More Can Be Way More: New Article in Science Explores Benefits and Challenges of having Multiple Mentors as an Underrepresented Graduate Student
Moore, E. (2021). One mentor isn’t enough: Here’s how I built a network of mentors. Science Careers. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.caredit.abi6939
Introduction
Erika Moore (2021) shares a personal account of her experiences during graduate school building a network of mentors. Moore highlights both the value of a multi-mentor approach and the challenges of reaching out and engaging multiple mentors to support her scientific career aspirations as a Black woman in a predominantly white field. Her narrative underscores the critical role of varied mentorship for students who face unique challenges and need diverse forms of guidance.
Methods, Key Strategies, and Takeaways
Moore’s approach to mentorship development involved strategic outreach to multiple individuals, yielding a diverse mentorship network. She adapted a “nothing ventured, nothing gained” attitude, proactively emailing potential mentors and strategically attending networking events.
Key practices included:
- Casting a Wide Net: Moore initiated connections with professionals she admired, often via cold emails, which led to meaningful informational interviews and eventually shaped her career path.
- Concise and Direct Communication: Experience taught Moore to be clear and concise in her communications, focusing on specific, actionable requests. This approach made it easier for mentors to respond positively.
- Evaluating Context and Responses: When faced with rejections, Moore recognized that these responses often reflected circumstances unrelated to her. This insight reduced personal self-doubt and encouraged continued engagement.
- Structured Preparation: Moore entered each meeting with specific questions covering career goals, shared experiences, and practical advice, maximizing the value of each mentor interaction.
Through these strategies, Moore successfully cultivated a network of mentors who contributed to different aspects of her career. For instance, one mentor provided guidance on academia, while another connection led to an industry internship. The variety of mentors allowed Moore to gain a broad perspective on her career options, ultimately supporting her transition into an assistant professor role. This network-based mentorship model, Moore notes, was particularly beneficial for navigating the structural challenges she encountered as a marginalized individual within her field.
Discussion
Moore’s experiences highlight the limitations of single-mentor models, especially for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in academia. The traditional model often cannot address the range of mentorship needs, from academic guidance to career development and psychosocial support. A network of mentors offers a more flexible, resilient approach, particularly in helping mentees manage challenges, broaden their perspectives, and build essential connections. Moore’s journey underscores the need for academic programs to support multi-mentor models and encourage students to engage with mentors across different professional areas.
Implications for Mentoring Programs:
- Encourage Diverse Mentorship: Programs should advocate for mentees, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to connect with multiple mentors, including cross-disciplinary and professional-sector mentors.
- Provide Training on Outreach and Engagement, alongside Validation: Equip students with strategies for reaching out to potential mentors and sustaining professional relationships. Dually notice and validate the challenges and burden this method can create for students.
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