2008 Mass-AWIS Mentoring Circle
Year Two of our Mentoring Program will begin this Fall!
A mentoring circle is a collection of mentoring relationships that meets together on a regular basis for an agreed upon length of time. The group’s primary purpose is to help mentees accomplish two tasks:
Set important development goals
Build competence and character to reach those goals
The group exchanges experiences, challenges, and opportunities for the purpose of enhancing self-confidence, communication skills, leadership practices, and commitment to one’s career.
To participate as a Mentor, please fill out this survey for mentors.
To participate as a Mentee you must be a MASS AWIS member (join here), be prepared to attend a mandatory orientation in September (date TBD) and you must fill out this survey for mentees.
The surveys will remain active until July 31st. No further applications will be accepted after that date.
Check out the articles below or email us for more information on next year's program.
The AWIS Mentoring Circles have been designed to:
- Provide an opportunity for members to meet in open, candid and interactive forums to share and benefit from common interests and needs
- Help members develop a network of business contacts and resources
- Encourage learning and the exchange of information and ideas between peers and senior to executive level individuals
- Foster growth and self-development
Time commitment will be 2-6 hours per month over an 8 month period (Sept 2009-April 2010)
Have more questions about being a mentor or mentee?
Email info@mass-awis.org for more information, or see our FAQs on the right.
National AWIS Features on Mentoring
Why You Should be Mentoring a Scientist, Right Now! (page 1)
Why You Should be Mentoring a Scientist, Right Now! (page 2)
Effective Mentoring for a Healthy Work Life Balance (page 1)
Effective Mentoring for a Healthy Work Life Balance (page 2)
Coaching vs Mentoring: The Difference is in the Details (page 1)
Coaching vs Mentoring: The Difference is in the Details (page 2)
Coaching vs Mentoring: The Difference is in the Details (page 3)
Sourcebooks for Mentoring:
Table of Contents (Lists all the articles in each Sourcebook)
AWIS Women in Industry Sourcebook
AWIS Mentoring Sourcebook
AWIS Catalyst Report 2008 Women in Technology
AWIS Gender Discrimination Sourcebook
AWIS Leaky Pipeline Sourcebook
AWIS Work and Family Balance Sourcebook
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AWIS Mentoring Circle?
A Mentoring Circle is a small group of women scientists committed to meeting regularly and supporting one another with advice, support and information. Each circle will consist of 3-5 peers and be coordinated and supported by at least one more experienced mentor.
Who will be in my circle?
The MASS AWIS mentoring committee will review submitted surveys and match you with a circle based on interest, career goals, geography and other factors.
What will we talk about?
The group will decide how it wants to handle the schedule, but MASS AWIS will provide you with a sourcebook of ideas and articles to help start conversation. Once you get started—we don’t think you’ll have trouble finding things to talk about! All participants should be willing to give and get professional and personal support from other talented women in the scientific community.
Are we just going to sit around and complain?
NO!! The mentoring circle is a mechanism for sharing frustrations with peers but the focus is on career growth and problem solving in a supportive environment. Your mentor will help guide you and promote productive discussions.
Is it going to be fun?
Absolutely. You will make new close connections with women who share your concerns, interests and values.
“I encourage the reader to look to others for support in professional and personal endeavors. I have witnessed women successfully help one another work through dilemmas and celebrate accomplishments through the dynamics of group instruction. This book is about the power of not trying to go it alone.”
-Ellen Daniell, Every Other Thursday: Stories and Strategies from Successful Women Scientists
