CFANS Mentor Program: Information for Post-Docs
Application Process
Complete your mentor program application by October 2, 2023.
Before starting your application, please read the following notes:
- Pay close attention to the questions portion of your application. Your answers provide us with important information for the matching process, so please be as thorough and specific in your answers as possible.
- The application requires you to submit a copy of your resume in PDF format. Need help with your resume? Contact Career and Internship Services for support.
- All post-docs will be required to complete a virtual mentor program orientation. During the application, you'll be asked to select an orientation date/time.
The CFANS Mentor Program is designed to provide you with an opportunity to explore your field of interest and enhance your professional skills outside the classroom. Your mentor can help you make professional connections, answer questions about your field of career interest and give you feedback on your job search skills. The relationship is not designed to provide you with employment; mentors should not be solicited for job leads within their company. Think about your career goals and interests and what you would like to accomplish in this mentoring relationship.
Responsibilities
Mentors have volunteered their valuable time to help guide post-docs with their career goals. With our commitment in providing mentors with above average and proactive CFANS post-docs willing to learn, comes a commitment on your part to fulfill our expectations. To participate in the program you must:
- Initiate regular contact with your mentor via phone, email and/or meetings, be proactive and willing to meet your mentor at least once a month, and see the relationship through to its official end.
- Discuss your goals, needs, and what you hope to gain from the relationship with your mentor.
- Act professional at all times, and return phone calls/emails in a timely fashion.
- Complete program evaluations when appropriate.
Post-Doc Eligibility
In order to be eligible for the CFANS Mentor Program, you must submit a resume with your application, and attend the mandatory information session offered prior to the application submission deadline. The deadline for applications for 2023-2024 is October 2, 2023.
Please be sure that you have submitted and completed all parts of your application. A complete application will not only help us in making the best match possible, but will also assist in introducing you to your mentor and providing us with the proper contact information to stay in touch with you about your match. Your application will be sent directly to your mentor and will be the first impression your mentor has of you. We will not consider you for the program if you submit an incomplete application.
Making a Match
Matches are based on the available mentors in your chosen field as well as post-doc and mentor preferences as indicated in the applications. We make every attempt at matching the post-doc's field and interests with the mentor's area of expertise whenever possible. You will be notified of your match prior to the kick-off event.
Challenges
While CFANS has had excellent success with the mentor program, there is the chance that problems may occur. If you have difficulty reaching your mentor or encounter any problems in the program, immediately contact the mentor program committee at cfansaro@umn.edu.
