Having a mentor or mentors can make a real difference during your postdoc years. A good mentor provides guidance, shares experience, and helps you navigate both professional and personal decisions about your career. As a postdoc, you may benefit from having more than one mentor — each offering different perspectives and expertise.
Types of Mentors
- Academic Mentors
Senior researchers or professors who can guide you in developing your research portfolio, publishing, and securing grants. They often provide valuable insights into academic career paths and can introduce you to key networks. This can be your direct supervisor, but you might also benefit from academic mentors that are not your supervisors and are thus able to provide you with some independent – and maybe less biased – point of view.
- Career Development Mentors
Experienced colleagues — sometimes outside your direct research area — who advise on long-term career planning, work–life balance, and building leadership skills.
- Industry Mentors
Professionals working in biotech, pharma, consultancy, or other sectors who can give practical advice on transitioning from academia to industry roles. They can help you understand different career options, workplace cultures, and required skills.
- Peer Mentors
Fellow postdocs or early-career researchers who share their own experiences and provide mutual support. Peer mentoring can be less formal and often feels more approachable.
- Non-Academic or Alternative Career Mentors
Experts from policy, communication, publishing, or other fields who can help broaden your view of where your skills are valued outside academia.
How to Identify and Approach Mentors
- Reflect on Your Goals
Think about where you see yourself in the next 3–5 years. The right mentor will align with your ambitions, whether you want to stay in academia, move into industry, or explore alternative careers. Try to understand what support and mentorship you might need now vs. what you might need in the future. Be aware that some mentors are with you for a long time, while others might be important at a specific point in life.
- Leverage Your Network
Ask colleagues, supervisors, or collaborators for recommendations.
- Conferences and Seminars
Use academic meetings to approach speakers or participants whose careers inspire you. A quick introduction and follow-up message can open the door to a mentoring relationship.
- Professional Associations and Societies
Many organisations offer mentoring programmes or directories that pair early-career researchers with more experienced professionals.
- Alumni Networks
University alumni offices often facilitate mentoring schemes or can connect you with graduates working in your area of interest.
- LinkedIn and Other Online Platforms
LinkedIn is a powerful tool to identify and reach out to professionals in your field.
- Follow organisations, universities, and companies related to your interests.
- Join relevant groups to participate in discussions and connect with active members.
- When sending a connection request, include a short personalised note explaining why you’d like to connect.
- Consider Multiple Mentors
It’s common — and often beneficial — to have more than one mentor, each supporting you in different areas of your development.
Engaging with Mentors
- Be Proactive
Reach out with a clear request: for example, to discuss career planning, receive feedback on grant applications, or learn more about a specific sector.
- Set Clear Expectations
Decide together how often you will meet, what topics you’ll focus on, and how you’ll communicate.
- Show Commitment
Come prepared to meetings, follow up on advice, and respect your mentor’s time.
- Build a Reciprocal Relationship
While mentors offer guidance, you can also share updates, resources, and perspectives that they may find valuable.
Practical Tips for Reaching Out to a New (Potential) Mentor
- Personalise your message — explain why you are reaching out specifically to them.
- Keep your request focused and manageable (e.g., a short call or coffee meeting).
- Be clear about what you hope to gain (e.g., insights into career paths, feedback on CVs, understanding of industry roles).
- Don’t be discouraged if someone says no — many professionals are flattered by the request, and another person may have more availability.
Example Message to a Potential Mentor
Subject: Request for a Short Career Advice Meeting
Dear [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at [Your Institution], working on [briefly describe your field or project].
I admire your work in [specific area] and your career path in [academic/industry/other sector]. As I am exploring my own career development, I would be very grateful for the opportunity to speak with you about your experiences and any advice you might have.
If you are available, I would greatly appreciate a short [30-minute] meeting — either virtually or in person — at a time convenient for you.
Thank you very much for considering my request.
With kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Information]
