The Value of MeNtors

Mentors will help you with the process of preparing for (and eventually applying to) graduate school. Mentors who have careers that you are most interested in pursuing may be able to give the best advice about how to go about pursuing it. Mentors may also be able to write letters of recommendation on your behalf or to connect you to other professionals in the field.

How to Find a Mentor

• Locally:
  • See if the department has a list of faculty research interests. You can use this list to see what kind of research the professors are working on. Once you find a few that interest you, email them to introduce yourself and ask if they would be willing to set up a meeting. There you can discuss research opportunities. Depending on your school and the lab, you may be able to work for credit or volunteer for experience.
  • Try to have good relationships with your professors. Showing your professors that you are willing to go the extra mile to succeed could encourage the professor to reach out with future opportunities.
  • Ask your professors if they have any colleagues with research interests similar to you and/or willing to take on a mentee
  • Go to department events such as Psi Chi or Psychology Club
• Nationally:
  • National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN)- The National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) is a nationwide consortium of biomedical professionals and institutions collaborating to provide all trainees across the biomedical, behavioral, clinical and social sciences with evidence-based mentorship and professional development programming. NRMN’s program models emphasize the benefits and challenges of diversity, inclusivity, and culture within mentoring relationships, and more broadly the research workforce. The Goal of the National Research Mentoring Network is to enhance the diversity of the NIH-funded research workforce.