The Importance of Mentors to Graduate Student Success

UConn PhD alumna, Tithi Basu Mallik, shares the importance of having multiple mentors who can provide “three key dimensions of support” during one’s graduate student education.

Dr. Maillik states, “The importance of having good mentors in graduate school cannot be overstated. As a recent graduate student, I can personally attest to the value of having strong ones. I was fortunate to have more than one mentor in graduate school who provided me advice that helped me navigate many of the challenges I faced—from feedback on shaping my research to strategies for job searching and dealing with stress. It was a huge source of comfort and strength to know that I could turn to certain people for support with different issues.” Read more in the Carpe Careers column within Inside Higher Ed.

Tithi Basu Mallik is the Assistant Director for Graduate/Professional Students and Postdoctoral Scholars at the Stuckert Career Center and the Graduate School of the University of Kentucky. She holds a Ph.D. in Philosophy from University of Connecticut.

By Kay Kimball Gruder
Kay Kimball Gruder Associate Director, Graduate Student & Postdoc Career Programs and Services | Pronouns: she/her/hers