Advancing Your Research Career
Mentoring
The Role of the Mentor
A key feature of the ARC programme is the opportunity to participate in a mentoring relationship focused specifically on research career development.
Participants are invited to select a mentor who can provide guidance, support and perspective on their professional goals, career planning and leadership development. The mentoring relationship offers a valuable space for reflection, discussion and personal growth throughout the programme.
Engagement in the mentoring process is a mandatory requirement for successful completion of the programme. Training and guidance are provided for both mentors and mentees to help ensure a productive and rewarding mentoring experience.
What is a mentor?
A mentor is an experienced academic or researcher who, by mutual agreement, takes an active interest in supporting a mentee's professional and academic development. Mentors act as trusted guides, sounding boards and role models, offering encouragement, insight and constructive challenge throughout the mentoring relationship. Effective mentors demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting the growth and development of others and invest time in building a positive and supportive partnership.
The ARC programme focuses on developing the independence, leadership, management and engagement capabilities of early- and mid-career researchers. Within this context, the mentor's role is to provide guidance, encouragement and perspective as participants progress through the programme and reflect on their career aspirations.
Mentors are typically:
- Experienced academics or researchers;
- Well respected within their discipline or professional community;
- Committed to the aims and values of the ARC programme; and
- Willing to dedicate time and attention to supporting a mentee's development.
Mentors and mentees meet approximately once every one to two months throughout the seven-month programme, with many mentoring relationships continuing beyond the formal programme period.
Mentoring meetings should be informal, supportive and developmental in nature. No formal preparation is expected of mentors, although both parties are encouraged to reflect on topics they would like to discuss. Meeting dates and times should be agreed at the outset of the relationship.
All discussions between mentor and mentee are confidential. However, mentors have a responsibility to seek appropriate advice or support if they become concerned about a mentee's wellbeing or welfare.
Mentor Briefing and Training
All mentors and mentees receive a programme briefing prior to the commencement of ARC. This briefing includes mentoring principles and ground rules, roles and responsibilities of mentors and mentees, effective mentoring skills and techniques and, practical arrangements and expectations.
Dates: TBD