ACerS mentorship opportunities now available at your favorite conferences!
This NEW program has been created so that first-time conference attendees may get the most out of their conference experience by connecting with individuals that are excited to support new attendees.
The ACerS Conference Mentorship Programs will focus on conference attendance. ACerS also offers year-long ACerS Mentor Programs, which are separate from the conference mentor programs.
Sign up for one of the ACerS Conference Mentor Programs
MENTEE
MENTOR
Attendees interested in participating in a Conference Mentor Program will first need to register for the conference and will then want to mark either the Mentee (first or second time attendee) or Mentor (frequent attendee) within the registration process. There is typically a stated deadline to apply for these programs so that participants can be matched up ahead of the conference.
The Conference Mentorship Program organizers will then follow up with those who have signed up to gather research/career interests which will help make mentor-mentee matches.
Every effort will be made to match mentees with an appropriate mentor. However, due to the availability of volunteers in specific areas, we are unable to guarantee this.
Current Conference Mentor Program offerings
The ACerS Conference Mentor program is currently being offered at the following conferences. Be sure to register for the conference and sign up to be a mentee or mentor, today!
Did you already register for an ACerS conference and want to sign up now for the conference mentor program?
Please reach out to Yolanda Natividad to let her know if you would like to be a MENTEE or MENTOR and the email address that you used to register.
How the program works
Once you sign up for the conference mentorship program and are matched with a mentee/mentor, you will want to exchange emails with your match to connect ahead of the conference.
Also, shown below are some ideas for events to meet up with your match at conferences.
What are some examples of events that mentors and mentees can attend together?
- Welcome Reception
- Technical Talks
- Coffee Breaks
- Lunch Break
Mentor Participants
Are you a regular conference attendee?
We want to encourage attendees from all career types and stages (students, postdocs, young professionals, seasoned professionals) to participate as mentors, so that we have mentors that match the diversity of our new meeting attendees/mentees.
Mentors will be expected to:
- Be available to connect with your mentee in the week before the conference.
- Discuss the objectives of your mentee, for example, sharing science, networking, or career opportunities.
- Make it a goal to introduce your mentee to at least 3 colleagues.
- Recommend abstracts/technical sessions your mentee could find valuable.
- Meet your mentee again during the conference, as necessary, to answer any questions or reflect on science sessions.
- If your mentee is giving a presentation, make every effort to attend.
Mentee Participants
Are you attending your first (or second) ACerS conference?
No matter what experience level you are, how old you are, or what your background is, you are the ideal mentee! Connecting with a conference mentor can be intellectually stimulating, grow your communication skills, and provide a different point of view about your research or career aspirations and opportunities.
Mentees will be expected to:
- Contact your mentor at least one week before the conference to arrange a first meeting at a time convenient to your mentor.
- Share your goals for the conference, for example, sharing research, networking, or career opportunities.
- Set aside specific times during the conference to meet up so that you can discuss any questions you may have or to exchange reflections on technical sessions.
- Respect the time your mentor has dedicated to you and make sure to meet up at locations/times that you both have agreed upon.
Questions?
Please contact Yolanda Natividad with questions regarding any of the ACerS Conference Mentor Programs.
