How does mentoring work in academia? Where do I find a mentor? What does it take to be an effective mentor? Will it take up too much of my time? These were just a few of the mentoring issues explored at the CCTS July Forum on “Mentoring Across the Career Spectrum.”
Nearly 40 people attended, including half a dozen via GoToMeeting. They enjoyed a lively discussion with an impressive panel of mentoring expertise: CCTS Training Director David D. Chaplin, MD, PhD; CCTS Mentored Career Development and Predoctoral Training programs Director Kenneth S. Saag, MD, MSc; UAB Associate Dean for Physician Scientist Development Robin Lorenz, MD, PhD; UAB Associate Dean for Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs Lisa Schwiebert, PhD; and Ann Smith, member, National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN).
Panelists offered several important tips, including clarifying expectations, especially around time, by using a “mentoring contract”; developing a “matrix” of mentors rather than trying to rely on just one person to fill every mentoring need; finding a “senior” mentor with institutional knowledge to provide guidance regarding tenure, promotion, and long-term career planning; and learning how to mentor oneself. They also discussed the value of developing connections with colleagues who might serve as “peer mentors,” providing feedback on manuscripts, grants, research projects, and how to balance (juggle) academic life and work successfully.
Several panelists, including Drs. Lorenz and Chaplin, encouraged a career-long perspective on mentoring, stressing the importance of asking for guidance at any point in the career arc. They suggested looking outside of one’s home institution for mentors, if necessary, explaining that virtual mentoring can be an effective solution. They also discussed how to “break up” with a mentor or mentee if the relationship isn’t working out.
Forum participants received a packet of resources, including a list of mentoring websites and recommended books and presentations to learn more, a blank mentoring contract, an Individual Mentoring Development (IDP) questionnaire to help create an IDP plan, and slides highlighting the benefits of NRMN membership. In closing, Dr. Chaplin reminded attendees to also check out the CCTS, which offers a mentoring curriculum featuring a monthly lunch, IDP support, an online journal club, and other trainings.
For those who missed the July mentoring Forum, the video and packet resources are available online (under Previous CCTS Forum Events). Mark your calendar for our next Forum, a CCTS Open House from 4-6pm on Wed. Aug. 3rd. Come learn about the many FREE CCTS programs and services we offer to help “sharpen your science” while enjoying refreshments and a unique networking opportunity.