Introduction
The ISBER Mentoring Program is designed to connect individuals seeking guidance with mentors in the biobanking community able to provide first-hand, practical experience. Engagement is offered at no cost to the participant and is intended to provide a limited, short-term opportunity to learn from recognized experts in a variety of topics related to biobanking and biorepository management.
As a mentee, you will be required to ask about a specific question to allow the best possible match with a mentor. After a mentoring relationship has completed (approx. 2 months) you will be required to fill out a feedback survey on your mentoring experience and your mentor. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7Q65W7X. After submission, you may enter the “Find a Mentor” portal and ask another question and be matched with a mentor on that specific question.
It is important to ask good questions to match to the right mentor. Questions should:
⦁ define the biobanking area such as: operations, sustainability quality management, informatics,, biobanking career development and training, etc.,.
⦁ when seeking mentoring in multiple, unrelated biobanking areas of expertise, submit separate requests.
⦁ ask a specific question (or questions), as clearly defined as possible (not a long narrative)
⦁ be within the scope of the mentoring program: it is not meant to be a long-term consulting service.
Upon registration, mentees can search for a mentor within the ISBER membership with the qualifications and experience they desire based on biobanking sector, area of expertise of the question being asked, institutional experience, and/or geographical location. Once a potential mentor is identified, a request is sent to that mentor who must agree, and then the connection can begin.
Personalized biobank mentoring is provided by one-on-one interactions with the selected mentor and could be one time or a series of discussions based on the mentor/mentee need to address the questions and provide information (ISBER tools, publications, other resources on the web, webinars, etc.).
Instructions
Welcome to our online mentoring program! If you're on this page, chances are you want to search for a Mentor -- that's a good idea. First, you must enroll as a Mentee.
Here are the steps to successfully complete your Mentee enrollment:
- Make selections for each of the demographics below to set your preferences. Please note that some fields are required for Mentee enrollment. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for Mentors to select their best Mentee match.
- Once you have completed your profile, be sure to click "Save" at the bottom.
In addition to enrolling as a Mentee, please complete your member profile (which is populated with some of your membership information) so that potential Mentors can learn more about you. Be sure to add a photo, include information in your bio and details of your job history.