Grad15: Mapping Your Mentor Network

Mentorship is one of the most critical components of graduate student success, and one of the best ways to design your mentorship experience is by creating a mentoring map.

A mentoring map helps you identify your needs, clarify your goals, and build a network of people who can support you along the way. Think of it as a mentorship speed dial: a personal directory of individuals you can turn to for guidance, encouragement and connection. 

What is a mentoring map?

A mentoring map is essentially a directory of your personal mentoring resources. It’s not a replacement for your formal academic advisor or your dissertation chair. Rather, it supplements those relationships by helping you find the additional support you need across different areas of your graduate life.

Step 1: Identify your mentoring needs

Before you can build your map, you need to understand what kind of mentorship you need. Ask yourself: 

• What do I need to know to succeed in graduate school? 
• What do I want to get out of the mentoring experience?
• What are my goals and desired outcomes?

Step 2: Cluster your questions into categories

Once you’ve compiled your questions, start grouping them into themes. This helps you identify your main mentoring needs. Consider these core 8 areas when building your own list:

• Academic guidance
• Reassurance and social support
• Departmental/institutional culture
• Motivational support
• Professional skills development
• Research development
• Graduate life and survival skills
• Career exploration and preparation

Step 3: Map out potential mentors

Once you’ve identified your areas of need, start mapping out possible mentors for each area. Try to list at least three people per category. Think broadly and holistically – your mentors don’t all have to be faculty!

For example, possible mentors could include:

• Thesis or dissertation chair or committee members
• Graduate support staff or department administrators
• Peers or near peers (students one or two years ahead of you)
• Alumni, industry professionals, adjunct faculty

Some mentors may appear in more than one category – that’s okay! Remember: mentorship isn’t only about what someone knows. It’s also about how they support you.

Step 4: Think about mentorship “fit”

Not all mentoring relationships are about transferring knowledge. Some of your needs may be more emotional or motivational, like reassurance or moral support. 

Ask yourself:

• What do I want from the mentoring relationship itself?
• Do I need someone who challenges me, or someone who encourages me?
• Do I respond better to structure, or to flexible, exploratory support?

You might need:

• A cheerleader to keep you motivated
• A challenger who pushes your ideas
• An educator who provides resources
• A guide who offers real-world wisdom
• A catalyst who sparks new ways of thinking
• An ally who understands your background
• An advocate who connects you with others

And your needs may change – that’s why having multiple mentors is essential.

Step 5: Expand and diversify your network

Start with faculty, but go beyond your department. Ask your advisor to connect you with former students in academia or industry. Join professional associations as a way to network, even if you’re not ready to present. Attend conferences to connect with others in your field. Programs supporting underrepresented students – like first-generation students, caregivers, students of color, LGBTQ students, or women in STEM – can offer tailored mentoring opportunities and community support. 

Remember that mentoring relationships don’t all have to be formal one-on-one pairings. In fact, some of the best mentoring happens in groups or formal settings. Consider joining peer mentoring groups, Slack or Discord communities, or study pods. The goal is to create a web of support, not rely on a single “perfect” mentor.

Mentorship is personal, and building a mentoring map helps you take ownership of your experience. Think critically about mentorship fit and don’t be afraid to revise your map as your needs evolve. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone! Your network is already bigger than you think.

Need support? Visit Tutoring.asu.edu or call the ASU Writing Center at 480-965-9072. They can help you brainstorm mentoring goals and guide you through any stage of your graduate journey.

Grad15 is a mini-webinar series around graduate student professional development, support and resources. See all professional development events on the Graduate College’s Professional Development website.