Satisfy the human desire to share knowledge and experience
All of us have specialized knowledge in one or more areas. It is a natural desire to share this wisdom with others. We do this to add value to our experiences and to prevent others from repeating our mistakes.
Affect the future
When two people enjoy a long-term mentor/trainee relationship, a part of the mentor remains in the trainee. The mentor’s ideals, ethical values, and professional conduct are likely to be emulated by trainees in their careers.
It is also often the case that the mentor’s work continues in that of the trainees. Long-term, wide-ranging projects and ideas are initiated by the mentor and then continued by the mentor’s trainees, and in turn by their trainees.
Achieve satisfaction when trainee succeeds
It is natural for the mentor to experience pride in the trainees’ professional achievements, since the mentor has often had a role in accomplishing them.
Recruit students to research group
For mentors who conduct research, general mentoring activities are a way to get to know potential collaborators. It is not uncommon for students to join their academic adviser’s research group, since the adviser is one of the faculty members with whom they are most familiar.
Develop a professional network
Once the trainees leave the institution and become professionals, they remain in the mentor’s professional network. Together with the mentor’s past and future trainees, they form a natural networking group with long-term ties.
