Taking Charge and Finding Support: The Power of Self, Mentors and Peers in Graduate School Success Helenrose Fives AERA 2003, Chicago

It all begins with YOU!

It All Begins with YOU! What do you want and what do you have to offer? What can you do to help yourself?

What do you want and what do you have to offer? Goals Career Goals Training Desired Independence - Collaboration Research Interests Other Goals? Self Appraisal Strengths Weaknesses Time Interests Current Skills & Strategies

What can you do to help yourself? Be visible Develop your own research interests Demonstrate a willingness to work hard Get and stay organized Ask questions Seek out opportunities Plan time for fun - it makes work easier

A Mentor Makes the Difference What’s a good mentor for you? What are the expectations? How do you establish independence? What do you do when the relationship doesn’t work?

What’s a good mentor for you? Shared Interests Role Model Work Style Collaboration Opportunities Interpersonal Dynamics

What are the expectations? Mentors should: Be Available Introduce you to the community of practice Support your developing scholarship Offer opportunities for collaboration Model professionalism and integrity Be supportive Students should: Respect the mentor’s time Join and become active in the community Keep mentor apprised of progress Send post meeting summaries to mentor Ask questions Be proactive

How do you establish independence? Be selective in continuing collaborations Seek other opportunities –Develop relationships with other faculty members –Invite peers and new colleagues to work with you

What do you do when the relationship doesn’t work? Why –Poor research fit –Different expectations, interpersonal discord When –The sooner the better –Best within the first year How –Try to work out problems first –Seek advice - is changing the best plan? –Remain professional at all times –Before leaving, find another mentor

The Purpose of Peers What roles can peers play? What do you need from peer colleagues or collaborators? How can you establish a peer network?

What roles can peers play? Social support Socialization Collaborators Colleagues

What do you need from peer colleagues and collaborators? Colleagues General interests in common Mutual respect Freedom of expression Challenging discourse Opportunities for learning and growth Collaborators Common research interests Similar working styles Similar work ethic Open communication Freedom to disagree Commitment to get the job done

Where can you find them? Locally –Department –College –University Mentor network –Previous students of your mentor –The students of your mentor’s students Nationally –Conferences –Web sites and

Final thoughts... You are your best resource A good mentor-student relationship is critical for professional success A shared graduate student experience makes a difference When you enter into a graduate program you become part of a community of practice

FYI...