Graduate school is a pivotal time in a researcher’s career, and mentoring is among the most significant forces that shape a graduate student's experience and her future career trajectory. The HGWISE Graduate Mentoring Program connects graduate students in science, math, and engineering who are seeking mentorship with faculty and GSAS alumni working outside of academia. The mentorship especially targets issues of gender inequality, power dynamics, and work-life balance within academia and the workforce. Individuals can be matched in a group or one-on-one mentoring relationship. Mentoring group are encouraged to meet at least once a month to discuss topics of interest to women in science and engineering such as writing successful grant applications, achieving a work/life balance, and creating a career plan.

In 2008, in conjunction with the Harvard University Office of Faculty Development and Diversity and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the HGWISE Mentoring Program was initiated to address one of the most important needs for female graduate students: a diversity of good mentors and role models. This program has continually evolved to meet the needs of our current students. Graduate school is a pivotal time in a researcher’s career, and mentoring is one of the most significant forces that shapes a graduate student's experience and her future career trajectory.

Quotes from past participants -

"I love the mentoring program! I've been hooked up with a fantastic woman who I've met with regularly, and it definitely helps me feel like I'm part of the community."

"[My mentor’s] office has been my safe space on campus.  A place that I feel safe to be vulnerable, express my ideas, doubts, worries, hopes and dreams.  I don't feel the pressure to have it all figured out, because she has taught me that its completely alright to figure things out as you go along.  That is what being a scholar and researcher is all about!"

"The conversations in our mentoring group gave us a glimpse into what it is like to be a professional in academia. I liked that the mentees were at different stages in their PhD programs."

"[My mentor] has gone above and beyond everything I hoped for in a mentor when I joined this program. After my year with her, I feel much better informed about the career paths available to me following graduation, and I am more confident in my ability to reach these positions."

We are always looking for new mentors!

We would love to have more alumni mentors working in STEM fields in the Boston Area as well as faculty mentors!

If you are a faculty member or PhD working in industry living in the Boston area AND are interested in mentoring female graduate students, please join us by contacting us at hgwisementors@gmail.com!