How did you find out about the mentoring programme?
Different resources were offered when I started my postdoc contract. I needed extra support and remembered the mentoring scheme, so I decided to apply.
Did your mentor assist you personally, professionally, or both?
When I first met my mentor, I was asked about my main concerns. It was good to focus on my main career goals and future perspective. We discussed how work was going, and how I could make progress.
We established goals early on, then talked about any other concerns as and when they came up.
Did they meet or exceed your expectations?
I wasn’t sure how it would be at first, but then after meeting it was a great pleasure and a gift. They definitely exceeded my expectations! I felt understood and advised. They offered different perspectives that I wouldn’t have considered. Plenty of solutions were offered.
If you were to go back in time, would you prioritise different aspects or have the same focus?
Now that I have experienced it, and know what sort of things they can help with, I would try to be more open. It can take a little while to gain confidence at first.
Are there any improvements to the mentoring programme that you’d like to see?
8 months felt short! It was a big pleasure, and we’re still in touch outside of the mentoring!
A possible improvement would maybe be an emphasis on in-person meetings, where possible. This wasn’t possible for me though, as my mentor was based in Australia!
Have you recommended the mentoring programme to others? (or would you?)
Yes - strongly recommended! Any concerns can be addressed. A new person can see things you don’t see! You’ll become a better scientist and person in general. You can improve no matter what your situation, and it's a way to explore yourself in a different way.
Is there anything else you would like to highlight?
My advice to those starting with a mentor would be to take notes. Record the main points, then you can see how you have evolved and grown through your meetings. It’s a useful way to improve and pick up on areas you’ve already discussed.
Interested?
If you'd like to have reflective and developmental conversations with a mentor, why not apply to join our scheme? Accepting applications now for the May round. Find out more about the mentoring scheme for postdocs.