John M. Ruiz, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Psychology University of North Texas A MENTEE’S PERSPECTIVE

Asst. Professor Undergrad RA Grad Student Undergrad Participant

Early Career Demands Traditional Expectations for Tenure Teaching/ Graduate Students Research Productivity Limited Service Demonstration of impact Additional Attention/Time Demands Department and University representation Department committees Job searches University representation Minority students National service

A Mentoring Network LG MA LM JSGT BUJE TS RR

How Can A Mentor Help? Local-Level – Facilitate progress to tenure Review activities and maintain focus for tenure Facilitate resources, procedures, politics Advocate within department, institution Help to say “no”

Specific Example 1 – Local Challenge 1 Year 3 job searches 8 Department committees Multiple Thesis/Dissertation committees Multiple diversity guest lectures University representation “Token” Mentor Time management plan Active lobbying Who to say “Yes” and “no” to

How Can A Mentor Help? Broader-level – Achieving an “impact” Open “relevant” doors Nominate for professional positions Editorial assignments Icebreakers Support funding efforts Honest, constructive feedback Be a colleague Career guidance Review opportunities Advise on negotiations Handling adversity Study section participation can build CV and grant writing skills

Specific Example 2 – “The Asterisk” Graduate school acceptance* Internship* Postdoctoral Fellowship* Faculty appointment* Professional society positions* NIH funding* “Did I get this opportunity because I earned it or because of my race/ethnicity?”

Specific Example 2 – The Asterisk “Did I get this opportunity because I earned it or because of my race/ethnicity?” My reaction: “Work twice as hard” My Mentors’ reactions “Redefine by what you do with the opportunity”

A Bit of Advice For Mentees Build a network – local and national Be open to input Re-examine your path frequently with your mentor For Mentors Don’t worry about racial/ethnic match Local – run interference, facilitate matriculation Broader – open “relevant” doors Facilitate tangible outcomes/products – think CV building Be a psychologist from time to time

Thank you