Member-to-Member Mentoring
Available exclusively to our Member community, Member-to-Member Mentoring is a self-directed mentoring program that gives you the opportunity to be matched 1:1 with a mentor, or mentee, who is also a fellow Academy Member. The program provides a digital platform where you can form new connections, learn from other STEM professionals, and share career advice and experiences. Based on your experience level and needs, you may request a Mentor, become a Mentor, or both.
Eligible participants…
- Are Members of the New York Academy of Sciences (Not a Member? Click here to join.)
- Have, or are working toward, a degree in STEM
- Have, or desire to obtain, professional experience in a STEM field
- Are 18 years of age or older
This program is not currently accepting mentee or mentor sign-ups at this time. To be notified of future virtual programming and mentoring opportunities, click here to subscribe. To stay in the loop on new and upcoming career development initiatives with the New York Academy of Sciences, please visit our Career Resources Center.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I join the program?
To become a Mentor, or request one, you must first complete a short, online self-assessment in which you provide some basic background information about yourself. Mentors will be asked to rate their comfort level in coaching across a broad spectrum of competencies, and Mentees will be asked to identify one or more areas that they would like to work on. The self-assessment takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and can be accessed via the above links.
After I take the self-assessment, how are mentoring matches made?
Using an algorithm developed by our platform partners at Everwise, Mentors and Mentees are paired based on their backgrounds, experiences, and goals. Once a match is made, Mentors are notified and given the opportunity to review and approve it. It is then up to the Mentor to initiate contact by proposing a time and date for the introductory conversation. The mentoring partnership begins when the Mentee responds to the initial invitation from their Mentor.
How long will it take to get matched?
Because matches are based upon a combination of factors, including experience level, desired competencies, time zones, and the number of applicants currently in the pool, it may take up to several months for a match to be made.
Once I am matched, how much time is involved?
The program is intended to be flexible and self-paced, with each Mentoring pair defining the terms of their partnership. While we recommend a six-month commitment, Mentors and Mentees may extend or shorten their commitment based on availability and preferences.
Does the Mentoring platform provide any content or assignments?
Mentoring pairs are encouraged to work together through a self-guided program focused on a specific set of competencies, These materials, along with an online library of activities, assignments, and resources, are found on the mentoring platform.
How will I communicate with my Mentor/Mentee?
This is a virtual Mentoring program so your Mentoring partner may be located anywhere in the world. Mentors and Mentees will be given access to a technology platform which enables them to schedule contacts, as well as tap into an online library of Mentoring resources and activities. Once the initial meeting is scheduled, Mentoring pairs may opt to conduct all their meetings via the technology platform, or to use their own preferred method of communication (e.g. Skype, telephone, etc). Participants will also have access to the platform’s Community area, where they can share insights and advice with other Academy Members.