Mentoring workshops
The Society has organised a number of successful well-attended (117) and well-received mentoring workshops over the last two years.
Workshops are available to all with mentoring responsibilities, or those who might like to try in the future, and are not restricted to geoscientists. The next workshop is scheduled for 5 February at Burlington House. With a growing number of training schemes, and concern about Chartership, engagement is increasing. Should Fellows show sufficient interest, a further workshop will be organised later in the year. Registration costs £200 (Fellows) and £250 (non-Fellows). The number of participants is restricted to 18. Please contact the Chartership Officer if you are interested.
Workshops give an appreciation of essential mentoring skills and a basic understanding of modern practice. This includes how to negotiate and manage a mentoring relationship and develop trust.
Effective mentoring appears simple, but is not easy. A mentor must have an open willingness and curiosity to learn about an important aspect of professional practice outside of Earth science. Participants need an altruistic desire to help younger (early career) professionals to develop their careers and to be curious about their own career path, character and motivations. The full-day workshops include:
- What makes an effective Mentor?
- What knowledge skills and attitudes should be encouraged in mentees?
- Useful behavioural skills – questioning, flexibility and giving feedback.
- The mentoring process – how to structure sessions and avoid pitfalls.
An extensive manual is provided.