Mentorship is a mutual relationship which is the key drive of being successful mostly in a research or public health career. For an effective outcome from a mentorship program, we need multiple personal investments that include time, passion, and dedication. Today we will discuss few important tips for both mentor and mentee for a better result out of it.

For mentors

• Don’t underestimate the value of your input: No matter what stage you’re at in your career, you can mentor young public health researchers. Your simple input may help a young researcher to grow so, don’t underestimate the contribution. 
• Invest in your mentee’s success: Mentoring also helps the mentor to enhance their knowledge and skills as comprehensive preparation is needed before guiding someone. So, try to invest in the mentorship program for own long-term benefit.
• Help in networking: Not only supervise your mentee but also share tips with them about networking try to introduce them with broader network.
• Be open and honest: Your feedback is crucial for your mentee to learn therefore it is important be honest while sending feedback which will help them to improve themselves gradually.
• Give access to any notes and permit them to modify: If possible, you can share important notes for your mentee’s personal development and also encourage them to share their feedback. It might also help you to enrich your notes/presentations with updated information. 

For mentee: 

• Be respectful: Your mentor is dedicating their valuable time, effort for your personal development. So be respectful and share your gratitude towards them. 
• Be open and honest: Don’t feel shy rather be open and honest with your mentor. It will help them for having better understanding your career plan and give you direction accordingly.
• View feedback as a gift: Don’t be disheartened when you get broader feedback from your mentor rather than think it as a constructive and positive way for your career development. 
• Maintain ethical issues and seek permission to share notes: Your mentor might share important data, documents or notes. In most of the cases it is not right to share that information with anyone, other than the assigned team members. However, if the situation arises, it is ethical to seek permission from your mentor before sharing it with others or even modifying them. 
• Maintain communication with your mentor: As a mentee, it is your duty to set up meetings with your mentors in a timely manner. Remember you have to make them convinced that you are responsible and serious with this program.
• Build trust with your mentor: Over time, your mentor will try for opportunities that will be helpful for your career growth especially for those who are trustable and maintain regular communication. To build trust, always follow the suggestion and advice of your mentor and be consistent with your deliverables. Always be vigilant with your mentor. 

Mentorship is a unique relationship that needs the active involvement of both mentor and mentee. Commitment is crucial to explore issues and work in a group to plan an effective long-term mentorship program. 

Written by
Dr. Kamrun N. koly &  Dr. Mir Nabila Ashraf             
Bangladesh Society of Women in Public Health and Women Support Initiative Forum