Mutual mentoring: Effect on faculty career achievements and experiences

Abstract

Introduction: In an ever-changing academic environment, the traditional model of one senior mentor is no longer sufficient to provide faculty with the interdisciplinary perspective needed for success. We adapted, implemented and examined an interschool/interprofessional Mutual Mentoring Program.

Methods: Participants were expected to expand their mentoring networks, formulate career goals and achievement plans, and, achieve concrete career goal(s). Participants were offered a 1-year mentoring network grant. To examine short-term outcomes, we collected participants’ lists of contacts and accomplished goals, and asked for immediate feedback on the program. To examine intermediate outcomes, we conducted 30-min interviews with participants after 1 year of participation. We used quantitative and qualitative approaches to analyze the data from four program cohorts.

Results: Thirty-seven faculty participated throughout the four academic years. Participants reported 260 contacts made, and achieved goals related to academic products and outcomes. Eleven participants were interviewed and highlighted professional achievements, the power of the established networks, gained career resources, and the accomplishment of significant personal changes.

Conclusions: This approach provides the type of multiple mentoring support that is necessary for today’s academic climate for faculty to obtain their career goals, to demonstrate the institutional commitment to faculty success and to provide avenues for interdisciplinary connections.

Keywords:

• Multiple mentoring
• faculty development career networking academic career

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Tufts participating faculty members for joining the program and contributing to its evaluation, and the Tufts Provost Office for the program’s financial support. We also wish to acknowledge Amanda Oriel and Roberta Sullivan who were invaluable in managing the logistical aspects of the program.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Glossary

Multiple Mentoring: In multiple mentoring, a mentoring network is composed of a set of multiple mentors who can assist an academic both personally and professionally throughout their careers and in a variety of career competencies. This network evolves and might be adjusted and added to throughout an academic’s career trajectory. In a multiple mentoring network, the protégé might pursue a mentoring relationship with a senior academic in their field, a peer in a similar position and/or an administrator in a role that they hope to one day perform.

de Janasz SC, Sullivan SE. 2004. Multiple mentoring in academe: Developing the professional network. J Voc Beh. 64:263–283.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maria A. Blanco

Maria A. Blanco, EdD, is Associate Dean for Faculty Development and Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.

Donna M. Qualters

Donna M. Qualters, PhD, is Associate Professor at the Department of Community Medicine and Public Health at Tufts University School of Medicine and Adjunct Associate Professor of Education at Tufts University.