SIVB is pleased to introduce our new Post Doctoral Member Mentoring Program “MATCH.” The program name leverages the word’s double entendre to represent the mentoring program’s core essence: the careful pairing of mentors and mentees, and the spark it ignites for transformative personal and professional growth. It emphasizes the careful and thoughtful pairing of mentees with appropriate mentors based on several key factors:
- Career Goals: Alignment with those who have similar professional aspirations, ensuring that the guidance provided is relevant and actionable.
- Interests: By considering personal and professional interests, creating combinations that foster genuine connections and shared enthusiasm.
- Personal Values: Bringing together individuals with similar values to ensure a strong foundation of mutual respect and understanding, which is crucial for a successful mentoring relationship.
- Experience: Matching mentors with mentees based on relevant experience in the specific field where mentees need insights and guidance.
Post Doc Mentee application form
Our program aims to ignite the potential within each participant:
- Spark of Inspiration: Mentors provide the inspiration and motivation needed to inspire the mentees.
- Transformative Journey: Joining MATCH marks the start of a transformative journey for mentees and their mentors. This journey involves learning, growth, and the realization of potential.
- Empowerment: The MATCH program empowers individuals to achieve great things, regardless of their starting point.
This program is designed to maximize the impact of the mentoring experience, creating interactions that are both meaningful and productive. It involves a focus group which creates a forum where mentees and mentors can learn, network, share knowledge and develop skills for professional advancement. The program is initially focused on Post Doc members.* We aim to create a supportive learning environment for career development by matching SIVB members who have mentoring experiences with SIVB Post Doctoral members, thereby increasing their engagement in SIVB activities.
In 2025, the program will be orchestrated according to the mentees’ group preferences. Resources of each workshop will be shared via email prior to or post meetings. The online format of the Mentoring Program will involve virtual group meetings for workshops and one-on-one interactions between a matched mentor and mentee. Paired mentees and mentors will agree on the communication format with which they are most comfortable; however, group announcements will be made by email. While the majority of the program is virtual, there will be one opportunity to meet and connect in person at the annual SIVB meeting in June.
By joining this program, mentors will:
- Expand your professional network
- Enhance your leadership skills and career prospects
- Experience satisfaction by helping others grow and achieve their career goals
- Have a positive impact on Post Docs by sharing your knowledge and experience
- Help build a stronger SIVB community
By joining this program, mentees will gain:
- Insights into trends and opportunities in plant and animal biology/biotechnology.
- Opportunities to network with individuals who share common interests.
- Knowledge from experts in the field.
- The ability to enhance your leadership and communication skills.
The 2025 program includes following topics:
(These workshop topics are tentative and subject to change)
- May 2025: Program Kick off – Zoom event
- June 8, 2025: Workshop 1: Networking (in-person event, Norfolk, VA)
- June 2025: Workshop 2: Identifying your transferable skills
- July 2025: Workshop 3: Peer Mentoring
- August 2025: Workshop 4: Leadership
- September 2025: Workshop 5: CV/Cover letter drafting & prepare for interviews
- October 2025: Workshop 6: AI/Resume
- October 2025: Feedback on program (Survey)
- November 2025: Workshop 7: Commercialization of Science
- December 2025: 2025 Program cycle ends
Are you ready to take your career to the next level, if yes, become a mentee or mentor! Fill in the form today!
Post Doc Mentee application form
You must be a member of SIVB to apply.
Not a member? Join the SIVB today
*Based on the success of this networking forum, the program may expanded to the students and early-stage professionals.
