The Department of Physics has recently launched a new programme of mentoring for postdoctoral researchers and is looking for alumni to participate as mentors. The mentoring programme enables the department’s early career staff to match to mentors with particular skills and experience, helping them think about their career and life choices and is a valuable activity underpinning the supportive environment in the Department of Physics.
Mentoring is recognised as a powerful tool to assist people in their personal development – creating time to think about their roles, professional life and careers. It is a voluntary arrangement through which an experienced mentor, outside the normal reporting line, holds regular discussions with and takes a personal interest in guiding and supporting the development of a less-experienced mentee. A mentoring session provides the opportunity for the mentee to reflect away from workplace routine. It can help them expand their knowledge and capability, and fulfil their potential.
A mentor acts as a sounding board, someone to help the mentee work through their ideas and throw light on their path. The value of mentoring is that it allows the mentee to work on an objective with their mentor acting as an impartial thinking partner who will enable them to focus on the important issues and to arrive at self-generated solutions. It is a confidential, non-judgmental and constructive partnership.
Why be a mentor?
A shared motivation for mentors is a desire to give something back, finding satisfaction in helping others progress and succeed. It also provides the opportunity to develop their own experience in areas such as communication, leadership and motivating others. The skills required to be an effective mentor transfer well to a wide range of contexts and may assist the mentor with their own professional and career development. For alumni from the Department of Physics, it is hoped you will also find pleasure in strengthening your links with the department and contributing to the Department of Physics’ community.
Find out more
To express interest in or find out more about becoming a mentor please contact the Physics Mentoring Coordinator, Dr Jenny Woods (mentoring@physics.ox.ac.uk) who will be delighted to talk to you further.