Table 2 Strategic framework and potential outcomes of the Catalyse Mentorship Program, Australia 2019–2020
Objectives | Catalyse Mentorship Program activities | Outcomes and potential impact |
|---|---|---|
1.To provide a safe environment where professional knowledge, experience and advice is shared between and within mentees and Program facilitator | •Five workshops with Program facilitator – offered face to face or virtually for those in remote regions (Supplement Table S2) •Rules of engagement established and directed by the group (Workshop 1) •Clear articulation of expectations and boundaries for mentees and mentors •Network opportunities for mentees and mentors •One-on-one meet ups and progress tracking with Program facilitator and mentees at Workshop 4 •Structured (and protected) time for personal and professional evaluation and identification of strategic next steps •Cultivate mentee and mentor relationships though regular ‘check ins’ | •Peer-to-peer engagement and encouragement •Collaborations between mentees and institutions •Early establishment of peer-to-peer and mentor-mentee trust •An inclusive and supportive culture •Intentional and strategic career decisions •Wider and greater self-awareness |
2. To cultivate a strategic approach to career planning and to foster innovation | •Emotional Quotient and Social Skills Training (Workshop 2) •Identifying roadblocks and challenges (Workshop 2) •SMART goals, action plans and resource acquisition (Workshop 3) •Intentional continuous personal development cycle (Workshop 5) •The art of asking – others for what you need for your professional develop (i.e. networking, funding or other types of support). •At the final workshop (Workshop 5), mentees would reflect on, and review bios and mission statements drafted in the first workshop and modify these if needed | •A more motivated and inspired workforce •Increased confidence •Professional and personal (i.e. self-care) intentionality •Potential for career advancement |
3. To expose mentees to alternative career pathways and opportunities to consider advancing their work | •Successful matching of mentees with an academic mentor and a corporate mentor •Each mentee could apply to be matched with a ‘dream mentor’, connections were made where possible •How to have effective conversations (Workshop 2) •Mentor training and resourcing including mentor pack provided by Program facilitator •Each mentee was awarded a bursary to use of professional development opportunities | •Development of management and leadership skills set •Expansion of professional networks •Broadened career options •Exposure to potential funders and influential supporters |
4. To improve visibility of the mentee and their research | •Developing a personal mission statement (Workshop 1 and review Workshop 5) and narrative about your professional self •Professional photography of mentee and LinkedIn profile created | •Potential for career advancement |