ASPB Mentorship Program
The ASPB understands that building personal and professional capacity is the best way to continue taking a strong profession into the future. As the careers of biologists mature, there is a tendency to transition from active fieldwork to administrative roles that require the development of advanced skills including project management, effective communication, staff supervision, cultural diversity and leadership. Providing opportunities for professional development is one way that the ASPB supports its members to continue life-long learning and skill development.
The ASPB Mentorship Program is one way to formally transfer knowledge, expertise and skills between colleagues. The Program has been structured to match Protégés (a.k.a. Mentees) with Mentors so that they may both continue to learn and produce work of high standards. Protégés can develop their interpersonal and professional skills, gain increased understanding about the expectations and standards within their specialty and identify their strengths and weaknesses under the guidance of another professional biologist. Mentors have the opportunity to strengthen management, communication and leadership skills, create new support networks with other professionals and demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development by contributing to a worthy cause.
Any active ASPB member can participate in the Mentorship Program as a Mentor, a Protégé or both depending on his/her needs. This includes any student, biologist-in-training or regular member who thinks that they can benefit from the experiences of their colleagues – regardless of experience level or age.