COME-In Mentoring thought exercise by Aris Winger

Job search/negotiations

2025-05-28 19:15:15 UTC

It would have been useful to know about the job search process, and in particular about navigating an offer and negotiations with an institution (with respect to spousal hire, pay, workload - these were issues nobody talked about in grad school).

Providing a network

2025-05-28 19:16:59 UTC

A mentor in graduate school connected me to a professional network which was essential to get a postdoc position.

Step Out of Comfort Zone

kmcallahan — 2025-05-28 19:26:03 UTC

A mentor helped me to do something that I wanted to do professionally, but that I was uncomfortable doing. I grew a lot in that process and became more confident.

Mutual Mentoring Groups

kmcallahan — 2025-05-28 19:27:31 UTC

I have found mutual mentoring groups to be quite helpful. You share and learn from others doing similar work and that helps you develop professionally in a different way than having a mentor who is doing different work/serving in a different role.

Early in my Position

2025-05-29 13:11:10 UTC

When I started in my position, finding the right work-work balance. They could have helped me figure out how much service is the right amount to preserve time for my other duties, and what and who I could say no to. I am not sure my path would have been all that different but it may not have been as steep.

Undergraduate research

2025-05-29 14:15:41 UTC

I had great mentors as an undergraduate, but none of my professors invited me to engage in their research, and I wish I had been able to do a research project with one of my professors in undergrad.

Better prepared for grad school

2025-05-29 14:16:19 UTC

If I had done research as an undergraduate, I feel that I could have been better prepared for my graduate work.

Strengthened research program

2025-05-29 14:17:20 UTC

If I had gotten started on research earlier, I may have been able to accelerate my graduate studies more quickly.

Getting involved

2025-05-29 14:18:24 UTC

I had a fantastic undergraduate mentor that singled me out and suggested that I get involved in a variety of programs, including an REU and the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics. I probably wouldn't have taken the initiative to find those opportunities on my own.

Helping me define my path

2025-05-29 14:18:33 UTC

I spent many years making my way through my undergraduate and graduate education with many detours along the way. If I had had a strong mentor, I may have gotten to my "final destination" earlier and not spent the extra time (and money!) finding my way.

Transitions

2025-05-29 15:28:51 UTC

A mentor would have been very helpful while I was considering applying to graduate school and also as a junior faculty. There was a lot of guessing and just going with the flow in those beginnings (grad school, tenure-track)

Better Fit

2025-05-29 15:30:13 UTC

Mentors would have helped me find math departments that were a better fit for me, based on my interest, my values, my needs, my goals for the future, etc.

Belonging, Safety

2025-05-29 15:33:32 UTC

With the right guidance, I might have made better choices about where to go, which could have led to more positive experiences, a stronger sense of belonging, and greater feelings of safety.

Informal Mentoring

2025-05-29 15:36:52 UTC

Informal mentors and colleagues from other institutions who have taken the time to notice and support me have been instrumental in making me feel welcome in certain spaces. This support has contributed to a rich, fulfilling experience within certain circles outside my workplace.

Multiple Mentors

2025-05-29 15:38:59 UTC

I think that having several people in your network, each supporting you in a particular way, is the most common scenario. So someone may provide advice about coursework. Someone may be more of an advocate, etc.