IEEE Magnetics Society
Mentorship Pilot Program
by IEEE Magnetics Society Chapters Committee, Education Committee, & Students in Magnetism (SiM)
New: In-person Mentorship
In-person mentorship is now available for Twin Cities, Minnesota.
Registration is now open for mentors and mentees in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area for both virtual and in-person mentorship.
Update for Registrants
To all mentee and mentor registrants, we are now in the process of matching you to your preferred mentor and mentee.
We will also be reaching out to all mentees' supervisor(s)/ advisor(s) for their letter of support.
We thank you for your patience.
Announcements
Program Objectives
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Enhance the mentees’ skills and knowledge for professional development
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Support mentees in developing self-awareness, confidence, and emotional intelligence
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Expand professional networks for both mentors and mentees
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Facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience from mentors to mentees
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Build a supportive and engaged community within the field
* Note that this program will NOT involve the mentorship of the mentee's research.
Quick Links
About the Pilot Program
The mentorship program aims to develop talent in our magnetics community, which includes enhancing skills, providing mentees with comprehensive career guidance and support for multiple perspectives, allowing them to navigate the complexities of their career paths.
Through a pilot version of the mentorship program, experienced mentors are paired with mentees to foster personal and professional growth. Through this initiative, mentors will have the opportunity to refine their leadership and coaching abilities while sharing their valuable insights. Mentees, on the other hand, will receive guidance, support, and challenges to assist them in navigating their career paths and achieve their goals.
Through this initiative, we, as Students in Magnetism (SiM), Chapters Committee, and Education Committee (EdComm) of the IEEE Magnetics Society aims to cultivate a new generation of leaders in magnetics, equipped with the expertise and insight needed to drive innovation and success in the field.
Eligibility
Please note that registration is still open for Minnesota-based mentees and mentors only.
Mentor
To register and be considered for the program, mentor applicants should meet the following criteria:
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Have at least six years of experience following the completion of their PhD, or
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Hold a position equivalent to Assistant Professor (or higher) in the United States
Mentors typically fall under the following categories:
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Professors
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Senior Scientists
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Senior Industry Staff/ Researchers
Guidelines and Expectations
1. Eligibility of Mentees and Mentors
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See 'Eligibility' section
2. Mentorship Scope
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The scope of the mentorship should avoid the discussion of matters that involve conflict of interest with the mentees’ research/thesis advisors. Please avoid the discussion and mentoring of the mentee’s research.
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The scope of the mentorship can include the mentee’s research life, but not the mentorship of the mentee’s research.
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Mentors and mentees should establish clear objectives and expectations for the mentorship relationship at the beginning of the mentorship journey.
3. Participation
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Both mentors and mentees are expected to commit to the full duration of the program, from Phase 0 to Phase 3
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Active participation in the scheduled meetings and activities is required to maximize the benefits of the program
4. Professionalism Expectations
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Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor in all interactions
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Respect the confidentiality of information shared during the mentorship program
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Provide and receive constructive feedback in a professional and respectful manner to encourage growth
Mentorship Timeline
The main mentorship activities (phase 1&2) will span 3 months, with ~2 virtual mentorship sessions per month.
Phase 0
(~4 weeks)
Mentor-Mentee
Registration & Matching
Mentors and mentees provide information that will aid in pairing them up.
Phase 1
(~2 weeks)
Mentorship Introductions
Mentors and mentees are introduced to each other through a meeting and they can decide if they would like to proceed with the mentorship pairing.
We will provide a list of icebreaking discussion points that can be used to initiate conversation.
Phase 2
(~10 weeks)
Mentorship Meetings
Mentors and mentees will meet bi-weekly (once every two weeks), with additional communication as needed.
Mentees are responsible for coordinating and scheduling the meetings with their assigned mentors.
There will be a minimum of five mentorship meetings in total.
Mentors and mentees will be required to provide evaluations and feedback at the end of every month. A form will be provided for the mentor and mentees to fill up monthly.
Phase 3
Post-Program Feedback
Mentors and mentees will attend a zoom call with the program organizers to share about their experiences and discuss areas for improvement.
Phase 3
Post-Program Continuation
At the end of the program, mentors and mentees will have the option to decide and coordinate on their own if they wish to continue their mentorship relationship independently.
Support and Resources
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SiM has a Discord space that mentors and mentees can make use of to communicate with one another without the exchange of personal contact numbers. Discord is an app that is available on both mobile, browser, and desktop. Please note that this space is newly launched and the admins are working towards improving the space - feel free to provide feedback or requests to facilitate your time in the mentorship program. Apply to join the space through https://www.studentsinmagnetism.org/discord-access.
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[TBC] Mentors will be provided with a complimentary breakfast at the Joint MMM-Intermag Conference 2025 hotel if they are attending the conference in-person
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The Joint MMM-Intermag Conference 2025 will be organizing a mentorship workshop in conjunction with the mentorship pilot program, where mentors participating in this program will have the opportunity to participate.
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List of possible icebreaking discussion topics
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Communication skills with colleagues
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Science communication tips and skills
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Career path planning and advise
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Managing work-life balance
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Networking tips and tricks
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Find out more at our info session!
Interested in the program? Having doubts and feeling unsure?
Join us at the following info sessions and chat with the organisers!
Session 1: 7 March (Friday) CET 930AM-10AM (GMT+1)
Session 2: 7 March (Friday) EST 930AM-10 AM (GMT-5)
Drop your email here and we will follow up with the meeting link.