22.7 Closing Out Your Mentorship

Unlike ongoing friendships or acquaintances, typically the last step of formal mentorship is called “closure.” Closure is the process of ending a mentoring relationship and is a natural part of the mentoring process. It involves reviewing the relationship, celebrating accomplishments, and looking forward to the future.

Usually in more formalized mentoring programs, the coordinators will state a formal end date; despite this, a mentor and mentee can choose if they would like to continue meeting outside of the program, In informal instances, such as flash mentoring, often there is an assumption that the singular meeting is the start and end of the meeting; this ambiguity can sometimes be awkward to navigate. No matter the type of mentoring experience you engage in, be sure to have a conversation whether in person, over zoom, or via phone call. While email and text messages can be convenient methods, they can limit the ability to have clarity of the next steps due to a low sense of urgency for response. Furthermore, these methods make it easier to ghost someone or avoid communicating in a direct manner about any needs, issues or even concerns. Clear, director communication is important for successfully closing out a mentoring partnership or even re-establishing expectations.

The most important advice as you engage in these conversations is to lead with empathy and transparency. As you prepare for such conversations, take some time for reflection, gratitude, and understanding. Consider:

• What did you gain, learn and identify as areas of growth after a mentoring experience?
• What do you need from a mentor the next time you engage in a mentoring relationship?

At the end of the semester, the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) team will help you close out the mentorship through guided questions and at the in-person mixer. At this time of year, you will have a chance to do some personal reflection and reflect on the conversations with your mentor. You will also be able to determine the best way to get in touch in the future.

Final Thoughts on the Mentoring Experience 

As you embark on this semester’s group mentoring experience, you’re stepping into a journey filled with growth, connection, and discovery. By identifying the four types of mentorship, you’ll be equipped to navigate the unique dynamics of each relationship. Understanding the objectives, expectations, and benefits of this experience will help you make the most of the opportunities ahead. Preparing for mentorship—by recognizing the context, understanding communication styles, and knowing how to ask the right questions—will empower you to build meaningful and impactful connections. As you learn to identify different communication styles and master the art of questioning, you’ll enhance your ability to engage deeply with your mentors. Remember, showing gratitude and appreciation to those who support you is not just a courtesy; it’s a powerful way to strengthen your professional network. And when it comes time to close a mentoring relationship, understanding the value of closure will ensure that you leave each experience with clarity, confidence, and a clear sense of what comes next. This semester is an exciting opportunity to learn, grow, and build lasting connections—embrace it fully, and let it inspire you as you move forward in your academic and professional journey.

References

Friedman, A. (2024, August 12). Council post: The secret ingredient to success: Maintaining personal and professional relationships. Forbes.com. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/03/22/the-secret-ingredient-to-success-maintaining-personal-and-professional-relationships/

Gallo, A. (2021, November 24). Giving thanks at work: An HBR guide. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2021/11/giving-thanks-at-work-an-hbr-guide#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%20

Horoszowski, M. (2020, January 21). How to build a great relationship with a mentor. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/01/how-to-build-a-great-relationship-with-a-mentor

Murphy, M. (2022, March 10). Communication styles quiz: Which of these different communication styles do you use?. Leadership IQ. https://www.leadershipiq.com/blogs/leadershipiq/39841409-quiz-whats-your-communication-style