Mentor, Sponsor, Coach

Whatever you're looking for, SRI can help!

Mentor

A Mentor provides a long-term relationship built to allow a mentee to discover and track their career path. A mentor can be anyone in any position of experience either internal or external to one’s institution. Mentors help build a career vision, and suggest ways to expand the mentee’s network. Mutual respect and trust is essential in the development of a Mentor-Mentee relationship.

WHAT THIS RELATIONSHIP MIGHT LOOK LIKE:

• Regular meetings either virtual and in person
• Mentors forwarding and sharing opportunities that align with mentees goals
• Help with grant/job applications

Sponsor

A Sponsor (typically in a more senior-level position) advocates for an individual in an external environment. Sponsors drive an individual’s career vision, taking action to elevate additional pressures an individual may face in their career. Sponsors give individuals access to their active network connections and make new connections for them. Sponsors are personally vested in the upward movement and professional development of the individual they are supporting. Sponsors use their own platform and reputation to as a medium for exposure. A Mentor can often times become a Sponsor in various situations.

WHAT THIS RELATIONSHIP MIGHT LOOK LIKE:

• Writing letters of recommendation
• Nominating one for Editorial Board positions

Coach

The relationship with a coach is often developed when a certain goal or skill needs to be learned or achieved. A Coach provides an individual a more formal and structured relationship with a specific goal in mind. The relationship with a Coach is often for a short period of time, as there is a measurable outcome.

WHAT THIS RELATIONSHIP MIGHT LOOK LIKE:

• Learning a new skill in the lab
• Assistance with research outside of your field