From the Dean

Mentoring in graduate school has a parallel that may not be commonly made—a starting lineup for a sports team. As a graduate student, you are a developing finding the "team members" and professionals who will support you in various ways. Graduate education is not a solo sport. Your success and well-being are at the forefront of our mission, and I want to share a piece of advice that is critical to both: to succeed at the highest level, you need a strong team in your corner.

It is vital to cultivate a robust intellectual and professional support network that includes sponsors, champions, and mentors. In sports terms, understanding the difference between these three roles can help you build the right roster for your career:

A mentor is your coach. Just like a coach helps you refine your technique and keeps your head in the game, mentors offer guidance to help students advance their careers, as well as social, emotional, and personal support. They help you navigate the day-to-day challenges and opportunities of graduate school.

A sponsor is your general manager. A general manager opens doors by advocating for players at an administrative level, both in public and private spaces. They may put your name forward for jobs, fellowships, and awards when you aren't in the room to speak for yourself.

A champion is your broadcaster. As your personal megaphone, champions take a special liking to your work. They act as marketer for you or play-by-play announcer, making sure everyone sees your "highlight reel" and fiercely advocating for your specific research pursuits or community outreach.

You may be wondering how to recruit this team. Another important piece of advice I’d like to share is this: You cannot force team chemistry. Approaching someone out of the blue and asking if they’ll be your mentor is like asking to be a team captain during your first practice. It may work, but rarely.

Instead, try to let connections develop naturally. Start by engaging in informal conversations. Share your research interests and take a genuine interest in the work of others. As you establish trust and a reputation as a collaborative scholar, relationships will naturally evolve.. Over time, a mentor might naturally evolve into a sponsor, or a colleague might become a collaborator, or someone who will champion you or your research.

My ask of you: For the rest of the semester, keep putting in the hard work, but remember to share your highlights with others. Building your championship team can start with a single conversation.