Developing a mentoring program to support the next generation of immunologists

Abstract

Mentorship refers to the guidance given by a mentor to a less experienced individual to enhance their professional and personal development. For graduate research students, seeking independent mentors external to their institution offers the rewarding opportunity to obtain objective guidance on a variety of work, study and life matters. This article outlines the steps taken to develop a professional society‐based, international mentoring program of over 70 participants. This 6‐month program aimed to connect graduate research students with more senior academic scientists in response to the limited networking opportunities imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in Australia. Outlined here are the resources used to maximize the potential of this successful program, which include (1) an ‘Introduction to Mentoring’ workshop, (2) the use of a mentoring software or communication strategy to maintain program momentum and (3) the integration of in‐person networking events. Overall, the program was a great success, with a high satisfaction rating (8.7/10) and a large number of participants reported that they would maintain their mentoring relationship. All participants stated that they would recommend the program to a peer, and thus reiterations of the program would likely be similarly well‐received and beneficial to the Australasian immunology community.