Transcript Academic Affairs - University of California, Irvine
Career Planning and Mentoring
Lari Wenzel, Ph.D.
Associate Dean for Faculty Development, School of Medicine Professor of Medicine and Public Health University of California, Irvine
What color is your parachute?
Have you defined your career priorities?
The Color of My Parachute
Prioritize
The time - $ continuum
What is a Mentor?
From the Greek description by Homer: “Wise and trusted counselor” Left in charge of the household while Odysseus went on his travels.
Someone who takes a special interest in helping another person develop into a successful professional
Different Types of Mentors
Cartoon from Alexander Dent: http://dentcartoons.blogspot.com
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Finding a Mentor
Your dissertation advisor is one mentor, but not necessarily the only one You can and should find additional mentors Other mentors can be faculty, postdocs, other students, or anyone whom you respect and trust
Choosing a Mentor
Interest in the research Compatibility with the mentor’s personality Are students in the group happy and enthusiastic about their research?
How long has it taken previous students to finish?
Different Types of Mentors
Cartoon from Alexander Dent: http://dentcartoons.blogspot.com
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Choosing a Mentor
There are many different types of groups and personalities Senior professor with a large group New assistant professor still setting up Consider what type of situation suits your needs
Obligations of the Mentor
A commitment to the student’s development Teaching how to be a researcher Providing regular feedback Career preparation
Different Types of Students
Each student is different Consider your personality, interests and level of independence in choosing a dissertation advisor A “good fit” is critical
Obligations of the Student
Responsibility to complete the requirements for the degree Knowledge about the requirements of the graduate program Attend and participate in group meetings, seminars, etc.
Diligence and care in the lab and group
Different Types of Students
Cartoon from Alexander Dent: http://dentcartoons.blogspot.com
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Obligations of the Student
Comply with all institutional policies Responsible conduct of research Development of the dissertation project with your advisor Regular communication with your advisor
Mentoring Worksheet
Goal: Categories of Research, Teaching, Service, Self Development, Networking, Work/Life Balance, Additional Mentors Goal Met? Making Progress? No Progress?
Per goal, accomplishments? Obstacles?
Do you need a new goal or strategy to overcome obstacles?
Communication
Communicate with your advisor Present your results and plans Ask for feedback Take it graciously and seriously Follow it People like to be asked and will be flattered if you listen
Personal Meetings
Frequency depends on the mentor’s style Regularly scheduled, possibly weekly Email or phone between meetings Initiated by the student Don’t be timid or shy about asking to meet Present new results as you get them Ask questions, which can prevent mistakes and save time
Who is your Mentor? How does s/he fit with your needs and personality? (0=worst possible; 5=best imaginable)
Research and scholarly activity Reputation Independence Guidance Regular communication Job/Post doc leads
Does a structured mentoring curriculum improve research mentoring skills?
RCT @ 16 academic health centers Faculty mentors >50% time Rx: 8-hr case-based curriculum on 6 mentoring competencies Primary outcome: change in mentors’ self-reported pre-posttest composite scores on MCA Secondary outcome: Change in awareness, mentees’ ratings of mentors’ competency (MCA), mentoring behaviors: mentor and mentee
Results?
Did this relatively brief intervention work?
YES!!
N = 283 mentor-mentee pairs MCA change > in Rx group (P<.001) Retrospective change > (P<001) Change in mentoring practice > (P<.001) Mentees reported > change on MCA (P=.003) and mentors’ behavior (P=.002) Pfund et al. Acad Med 2014;89
Competency-based training
Tailored for CTSA mentors and process-based for key competencies: Maintaining effective communication Establishing and aligning expectations Assessing mentee’s understanding of scientific research Addressing diversity within mentoring relationships Fostering mentee’s independence Promoting mentee’s professional career development
Regular Communication
Prevents misunderstandings You and your advisor should agree on a timeline and what is required for completion Make sure you know what your advisor expects of you. If in doubt, ask.
Tips to Maximize Mentoring
Know your goals Choose the best mentor(s) to meet those goals Begin mentoring relationships by discussing mutual goals and expectations Be professional Learn to accept and give feedback Lakoski, 8/14/2009, Science Career Magazine
Tips to Maximize Mentoring
Take responsibility for your career Communicate Periodically evaluate if the relationship is still effective Avoid burning bridges Serve as a mentor Lakoski, 8/14/2009, Science Career Magazine
How do you get there from here?
“Are you Stressed?”
Individual Development Plan
Academic Course Planning Research Planning Conference/Publications Planning Career Planning Funding Planning Leadership Development Planning Dissertation Progress Planning
UCI Individual Development Plan
Designed as a student planning tool Not a formal university requirement, evaluation tool or record-keeping document Available on the Graduate Division web site http://www.grad.uci.edu/center/idp.doc
Academia: Postdoc – Assistant Professor – Associate Professor
Helpful Websites
School of Medicine Academic Affairs Website: http://www.som.uci.edu/academic_affairs.html
Campus Academic Personnel Website: http://www.ap.uci.edu
Academic Personnel Manual: http://www.ap.uci.edu/APM/APM_intro.html
Council on Academic Personnel: http://www.senate.uci.edu/Councils/CAP/index.asp
Tenure Handbook: Advice about promotion to tenure: http://www.ap.uci.edu/Guides/faculty/TenureHandbook.pdf