Mentor Connection Winter 2007-2008

Greetings SPH Mentor Program participants,

Erica Fishman (MPH '91) talks with Nicole Steege, a public health administration and policy student, at the 2007 Mentor Kickoff event.

December seems to be one of the busiest times of the year with classes ending, finals approaching and planning holiday events. Now might be the time to take a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle and schedule a visit with your mentor or mentee.

Do you need to warm up from the chill outside? How about meeting for coffee?
Do you need a break from studying? Don't forget to eat. How about meeting your mentor for lunch?
Do you want to reflect on your goals for either the past year or New Year? How about discussing them with your mentor or student mentee?

Building a mentor relationship takes time and a commitment. That's why we've put together this newsletter that contains tips and suggestions for mentor pairs to maximize their experience in the program. Included in this issue of SPH Mentor Connection is:

Making the Most of Your Mentor Relationship
By: Juliet Nguyen, MHA student and SPH Mentor Program Student Coordinator

Mentor/Mentee Meeting Idea: Resume or CV Review
By: Dina Dobraca, Epi student and SPH Student Senate Representative to the Mentor Program

News & Publications in Minnesota Public Health - links

Activities to Remain Engaged in the Public Health Community - event links

Attached document: A list of current mentors and students by major and matched pairs

Making the Most of Your Mentor Relationship
By: Juliet Nguyen

Juliet Nguyen A few weeks ago, the UMAA invited Tex Ostvig, Director for the Presidential Initiative U Connects, to conduct a workshop which engaged mentors and students in the discussion of how to "maximize their mentor relationship." Several students from the SPH and their mentors joined students from across the University with their mentors for an evening of conversation, activity, and fun - all in an effort to make the most of their mentor relationship.

Tex posed several poignant questions that should be considered while engaged in the mentor program. What can mentoring teach us? Why is mentoring important? Who mentored you and why were they an impact? And, what are the key elements to mentoring? These as well as several other questions raised by the audience were discussed among the group. For you and your mentor or student to better answer these questions, Tex pointed out SIX key steps to developing a successful mentor relationship, which both participants can engage in:

Learn what mentoring is about:

The mentor relationship is a "partnership between two individuals sharing experiences and expertise to help with personal growth and development." Mentors should illustrate the desire to mentor another individual by devoting adequate time to develop the relationship and setting realistic expectations. The mentee must be willing to learn, able to except feedback, and open to expanding their horizons. A successful mentor experience will allow the mentor to pass on success to the student, enable the practice of interpersonal and communication skills for both parties, and allow both students and mentors to gain new perspectives in public health and other topics!

Review mentoring models

The SPH Mentor Program supports formal facilitated mentoring where students are matched with mentors based on academic and professional interests and aspirations. The program supports each mentor relationship through advice and guidance, and monitors the relationships to ensure positive progress.

Nurture the partnership

Connections being made at the 2007 Mentor Kickoff event.

Committing to the mentoring partnership means that "it's not about finding the best partner; it's about being the best partner." Setting realistic expectations of the relationship and communicating these openly with your partner will set the groundwork for a successful mentor relationship. Similarly, creating a no-fault termination for unplanned circumstances is important so that both you and your partner are able to better end a relationship on good terms in adverse situations. It is crucial to remember and respect that fact that your partner has committed the time, desire, and effort to this relationship, and that you should do the same.

Have a regular check-up

After the first meeting, it is important to establish frequency of upcoming meetings and preferred forms of communication. Realizing that both participants have multiple other activities and commitments, it may be difficult to meet as often as might be desired. Friendly "check-ups" either through phone calls, emails, or letters can be helpful in assessing the progress, reviewing the mentor plan, and maintaining the relationship when unable to meet for conversation or activities.

Continue with personal growth and progress

Mentoring relationships provide a unique opportunity for students and mentors to expand their worlds, step outside their comfort zone, and help both become more comfortable with individual differences and diverse ideas. Remember to remain open, and if needed, seek out advice on how to relate to others' with various gender, ethnic, or personal differences.

Conclude the mentoring partnership

Though it may still feel like you've just begun to embark on the mentoring adventure, it is important to keep in mind that the formal relationship will conclude at the end of the academic year. This will help to keep you and your partner focused on reaching the goals you have both set out to attain, and make the most of your relationship. Also keep in mind that many relationships continue past the formal conclusion, and this will be an option for you based on your experience.

These steps, as outlined by Tex Ostvig, can aid you in developing a successful mentor relationship. I hope that you take the time to reflect on what the mentor relationship means to you, and use these and other valuable tips and resources to make the most of your mentor relationship!

Mentor/Mentee Meeting Idea: Resume or CV Review
By: Dina Dobraca

Additional Resources Available to Students

School of Public Health Career Resource Center, D305 Mayo
Resume, cover letters, and job search correspondence examples
Schedule of career development workshops, "Career Conversations"
Job, internship, and volunteer postings specific to public health

As finals week approaches, many students will be focusing on winter break plans. However, now is a key time for students to be planning for the summer. A number of internships and fellowships, which can serve as the mentee's field experience requirement or job training, have application deadlines starting at the end of December.
Students should plan a meeting to review their resume or curriculum vitae (CV) with their mentor in preparation for these applications.

Review the mentor's resume.

Prior to the meeting, the mentor may send his or her resume to the mentee to provide an example. The mentor and mentee can review the structure and content of the mentor's resume, which can also prompt discussions about the mentor's career path and current position.

Outline the mentee's resume.

The review of the mentor's resume can help outline the structure of the mentee's resume. The mentor/mentee pair can also brainstorm applicable experiences and qualifications that the student can add onto his or her resume.

Critique a draft of the student's resume and/or application.

The mentor's review of the student's resume and application will provide honest criticism and informal feedback to make the mentee a stronger applicant and assist in the mentee's career development. This support and encouragement from the mentor is a great resource for the student and may encourage the student to explore new areas.

Please remember to be respectful of the mentor and student's time as the holidays approach. A resume and CV review over email may be the best option for some pairs and an in-person meeting may work better for others. And be sure that the student writes the resume and application, with the mentor providing critiques and resources.

Additional Mentoring Articles for Mentors and Mentees!

Mentor Guidebook (PDF)
Great tips, advice, and exercises for mentors!

12 Tips for the Mentee
Helpful advice on behaviors to avoid!

News & Publications in MN Public Health - links

World AIDS day was Dec. 1

Minnesota Joins Lawsuit against EPA Ruling

Are Minnesota Fish Safe to Eat?

An Energy Model for all to See

Healthcare Industry Today - Minnesota Health News

Adverse Health Events in MN 2007 Report
www.health.state.mn.us/patientsafety/ae/aereport0107.pdf

The Weekly Sphere - U of M updates

Academic Health Center News Releases