Mentorship
Mentoring (both given and received) is an integral part of the postdoc experience. To help postdocs initiate and sustain good mentoring relationships with their faculty mentor or other members of the Yale community, we have provided several resources below.
Office for Postdoc Affairs Mentorship Programming
Postdoc Fundamental Mentorship Program
The Office of Postdoctoral Affairs offers a six-hour mentorship training program using an evidence-based curriculum developed by the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research and supported by the National Research Mentoring Network. This program helps postdocs navigate mentor-mentee relationships from both sides and provides a practical framework to develop their own mentoring philosophy. The topics covered include: Maintaining Effective Communication, Aligning Expectations, Addressing Equity and Inclusion, Cultivating Ethical Behavior, Self-Efficacy, Fostering Independence, Promoting Professional Development, Work Life Integration, and Articulating Your Mentoring Philosophy.
Special Topics in Mentorship
These one-off sessions address specific topics in mentorship, such as building your mentoring team, having difficult conversations with your faculty mentor, and translating your mentorship skills into teaching, leadership, and management.
Additional resources to develop your mentorship skills:
Mentorship Award
In 2022, the office of the Provost and the Yale Postdoctoral Association awarded the inaugural Yale Mentoring Award for postdoctoral scholars. This award recognizes postdoctoral scholars who exemplify the role of a mentor to their undergraduate students or postgraduates. The winner of the prize is chosen based on recommendations from mentees.
