ARCS Mentorship Scheme
The scheme was initiated in 2021 to encourage networking opportunities and interconnectivity during challenging times and has evolved to help provide opportunities for more experienced reproductive scientists to develop those who need some professional support. Mentees are paired with a Mentor who has the relevant experience to support and give professional advice for career progression and mobility. This is free to all ARCS members.
About the scheme
Career development is not always easy. Sometimes you just need a guiding light to show you the way, or just a little encouragement to help you realise you are on the right path. The ARCS Mentorship scheme is free to all ARCS members and aims to partner experienced reproductive scientists with those looking for both pastoral and professional support. Time spent on the mentorship scheme is recognised by the ARCS CPD Committee.
Who can become a Mentor?
An ARCS Mentor can be at any stage in their career. They must be passionate about helping others and an excellent listener. Mentoring is an opportunity to share your experience and improve your leadership and communication skills.
Ideally a mentor will be able to signpost mentees to sources of information and opportunities for learning and professional development. They would be someone who enjoys supporting junior staff in their current role, willing to share experience and knowledge, non-judgemental, comfortable at giving constructive feedback, as well as able to support and challenge their mentee.
Once you join ARCS, you can apply to be a Mentor and receive all the training needed to get started.
Interested in finding a Mentor?
An effective mentee would be someone who can take responsibility for their professional progression, being driven, determined and open to feedback and taking initiative in organising meetings with their Mentor.
Mentorship meetings are usually online, and there should be at least 3 meetings a year over the course of 2 years. You might only need one or two meetings with a mentor, or want to work on a longer term goal – you can decide! This is your opportunity to benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience we have within our community of Reproductive Scientists.
As an ARCS member, you can apply to be a mentee, and we will match you with a mentor tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you are a member you will find an application form on your members dashboard. Once ARCS receives the completed form, you will be added to the Mentorship database and matched to the most suitable Mentor/ Mentee. Mentors and Mentees will be introduced to each other via e-mail, it is then up to both parties to set up their 1:1 meetings.
As part of the mentorship contract, mentors should commit to attending at least one mentor support event organised by the mentoring scheme coordinator per year – you will be alerted by email when an event is coming up.
There will be no set structure to the meetings, to allow for flexibility. Meetings can be organised at the discretion of the Mentor and Mentee, but it is recommended that at least 3 x 60-minute digital sessions are undertaken per year as a minimum expectation, and usually the partnership ends after 2 years or sooner. It is up to the Mentors and their Mentees to agree on their agenda for each meeting. Mentors are there to guide and support the mentees but are not expected to have all the answers, rather to ask questions of the Mentee to promote reflection, and signpost to any relevant courses or information.
Either Mentor or Mentee can end the partnership at any point by contacting the ARCS secretariat. As best practice, Mentors and Mentees should agree to be open with each other and be clear about their expectations from the start. Should the expectations not be met, a new partnership can be sought from the ARCS secretariat without prejudice.
Mentorship Stories
