Early Career Mentors
The British Society for Neuroendocrinology (BSN) mentorship scheme aims to provide an informal way for neuroendocrine researchers to find mentors in the field. We are delighted to have a team of mentors who are also BSN members willing share their expertise and experience in the field of neuroendocrinology with mentees. Mentors and mentees can discuss anything related to their work - from career progression to navigating tricky work environments.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is essentially about helping people to develop more effectively. It is a relationship designed to build confidence and support the mentee so they are able to take control of their own development and work. A mentor may share with a mentee information about his or her own career path, as well as provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modelling. A mentor may help with exploring careers, setting goals, developing contacts, and identifying resources. Mentoring is not the same as training, teaching or coaching.
How do I work with a mentor?
It is up to the mentee to decide on the focus for the mentoring relationship. During the first meeting the mentor and mentee will decide together the format and regularity of their meetings as well as the how long the mentoring will last. Subsequent meetings usually have clear objectives set by the mentee to which the mentor can respond with specific actions for follow up.
Mentees - please use this mentor meeting planning tool to help you prepare for your meetings:
How does the BSN mentorship scheme work?
The BSN mentorship scheme opens twice a year for mentees to apply to work with mentors:
- 1-31 March
- 1-30 September
When the scheme opens:
- Browse the list of BSN mentors above and find a mentor you’d like to work with. Click on the image for a short bio.
- Fill out the form for your requested mentor.
- We will contact the mentor and check they are happy to be matched with the mentee.
- If yes, mentee and mentor are connected via email.
- If no, email mentee and say mentor is unable to take on mentees at this time. We will suggest the mentee requests another mentor.
We take your privacy seriously. Mentor-mentee relationships are tracked in a password protected spreadsheet and are only known to administrative staff and the ECR Representatives.
If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact theteam@neuroendo.org.uk.