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Early Career Academics’ Mentoring Scheme

 

How to apply

To apply to join the scheme, either as a mentor or mentee, please download and complete the Application form 2012 (Word, 121 KB) , and return to CAPOD as indicated on the form.

The flyer and guidance notes provide more information about the scheme and the application process.

The application form, flyer and guidance notes can be downloaded separately or together as a complete document from the right hand side of this web page.

Briefing sessions

New participants on the scheme must attend a short (2.5 hour) briefing session. Dates for the current cycle are:

16 October (Tuesday), 0930-1200, University of St Andrews
24 October (Wednesday), 1400-1630, University of Dundee

Participants can attend either of these dates regardless of their home institution.

Check out our mentoring blog: making mentoring better - http://makingmentoringbetter.blogspot.co.uk/

Background

This initiative is a cross institutional scheme supported by the Learning and Library Centre (LLC) at the University of Dundee and CAPOD (Centre for Academic, Professional and Organisational Development) at the University of St Andrews. 

The scheme has been running since a successful pilot which started in November 2007, itself based on the successful pilot of a similar scheme for female academics. 

Due to positive feedback from both mentees and mentors, the scheme continues to be offered as a joint initiative between Dundee and St Andrews and is now entering its fifth cycle.

What is mentoring?

The original 'Mentor' was a wise and trusted counsellor or adviser from Greek mythology but mentoring is a term now used to describe a developmental relationship between colleagues, one of whom will (normally) be a more experienced practitioner. 

Mentoring relationships facilitate personal and professional development through support, challenge and review. The role of mentors can involve:

  • listening to concerns
  • identifying problems
  • modelling appropriate behaviour
  • confronting negativity
  • challenging views and actions reviewing current practice
  • helping to consolidate learning

Aim and objectives

The aim of the scheme is to support early-career researchers in managing their careers. Scheme objectives are:

  • Share knowledge and expertise.
  • Increase cross-institutional mentoring.
  • Support mentees with goal setting and career management.
  • Support mentees in taking responsibility for their own skills and career development.

Feedback from participants

What do people say about the scheme? Here are some comments from current participants:

  • “I think that the match was a very good one. My mentor is just the sort of person I was hoping for, with plenty of experience and suggestions for ways for me to develop as an academic.”
  •  “I've been in contact with and met my mentoring partner. I found the meeting very rewarding, it made me think about what I want to achieve in my work and ideas about work/life.”
  •  “One of the most precious experiences I had since I have joined the University of St Andrews.”
  •  “My mentor is supportive and inspiring. While I was intimidated by his academic experience and outputs, he recognised this and has managed to put me at ease.”
  •  “Thoroughly enjoying it! Stimulating discussion, motivating me to push ahead.”

For these and other comments download the ‘ECAM Comments and feedback (Word, 15 KB) ’ document.

We are looking for mentors!

Mentors who would like to take part in the scheme should be:

  • Principal Investigators, Lecturers or Senior Lecturers.
  • Experienced in Supervision.
  • Actively interested in continuing professional development.
  • Actively involved in research.
  • Able to commit one hour per month to the mentoring scheme.

Or would you be interested in being a mentee?

Mentees who would like to take part in the scheme should be:

  • Post-doctoral researchers or early career academics.
  • Aiming to manage their academic career.
  • Able to commit one hour per month to the mentoring scheme (plus travel to their mentor's base).

The matching process

Mentors and mentees will be matched according to the information provided in the application form. The number of mentors taking part will determine the number of matched mentoring pairs the scheme is able to support.

To apply to join the scheme, please complete the form by clicking on the link on the right hand side. The fifth cycle of the scheme will begin in October 2012, but we do accept applications at any time throughout the year. Completed application forms should be returned to: Jos Finer, CAPOD; faxed to x2536 or emailed to: jaf21@st-andrews.ac.uk.