Depending on the model of mentoring you prefer, there can be different ways to find mentor(s). Your department may have a formal mentoring program, please contact your Department Head/School Director or department administrator for more information.
In general, the Department Head/School Director and/or a department appointed mentoring advisor will assist you in identifying appropriate mentors and help initiate their first meeting.
Mentors should provide a short statement about their research/education/clinical expertise to be available to the overall program. Mentee can select 2-3 names of potential mentors to consider (phone conversation or meeting) and rank order (and both identify anyone with whom they would be unable to work).
Consider a diverse range of individuals of different ranks, ages, genders, races, skills and experience in selection of mentor.
Faculty from underrepresented groups may benefit from additional opportunities for constructive support and guidance from senior colleagues. When selecting a mentor and mentee pair consider the following:
- Unconscious bias during the selection process. Look for diversity in background experience and research. Do not unreasonably exclude non-traditional qualifications or experience.
- Be mindful of potential subtle barriers for women and underrepresented minority faculty and to maintain a focus on achievement of the specific tasks and goals that contribute to career success.
We consider the relationship aspect a large part of a program and the first task will be to establish a relationship. To do this we recommend that you meet at least once a month during the course of the program, but the actual frequency and type of meetings will be up to you and your mentee to decide.