Success in graduate school depends on more than earning good grades. This is a time for graduate students to build a professional network, learn and practice professional behavior, and begin a new stage in their career.
Research has shown that graduate student centered advising and mentoring relationships are the foundations of a successful graduate education. The Graduate School encourages you to actively build your mentor network. Our pages will help you find resources and tools to help you facilitate your success in graduate school.
Tools for Success
- Advisor Recommendation Form - form for students to appoint or change a research advisor. New for fall 2024, it aims to initiate and promote conversations for developing shared expectations between the advisor and the graduate student. It is intended to establish/record what the relationship will accomplish, including measurable/tangible goals and milestones.
- Individual Development Plan (IDP) - An IDP helps graduate students outline accomplishments, short- and long-term training plans, career goals, and identify strengths and areas of improvement. It is a very helpful communication tool designed to facilitate discussions about academic plans, paths and future career. It is intended to record how the student’s goals will be accomplished.
- Graduate Student Success Network (GSSN) - Graduate students need a network to help facilitate their success. This worksheet can help graduate students carefully identify, select and record individuals who will help them succeed academically, professionally, and personally. (adapted from University of Michigan)
Bibliography
- Paglis, L.L., Green, S.G. & Bauer, T.N. Does adviser mentoring add value? A longitudinal study of mentoring and doctoral student outcomes. Res High Educ 47, 451–476 (2006).
- The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (2019).
- Mondisa, J. L., Packard, B. W. L., & Montgomery, B. L. Understanding what STEM mentoring ecosystems need to thrive: A STEM-ME framework. Mentoring & Tutoring: Partnership in Learning, 29(1), 110–135 (2021).
- Graduate Student Mentoring Guide, Rackham Graduate School, University of Michigan