How do you find a suitable STEM mentor or coach?

Sometimes mentors come along by chance, an example of this may be a teacher who offered you a STEM related project to work on. In school these often are offered by D&T departments in the form of competitions such as F1 in schools, Greenpower, Lego league, Vex etc. This introduction to a particular project may lead you towards a particular field and mentor.

Finding a quality mentor is basically a function of how much effort you're willing to put in. People with knowledge/experience/expertise in a particular area are not generally walking around looking for people to mentor. They are often willing to mentor interested/bright/capable individuals when they put the effort in to reach out. It also starts earlier than most people realize. Often, folks in STEM fields/careers seek mentoring once they're in the workplace. IMO, that's too late. One should begin looking for mentors as soon as they are aware of an interest in STEM. Teachers, neighbors, older kids, friends' parents...anyone can provide mentorship and would likely be willing if you simply reach out to them.

It's essential to find a mentor whose values and leadership style resonate with yours. Consider what qualities and standards are important to you.

It's important to recognize that limited exposure to STEM career and entrepreneurial possibilities, can hinder one's overall understanding, thereby limiting personal aspirations. This lack of clarity about one's direction can make finding an appropriate mentor more challenging. A well-chosen mentor not only guides in current pursuits but can also broaden one's perspective on potential pathways in STEM fields, aiding in the refinement of goals and aspirations. Therefore, seeking a mentor who offers expertise in one's current area of interest, as well as insights into a wider range of STEM disciplines and opportunities, is advisable. This approach ensures a more enriching mentorship experience, fostering personal and professional growth.

There are several coaches and mentors around for different goals as a person working in STEM. So where to start? Tap into your network— talk e.g. to your (ex-) colleagues, university alumni, or also people development unit of your company. Also online platforms and network events are a great chance to explore several options for potential mentors and coaches. Choose your network events based on your goals: When you are e.g. searching for a leadership coach, have a look on events with focus on leadership. There you will find others interested, who might give you a recommendation for this topic, as well as potential mentors or coaches.

Many professional societies offer mentorship programs or networking opportunities. Engaging with these organizations by reading their journals, attending their conferences, and participating in their webinars can help you identify potential mentors who are active and respected in your discipline.

Look for potential mentors within your academic institution, professional networks, or online platforms like LinkedIn. Participate in STEM-related events, conferences, and workshops to meet experienced professionals. Utilize mentoring programs offered by professional organizations or industry groups.

Industry Associations: Many STEM fields have professional associations (e.g., IEEE for electrical engineers, ACS for chemists). These organizations often have mentorship programs, networking events, and resources for members. Special Interest Groups (SIGs): Within larger associations, SIGs focus on specific areas of interest. Joining a SIG can connect you with experts in niche areas. Conferences: Attending industry conferences allows you to meet and interact with leaders in your field. Look for sessions and workshops led by potential mentors and take the opportunity to introduce yourself and discuss your interests. Workshops and Seminars: These smaller, more focused events provide a more intimate setting for learning and networking.

If you’re new to a field, start by diving into research and learning, preferably working on a project of your own. Then, connect with experts in the space—demonstrating curiosity and effort is key, as opportunities rarely come to those without prior initiative or experience.

Look for mentors or coaches who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest trends and advancements in their field.

Its absolutely crucial to have a great match with your coach or mentor. You should feel confident to share your challenges in an honest way in the safe space with your coach to ensure a sustainable and effective process. Allow yourself to take your time to evaluate which coach is fitting best. Ask yourself e.g.: Does this coach have experience and achievements that are fitting to my goals? For me personally, a discovery call in the beginning is absolutely obligatory. Both as a coach and as a coachee. In my experience, you get pretty fast a first impression regarding the style of communication, compatibility and vibe with your coach/coachee. Remember: A good coach will always ask you about your expectations, your challenges and your goals.

The client - coach relationship has to be a great match for the collaborative process to be effective. Many STEM women I coach cannot find a safe space in their own networks to create a mentor relationship. Sometimes going outside their personal or work community allows them to receive candid, objective feedback that would not be possible otherwise. As a coach, I hold a safe space for all clients which allows them to talk through their situation in a meaningful way.

Assess potential mentors based on their expertise, experience, and willingness to mentor. Look for a track record of successful mentorship and compatibility in communication style and values. Seek recommendations from colleagues or peers who have had positive experiences with them.

The goal of your coaching is to support YOU. So it is crucial that YOU are having a good feeling with your coach and your journey. Be honest with your coach, give feedback what is supporting you and when you don't feel great with anything. It has to be individual to support you the best way to reach your goals. I personally love to support my clients additionally to the coaching sessions also in between the sessions via whatsapp to ensure impulses at "the right time". This might be when they have e.g. self-doubts or an important meeting to prepare. For some it's e.g. great to get regular motivational impulses or having additional exercises to work on at home - others love to work on these topics just within the sessions. It's YOUR journey.

Reach out to potential mentors with a clear, concise introduction and explanation of your goals and why you think they would be a good fit. Set up an initial meeting to discuss expectations, communication frequency, and goals. Establish mutual agreement on the structure of the mentoring relationship.

Establishing a relationship with a suitable STEM mentor or coach is a critical step in gaining valuable guidance and support for your professional and personal development. Discuss Your Goals: Clearly articulate your short-term and long-term goals. Explain what you hope to achieve through the mentorship. Understand Their Expectations: Ask about their availability, preferred mode of communication, and what they expect from you as a mentee. It’s important to establish a mutual understanding of commitment and boundaries. Be Respectful and Professional: Always be punctual, prepared, and respectful of their time and insights. Demonstrating professionalism builds trust and respect.

A good mentor will give you constructive feedback. As a mentee, it's important to be open to hearing this feedback without becoming defensive.

Don’t look for a STEM mentor. Find a STEAM mentor instead. The arts increase creativity in all other endeavors. Exposure to them aids in brain development needed for everything else.

Be proactive in your mentoring relationship by regularly seeking advice, asking questions, and sharing progress. Take advantage of your mentor’s knowledge and experience to tackle challenges and explore new opportunities. Act on feedback and be open to constructive criticism.

Finding STEM mentor is so crucial specially when it's your first time to have your own STEM project, you can start by seeking help from an engineer in any field; engineers almost know how to follow the EDP (Engineering Design Process) and it will be a great advantage if this engineer has also educational background - for example he / she has worked as an educator in any field before Additionally, you can use EDP guides which will help you and the mentor to know the exact details of each step

If you are looking for a mentor, I would first consider who in your sector inspires you and is your role model, what leadership or presentation/communication style they have that is aligned to your life values and your desired leadership style. It can be someone from the past, say a famous scientists or CEO of a company you wish you worked for. Typically, such role model would not be "accessible" to you personally, BUT think who in your existing network at work or on LinkedIn is the closest match and take that first step to reach out. People are kinder and more helpful that you may think!

To find a suitable STEM mentor or coach for yourself... Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn, ResearchGate, and STEM-focused mentoring programs (such as MentorNet).

Consider having multiple mentors for different areas of expertise. Maintain a professional and respectful relationship, valuing your mentor’s time and contributions. Be prepared to reassess and adapt the mentoring relationship as your needs and goals evolve. Networking and staying engaged in the STEM community can lead to ongoing mentorship opportunities.

Establishing a relationship with a STEM mentor or coach involves clear communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to learn and grow. By being proactive, showing appreciation, and maintaining regular communication, you can build a strong, beneficial mentorship that supports your career and personal development in the STEM field. Exploring your options to find a suitable STEM mentor or coach involves leveraging various resources and networks. By actively participating in professional communities, attending events, utilizing online platforms, and seeking recommendations, you can identify potential mentors who align with your goals and needs. Building a relationship with a mentor takes time and effort!