At the Endocrine Society of Australia (ESA), we are proud to bring together a vibrant community of over 1000 members, spanning both pioneering clinicians and innovative basic science researchers. Central to our mission is the commitment to nurture and shape the next generation of endocrinologists and health professionals.
Our ESA Mentorship Program (ESAMP) is a cornerstone of this mission, offering a dynamic and supportive framework for professional growth. By connecting emerging talents with experienced mentors, we create opportunities for meaningful development, career advancement, and innovative collaboration.
ESA Mentorship Program Goals
ESAMP is an initiative of the 2024 ESA Early Career Committee (ECC), designed to support and guide emerging professionals in the field of endocrinology. We are excited to invite both experienced professionals and emerging talents to participate in our Mentorship Program. Mentors will have their profiles featured on the ESA website in a members-only section, showcasing their expertise and areas of interest. Mentees are encouraged to review these profiles and reach out to potential mentors to explore and establish mentorship relationships that align with their career goals.
The ESA’s role is to provide a dynamic platform for connecting mentors and mentees, but the responsibility for initiating and managing these relationships rests with the participants. Self-matching allows for a more tailored and beneficial mentorship experience, as it enables both parties to find the best fit based on their specific needs and goals.
Advice provided and discussions held between the mentor and mentee must be kept confidential and not disclosed to any third party, unless mutually agreed by the mentor and mentee. Any advice, comments, suggestions, opinions or information (in either individual or combined occurrence) imparted (verbally, in written or electronic correspondence, or by a combination of these) are given with the best intentions and according to the best knowledge of the mentor involved. Whilst every care is taken to deliver accurate and complete advice, comments, suggestions, opinions or information (in either individual or combined occurrence), no liability whatsoever attaches to the mentor nor to ESA in any way as a result of giving that advice.
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Benefits for Mentors |
Benefits for Mentees |
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◊ Professional fulfillment ◊ Expand professional network ◊ Knowledge exchange ◊ Leadership development ◊ Recognition and visibility ◊ Personal growth ◊ Impact in the field |
◊ Career development ◊ Expert advice ◊ Skill enhancement ◊ Networking opportunities ◊ Personal growth ◊ Increased confidence ◊ Access to resources |
We are delighted to invite experienced clinicians and researchers to contribute to the professional development of emerging endocrinologists or researchers now.
As a mentor, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the field by providing valuable guidance and support.
Eligibility to be a Mentor
To qualify as a mentor within the ESA Mentorship Program, individuals must meet the following criteria:
These eligibility requirements are designed to ensure that all mentors bring a high level of expertise and professional experience to the mentorship program, ultimately benefiting the development of emerging professionals in endocrinology.
Benefits for Mentors
To ensure that you are prepared for this rewarding experience, please review the following self-checklist to assess your readiness to mentor:
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Are you ready to be a mentor checklist:
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For comprehensive guidelines and to understand your responsibilities, please refer to the Mentor Handbook. Once you are ready to proceed, complete the Mentor Expression of Interest Form to formalize your participation. This will enable the uploading of your profile and contact information to the mentorship program, allowing potential mentees to send Expressions of Interest (EOIs). Mentor profiles will be available in members-only section of the the ESA website, accessible exclusively to ESA members. The mentor retains the final decision on whether to schedule an initial meeting to assess compatibility.
Thank you for contributing to the growth and development of future endocrinologists.
We are excited to support your professional growth by connecting you with experienced mentors who can provide invaluable guidance and support in your career. Mentee recruitment is anticipated to start in 2025. Stay updated for more information!
As a mentee, you have the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals in endocrinology.
Eligibility to be a Mentee
To participate in the ESA Mentorship Program as a mentee, individuals must meet the following criteria:
These eligibility criteria are set to ensure that mentees are suitably prepared to engage in a meaningful and productive mentoring relationship, aligning with their stage of professional and academic development.
Benefits for Mentees
To ensure that you are prepared for this rewarding experience, please review the following self-checklist to assess your readiness for mentorship:
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Are you ready to be a mentee checklist:
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Mentees can explore potential Mentor Profiles here; if you find a mentor who aligns with your interests, please complete this Mentee Expression of Interest Form and email the potential mentor directly to initiate the mentorship discussion. While including a brief CV is optional, it is strongly encouraged to provide additional context about your background and goals. When submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) to a mentor, please be aware that the mentor retains the final decision on whether to schedule an initial meeting to assess compatibility. An EOI does not guarantee a successful match, and not all interested mentees may be paired with a mentor.
The initial meeting between mentor and mentee is essential for assessing compatibility and ensuring a productive relationship. Misaligned pairings can lead to unproductive interactions, lack of progress, and dissatisfaction, making it crucial to evaluate the fit carefully. During this meeting, consider the following:
If these criteria are met, you can proceed to establish the mentorship relationship with confidence.
Once both parties agree to proceed, mentees must complete and submit the ESA Mentorship Program Agreement Form to formalise the participation. This agreement sets the framework for the mentorship, which is initially established for a 12-month period. However, both mentors and mentees have the flexibility to terminate or extend the relationship as needed.
Once the agreement is in place, it is the responsibility of both mentors and mentees to schedule and manage their meetings according to the agreed frequency and time. This ensures that the mentorship remains structured and productive throughout its duration.
To ensure productive and impactful mentoring meetings, consider the following guidelines:
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that mentoring meetings are productive, supportive, and aligned with your professional development goals.
Here are some mentor meeting/mentoring action plan templates to help structure your development plan as a mentee. These templates are designed to guide you in setting clear goals, planning actions, and tracking progress to maximize the benefits of your mentorship experience. We strongly encourage mentees to keep a record of your mentor meeting minutes. These will not be monitored by the Endocrine Society of Australia and are personal to the mentee and/or mentor.
Mentoring action plan template 1
Mentoring action plan template 2
At the conclusion of the 12-month period, or sooner for any other reason, either party may choose to end the mentorship relationship. Both parties must complete the End of Mentorship Program Evaluation Form. This will help provide feedback on the experience to support ongoing of the program. The relationship can be extended beyond 12 months at the discretion of both parties. The mentee will need to complete a new Mentor Agreement Form to formalize the extension.
End of Mentorship Program Evaluation Form – Mentor
End of Mentorship Program Evaluation Form – Mentee
How do I become a mentor?
To become a mentor, you need to complete the relevant Mentor Agreement Form available on our website. Mentors can express their interest in participating, while mentees can browse mentor profiles and submit their expressions of interest (EOI) to potential mentors.
How does the initial meeting work?
After reviewing a potential mentee’s expressions of interest (EOI), you can decide if you would like to have an initial meeting. The initial meeting is an opportunity for both the mentor and mentee to assess compatibility and discuss expectations. This meeting is crucial to determine if both parties agree to proceed with the mentoring relationship.
What is the duration of the mentoring relationship?
The mentoring relationship is initially set for a 12-month period. However, both parties can choose to terminate the relationship at any time or extend it if mutually agreed upon.
How often should meetings occur?
Mentors and mentees are responsible for agreeing on the frequency and timing of their meetings. The mentee typically takes the lead in organizing and scheduling these meetings.
Can I have more than one mentee?
Yes, mentors can have more than one mentee. However, it is important that mentors ensure they can provide adequate time and attention to each mentee to maintain the quality of the mentoring relationship. If a mentor chooses to take on multiple mentees, they should manage their commitments effectively to support each mentee's development and goals.
What if I no longer wish to accept more mentees or decide to discontinue my role as a mentor in the mentorship program?
If you no longer wish to accept additional mentees or wish to discontinue your role as a mentor in the ESA program, please notify the ESA mentorship program coordinators as soon as possible. We will either mark your profile as "unavailable" or remove it from the program, depending on your preference.
How do I handle challenges in the mentoring relationship?
Challenges should be addressed openly and constructively. If issues arise, both parties should communicate their concerns and work together to find solutions. Remember, mentoring is a collaborative process.
If either the mentor or mentee feels that the relationship is not working, they should communicate openly and consider ending the relationship.
What should I do if I need to end the mentorship relationship early?
If you need to end the relationship before the 12-month period, inform your mentor/mentee as soon as possible. Complete the End of Mentorship Program Evaluation Form to provide feedback on the experience.
Will negative feedback impact my standing in the ESA or the Mentorship Program?
Negative feedback does not affect your standing in the ESA or the Mentorship Program. The purpose of feedback is to identify areas for improvement and to enhance the Mentorship Program.
Can I apply to be a mentor and also seek mentorship from others?
Yes, you can apply to be a mentor while also seeking mentorship from others. This dual role can enhance your professional development and contribute your effectiveness as a mentor. Just be sure to manage your time and commitments effectively to ensure both roles are fulfilling.
Who should I contact if I have further questions?
For additional questions or support, please contact the ESA mentorship program coordinators via: esamentorship@endocrinesociety.org.au.
How do I find a mentor?
To find a mentor, you can browse the profiles of available mentors listed on the ESA website. If you find someone who aligns with your interests, complete the Mentee Expression of Interest Form and contact the potential mentor directly. Including a brief CV is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory.
How do I prepare for the initial meeting with my mentor?
Prepare by outlining your goals, interests, and expectations for the mentorship relationship. Review potential questions to ask the mentor to assess compatibility and fit, and be ready to discuss your career aspirations and any specific challenges you are facing.
What is the duration of the mentoring relationship?
The mentoring relationship is initially set for a 12-month period. However, both parties can choose to terminate the relationship at any time or extend it if mutually agreed upon.
How often should meetings occur?
Mentors and mentees are responsible for agreeing on the frequency and timing of their meetings. The mentee typically takes the lead in organizing and scheduling these meetings.
Is it mandatory to send my Mentoring Action Plan to the ESA?
No, the Mentoring Action Plan is for your personal record. You may choose to share it with your mentor to facilitate discussions, but you do not need to submit it to the ESA Mentorship Program coordinators.
Can I have more than one mentor from the program?
Yes, it is possible to have more than one mentor from the ESA Mentorship Program. Having multiple mentors can offer you diverse perspectives and expertise in different areas of your professional development. However, it is important to ensure that you can manage the time and commitment required for each mentorship relationship effectively.
How do I handle challenges in the mentoring relationship?
Challenges should be addressed openly and constructively. If issues arise, both parties should communicate their concerns and work together to find solutions. Remember, mentoring is a collaborative process.
If either the mentor or mentee feels that the relationship is not working, they should communicate openly and consider ending the relationship.
What should I do if I need to end the mentorship relationship early?
If you need to end the relationship before the 12-month period, inform your mentor as soon as possible. Complete the End of Mentorship Program Evaluation Form to provide feedback on the experience.
Will negative feedback impact my standing in the ESA or the Mentorship Program?
Negative feedback does not affect your standing in the ESA or the Mentorship Program. The purpose of feedback is to identify areas for improvement and to enhance the Mentorship Program.
Can I apply to be a mentee and also mentor others?
Yes, you can apply to be a mentee while also mentoring others. Many individuals find that engaging in both roles enhances their professional development. Balancing these responsibilities can be rewarding, but it is important to manage your time effectively to ensure that both experiences are fulfilling.
Who should I contact if I have further questions?
For additional questions or support, please contact the ESA mentorship program coordinators via: esamentorship@endocrinesociety.org.au
Mentor
Mentee
For more information, please email esamentorship@endocrinesociety.org.au
Endocrine Society of Australia
145 Macquarie Street
Sydney. NSW. 2000
Email: ijohnson@endocrinesociety.org.au
The Endocrine Society of Australia acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
