Study finds early-career scientists use different mentors for research, jobs and support
A survey of nearly 900 early-career scientists found that research, career and peer mentors were associated with different professional and personal benefits.
Researchers analyzing responses from nearly 900 applicants for U.S. National Institutes of Health career-development awards found that participants typically relied on several kinds of mentors. Research mentors were linked most strongly to publications, grants and skills, while connectors and sponsors were more often linked to finding jobs.
The study is a preprint and has not been peer reviewed. Most respondents had won the awards, preventing a comparison with unsuccessful applicants and limiting conclusions about whether larger mentoring networks cause better outcomes.