What to Look for in a Mentor | Academic Affairs | University of Nebraska Medical Center

It is not extensive knowledge of mentoring that makes a good mentor — it is the person's individual characteristics. A good mentor is:

Honest
Motivated
Authentic
A good listener
Collaborative

Discreet
Generous
Accessible
A good communicator
Well-regarded

In addition, look for someone who:

Is willing to share knowledge and experiences
Maintains a strong networking community
Provides constructive feedback
Asks open-ended questions to encourage dialogue

You may have a more successful mentoring experience if you choose someone with the same clinical, educational or research interests, personal characteristics, or background. However, don't limit yourself to just those factors. Your ideal mentor may be someone of a different gender or ethnicity, or even from a different area on campus.

Remember, a good mentor wants you to succeed and will actively support your success both with words and actions.