The mentor/trainee relationship begins when an experienced and an inexperienced researcher agree to work together. Each brings something to the arrangement and each expects to get something out of the arrangement .

What makes a good mentor?

• Accessibility—both in time and attitude
• Patience—allows for mistakes and growth
• Respectful—treats others with respect and does not abuse authority
• Ability to teach—can communicate well
• Confidentiality—will keep professional and personal confidences
• Integrity—trusted to speak the truth even when it is difficult to hear
• Encouraging—is able to offer input in a positive way
• Knowledgeable—has a good grasp on both the science and how to develop a career

What makes a good trainee?

• Seeks input—is proactive and takes initiative
• Forward looking—is looking to the future and building toward a career
• Inquisitive—loves to learn and asks tough questions
• Respectful—treats mentor and colleagues with respect
• Attentive to procedures—can be trusted to abide by policies and procedures
• Confidentiality—can be trusted to protect intellectual properties
• Grateful—expresses thanks to those who invest in him or her
  
  Trainees need to know :
  How much time mentor expects them to work on mentors research; criteria to judge performance; how responsibilities are divided or shared, SOPs, authorship.
  
  Mentors need to know that a trainee will :
  Do assigned work conscientiously, respect the authority of others in the research; follow SOPs, protocols, procedures; live by authorship and ownership agreements .