Tips on Mentoring Underrepresented Students for Academic Careers
Academic Guidance
Take students to conferences to present their research and to
network with other faculty.
Write a formal plan for students’ research.
Write grant proposals with students; train them to manage grant budget.
Provide at least one teaching experience.
Share teaching strategies.
Your Perspective
Tell students what you like about a career in academia.
Listen carefully to determine individual needs so your response
is personal.
Share personal career experiences, successes and failures.
Discuss political situations you encounter and how you manage
the issue.
Understand that no two women and no two people of any race or
ethnicity are the same.
Take into consideration family complexities.
Include students in social activities.
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Concerns Specific to Underrepresented Students
Comments from Faculty Mentors
Role models and inclusion are critical.
“Women and people of color have different perspectives that
may be lost in the ‘one size fits all’ approach to mentoring.“
The current system must promote success among underrepresented groups.
“Research and acknowledge the hurdles/barriers that are there
and ways to level the field. Conduct frank discussions of these issues.”
“Actively recruit underrepresented Ph.D. students and faculty.”
Recognize issues of racism and/or sexism.
Concerns may also be “tangible hostilities, prejudices, and biases that require proof of
talents prior to acceptance as a professional.” |
