Making the Most of Mentorship

Mentorship is less about hierarchy and more about connection. It is a professional relationship built on trust, guidance, and mutual respect, where students are supported not only academically, but also in their personal and professional growth. It creates a space for reflection, discussion, and thoughtful decision-making.

For many students, the first step can feel intimidating. New mentees may wonder what they are expected to say, how often they should reach out, or whether their concerns are significant enough to bring up. Yet these worries often disappear once the relationship begins.

Lan Yuen Qi, a Year 5 MBBS student recalls her experience with her first mentor fondly, describing it as a reassuring part of her transition into medical school life. “My first academic mentor at NUMed was extremely welcoming and friendly. I was surprised by how approachable he was, which was very helpful as a Year 1 student starting out at NUMed.”

A common misunderstanding about mentorship is the idea that mentors exist to provide all the answers. In reality, mentorship is rarely about direct solutions. Effective mentors guide students through the process of thinking critically, exploring options, and arriving at their own conclusions, with a focus on developing confidence and independence over time.

This is what makes mentorship distinct from other forms of support. Academic advising may focus on requirements and regulations, while counselling often centres on emotional well-being. Mentorship sits somewhere in between to help students make sense of uncertainty and better understand themselves in the process.

Dr Vasantha Subramaniyam, Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs, explained, “As a mentor, my role is to create a supportive and approachable environment where students feel comfortable sharing their concerns, aspirations, and uncertainties.”

That support may involve discussing academic challenges, career planning, or simply encouraging students to reflect more deeply on their experiences.

Over time, mentor–mentee relationships naturally evolve. In the beginning, conversations are often more structured as both sides establish trust and become familiar with one another. Mentors may take a more active role in guiding discussions, while students are still learning how to articulate their concerns and goals.

“As the relationship develops, students grow more open and confident in sharing their thoughts and concerns. Over time, the dynamic shifts towards a more collaborative and balanced interaction,” added Dr Vasantha.

Yuen Qi highlights the importance of putting in the effort to get to know a mentor early on. “That and sharing a little about yourself when you first meet can help break the ice. Afterwards, don’t be afraid to reach out to them when you face any roadblocks. Many times, even if they can’t help directly, they would be able to direct you to someone who can.”

Eventually, the relationship becomes less about guidance and more reflective and partnership-based. Mentors act as sounding boards, supporting the student’s independent thinking.

The long-term goal is to support students in becoming confident, self-directed individuals. Success is measured not by how often a mentee seeks help, but by their growing ability to navigate challenges independently, make informed decisions, and develop resilience along the way.

“I hope they develop clarity about their career path, build resilience in the face of challenges, and uphold strong professional values. Ultimately, the goal is for them to become independent learners who no longer rely on constant guidance but are equipped to navigate their own paths,” said Dr Vasantha.