i o nHow do I say no to being someone’s advisor?answerBe kind. Imagine yourself in your requestor’s shoes. Listen intently and give reasons related to your ownlimitations. However, be clear and firm. Do not invite misunderstanding. Suggest alternative sources of help,but check first with other potential advisors before your enthusiastically recommend them as potential advisors.Defining your Role as an Advisor. Generally, aresearch advisor provides whatever is needed tofurther a trainee’s professional development, butis not necessarily a friend. You should offer to teachtechnical skills, give advice about the political aspectsof science, and suggest networking opportunities.You can help clarify what is possible, but youshould probably not offer advice on personal mattersexcept in major decisions about career choicesas described above. Often, emotional issues arerelevant to one’s capacity to do good work, and youcan offer moral support, but a good mentor, like agood friend, should tread carefully around familymatters and emotional conflicts.Mentor Versus Advisor. In theory, mentors havemultiple responsibilities. Being an advisor is oneof them. The Council of Graduate Schools, anAmerican body concerned with graduate education(http://www.cgsnet.org/), suggests that mentorscome from many roles, including:n Advisors: People with career experience willingto share their knowledge.n Supporters: People who give emotional andmoral encouragement.n Tutors: People who give specific feedback onone’s performance.n Masters: Employers to whom one is apprenticed.n Sponsors: Sources of information about opportunitiesand aid in obtaining them.n Models of identity: The kind of person oneshould be to be an academic or a professionalscientist.138 excellence everywhere