The ASPET Mentoring Network: Coaching for Career Development is a program designed to supplement the training that graduate students and postdoctoral trainees receive through their university programs. The ASPET Mentoring Network will focus on developing skills needed to succeed scientifically, professionally, psychologically, and socially, including discussions about experiences and pressures faced by groups that are underrepresented in the sciences. As a professional development experience, the program uses a coaching model to help participants develop success skills for a variety of careers, including but not limited to academia, industry, government, and policy.
Graduate students and postdoctoral scientists accepted into the 2019-2020 program will attend several events in association with Experimental Biology 2019 in Orlando, FL. These will include training and an informal reception on Friday, April 5, a half-day program on Saturday, April 6, and the Graduate Student-Postdoctoral Colloquium on Saturday afternoon. During this time, trainees will meet the coaches, other students and postdocs, and become part of a 6-person coaching group. Each trainee will also meet individually with their coach during the EB 2019 meeting and participate in virtual group meetings throughout the year. Group events will be tailored to the specific needs of each coaching group, but may focus on work/life balance, interview skills, communication, networking, and other topics frequently identified as important to growth as a professional.
The 2019-2020 program is funded by a grant from the Burroughs-Wellcome Fund.
