Faculty Mentoring

Receiving advice, obtaining constructive feedback, and learning from experienced individuals is a vital aspect to faculty career success. In the College of Engineering, our goal is to provide new and experienced faculty with positive mentoring opportunities—as we see mentoring integrally related to faculty success, development, and well-being.

Ample research has documented the positive effects of having a mentor, including confidence, scholarly productivity, success obtaining grants, career satisfaction, and enhanced socialization (Bilimoria et al., 2006; Cawyer, Simonds, & Davis, 2002; Palepu et al., 1998; Zellers, Howard, & Barcic, 2008). In fact, nearly all faculty members in one study (98%) identified lack of mentoring as the first or second most important factor hindering career progress (Jackson et al., 2003).

College of Engineering Faculty Mentoring Guidelines: To assist new faculty in developing mentoring relationships, members of the college set forth guidelines and recommendations.

Mentoring Opportunities at Purdue

Coaching and Resource Network (CRN): The main goal of the CRN is to ‘coach, sponsor and mentor’ assistant and associate professors. The CRN is open to faculty at the West Lafayette campus and the two branch campuses at Fort Wayne and Northwest. Participants are expected to select coaches from outside their department and if possible, college as well.

Faculty Advancement, Success and Tenure (FAST): The ADVANCE-Purdue and the Center for Faculty Success offers monthly seminars for first- and second-year assistant professors that cover a range of topics (e.g., promotion and tenure, grant writing, mentoring graduate students).

Additional Readings and Resources

Giving and Getting Career Advice: A Guide for Junior and Senior Faculty: For a comprehensive guide on career advising as well as tips for junior faculty, senior faculty, and chairs, see this resource developed by faculty at the University of Michigan.