22.7 Closing Out Your Mentorship

Unlike ongoing friendships or acquaintances, formal mentorship possesses a last step, called “closure.” This describes the natural process of ending the mentor-mentee relationship, and it involves reviewing the interactions, celebrating accomplishments, and looking forward to the future.

In more formalized mentoring programs, coordinators will typically provide 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, there is often an assumption that a meeting will only occur once (and thus serves as both the start of the end of the relationship), which creates ambiguity that can be awkward to navigate.

Nonetheless, no matter the type of mentoring experience you engage in, it is important to have a “closure”-oriented conversation, whether in person, over Zoom, or by phone call. While email and text messages can be convenient, they often lack the urgency and clarity required to confirm next steps. These two methods also make it easier for communication to drop off or become indirect (commonly called “ghosting”), which can lead to misunderstandings or unresolved concerns. Clear, direct communication is essential for thoughtfully closing out a mentoring partnership or resetting expectations for the future.

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 an in-person mixer. These two initiatives will give you space for personal reflection and an opportunity to revisit the conversations you have had with your mentor. You will also be able to discuss whether or how to continue the mentor-mentee relationship, allowing both parties to determine the best way to stay in communication going forward.

Final Thoughts on the Mentoring Experience 

As you embark on this semester’s group mentoring experience, you are stepping into a journey filled with growth, connection, and discovery. By identifying the four types of mentorship, you will be better prepared to navigate the unique dynamics of each relationship. Gaining clarity around the objectives, expectations, and benefits of this experience will help you make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Throughout the semester, you will also explore different communication styles and practice asking thoughtful, purposeful questions, all skills that will deepen your conversations and strengthen your relationships with mentors. You will also learn how expressing gratitude can reinforce those connections and expand your professional network in meaningful ways.

When it is time to conclude a mentoring relationship, understanding the importance of closure will help you end each experience with confidence, clarity, and a shared sense of the next steps. The months ahead offer a valuable opportunity to learn, grow, and build lasting connections. Embrace the experience fully, and let it inspire you as you continue moving 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