Mentorship is a powerful tool that can drive the advancement of women in science. It offers guidance, career networking, research assistance, and camaraderie, all rooted in trust, openness, and comfort. A recent AWIS webinar led by Tamara L. Greenfield King, JD, focused on the importance of this key resource.
Mentors can come from diverse backgrounds, interests, and areas of expertise, all of which can help you gain access to unique perspectives and growth opportunities, propelling you toward success. To establish an impactful mentorship, you should begin by identifying someone who aligns with your specific needs and actively nurtures that connection.
King, who is Provost of University life at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized the impact of mentorship on her own journey, and she expressed her unwavering commitment to paying it forward by mentoring other women. The key takeaways from the webinar included:
- Defining the distinct roles of mentors and the value of mentorship within the scientific community.
- Examining the importance of initiating a valuable mentorship and of actively engaging with mentors to expand professional networks.
- Ensuring that you have found the right mentorship fit, one that fosters continued growth and enhancement of your scientific career.
In 1970, a mere 8% of STEM professionals were women; in 2019, this figure rose to 27%, and in 2021, it increased to 35%. Despite significant progress in representation, however, the gender gap persists and must be bridged through intentional efforts. Women in STEM face pervasive stereotypes and underrepresentation perpetuated by societal messaging, which tells them that they are not smart enough or that they do not belong in this male-dominated profession. Such narratives are, of course, highly inaccurate. Many women in science have defied these stereotypes and excelled in their field, and their success has been due, in no small part, to the pivotal role of mentorship in their journey.
King said that success in STEM requires a delicate balance of career aspiration, familial responsibilities, and personal and mental well-being, which can be challenging to achieve. Science thrives on innovation and creativity; it is demanding and intense and demands resilience and dedication. Mentors, equipped with years of higher education, experience, and expertise, emerge as an indispensable resource, offering women access to information, advice, and emotional support in their desired field. Mentors serve as gateways to prominent networks in industry or academia, and they can expediate connections and foster the growth of their mentees.
King also pointed out that different kinds of mentors may be required for different purposes. For example, a subject matter expert can easily offer connections to the right people, as well as provide guidance on how to succeed and deliver insights that others might overlook. Other mentors can help with funding, publishing research, navigating future roles and career opportunities, and fostering engagement, belonging, and appreciation. Importantly, having a mentor who listens can increase your learning, confidence, and self-esteem and can enhance your resilience when you face challenges.
Effective communication and trust in mentor-mentee relationships are also key, according to King. Mentors should provide honest feedback, listen to their mentees, and offer unbiased observations. Mentees, for their part, should listen actively, engage with feedback and not disregard it, and keep mentors informed of current trends and practices in the field. Trust, credibility, and great lines of communication are essential in these relationships.
King noted that mentors and mentees should establish clear expectations regarding their roles and responsibilities and should work together to achieve their goals. And, when it is time to end a mentorship, mentees should absolutely express their gratitude. Thanking a mentor for their sound advice and professionalism is critical. A mentee’s appreciation can also encourage their mentor to help them build a network of professional contacts that can be beneficial in the future.
Several factors can hinder the value of a mentorship, King acknowledged, including a mentor’s rejection or limited availability and a mentee’s concern about such issues as negative judgment, lack of support for DEI initiatives, and safety concerns. It is essential for both parties to acknowledge a potential mismatch in experiences, as well as a mentee’s anxiety or a mentor’s exhaustion from mentoring numerous individuals.
Mentorship is, in fact, a huge time commitment, so before seeking out such a relationship, be sure to do your homework. First, decide what type of mentorship you are looking for: long- or short-term, in-person or virtual. Second, outline what your expectations are. Finding common ground with a mentor is crucial. Having someone who shares the same background, resembles you, and has faced similar challenges can be a game changer. Research indicates that this kind of mentorship is highly beneficial. However, if a mentor declines your request, accept their decision gracefully. In such cases, it is also a good idea to politely ask for referrals to other potential mentors.
In her informative webinar, King convincingly explained why mentorship serves as a cornerstone for success in the scientific community and why this kind of relationship offers guidance, support, and invaluable opportunities for growth and collaboration for women in science. She underscored the transformative potential of mentorship, illuminating it as a key pathway for women to follow as they work to thrive in science.
To watch the recording, click here. AWIS members have unlimited access to the full webinar library. Access a discussion guide for this webinar here.
Megha Lal (she/her) is a postdoctoral scholar and Co-chair of the Postdoctoral Alliance at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She is the project manager at STEMPeers Gurukool and is a member of the STEMPeers Leadership team.
This article was originally published in AWIS Magazine. Join AWIS to access the full issue of AWIS Magazine and more member benefits.