Mentoring in gerontology education: New graduate student perspectives

Involvement in a mentor-student relationship is an invaluable experience fo r new graduate students. These students frequently have opportunities and e xperiences provided to them by their mentor that may be otherwise unattaina ble. Mentoring can help new graduate students develop academically, persona lly, and professionally. This article describes mentoring in gerontology ed ucation from the perspectives and personal experiences of new graduate stud ents in sociology and gerontology. Discussed in this article are types and phases of mentoring, the need for a mentor in gerontology education, select ion a mentor, and issues related to mentoring and career advancement.