The mentor program for CanCell and PRIMA is designed to facilitate the development and growth of the centre members (mentees), mainly Postdoc/Researcher’s, through guidance, support, and advice from mentors who have experience and knowledge in different topics relevant to the mentee's future career.
What is expected from a CanCell/PRIMA mentor:
• Knowledge and Experience in a relevant topic, e.g. grant applications, how to build a strong CV, the interview situation, work outside academia, etc
• Commitment: dedication to the mentoring relationship, including being accessible for meetings - the number, length, and frequency of meetings should be mutually agreed upon by the mentor and mentee, as well as meeting forms (physical or virtual).
• Communication: Open and honest communication, listen actively, and provide
constructive feedback. Being open to receiving feedback about the mentoring process
itself.
• Guidance and Advice: Offering practical advice, sharing experiences, and providing
resources that can help the mentee navigate challenges and make informed decisions.
• Network Sharing: Introducing the mentee to relevant contacts, expanding their
professional network, and potentially opening doors to new opportunities.
• Ethical Behavior: Maintaining confidentiality, being respectful, and adhering to ethical standards in all interactions with the mentee.
What is expected from a CanCell/PRIMA mentee:
• Commitment:
Dedication to the mentoring relationship, including attending scheduled meetings,
being punctual, and putting in the effort required to achieve the set goals.
• Openness to Learning:
Willingness to learn from the mentor’s experiences, feedback, and guidance. This
involves being open-minded and receptive to new ideas and constructive criticism.
• Clear Communication:
Honest and transparent communication about goals, challenges, and expectations.
Actively seeking feedback on performance and being willing to accept and act on
constructive criticism. Respecting the confidentiality of discussions and sensitive
information shared within the mentoring relationship.
• Goal Setting:
Working with the mentor to set realistic, specific, and measurable goals and developing a clear plan to achieve them.
The mentor-mentee relationship:
• Mentee and Mentor Matching:
The mentees should contact the mentor having the expertise and experience searched by the mentee.
• Meetings:
The mentor and mentee agree on when, where, and frequency of meetings to discuss
progress, challenges, and strategies for improvement.
• Goal Setting:
Establishing clear, achievable objectives (e.g. skill development, career advice,
networking) for the mentee to work towards throughout the mentorship.
• Feedback and Evaluation:
The mentor should offer constructive feedback on the mentee's development and both
parties should assess the progress of the mentoring relationship to ensure they have a
shared understanding of their roles, expectations, and the desired outcomes of the
mentorship.