Peer Mentoring Program

Being a postdoc is an exciting, yet challenging experience. Launched in 2022, the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs’ (OPA) Peer Mentoring Program (PMP) aims to provide an informal means where newer postdocs can benefit from the insights and perspectives of others who are further along in the process. The PMP seeks to acclimate new CU Boulder scholars, and develop mentoring and leadership skills in more senior postdocs. Peer mentorship – postdocs mentoring other postdocs – can improve health and wellbeing; enhance career outcomes; and cultivate community and connectedness.

PMP is volunteer-based and pairs new or newer postdocs with more senior postdocs to foster support and leadership, respectively. Mentees benefit from networking and receiving one-on-one support and guidance about the postdoc and campus culture at CU Boulder, while serving as a mentor shows a commitment to leadership, builds confidence and strengthens communication skills – all of which are beneficial when seeking jobs.

Mentees and mentors may be paired at any time during the year. If you are interested in participating, complete the appropriate application linked below. OPA will make the initial mentee/mentor connection.Ìý

Requirements

Mentees

  • Must be in a postdoc position at CU Boulder for less than one year
  • Commit to PMP for at least one year
  • Connect (in-person or virtually) at least once every month with mentor
  • Agree to serve as a mentor to a mentee after one year of being at CU Boulder
  • Determine communication method (e.g., in-person meeting, Zoom) and frequency during the first meeting
  • Commit to ensuring conversations are confidential and not shared with others, unless intervention is needed outside of the mentor-mentee relationship (e.g., a mentor is unsure how to help with a particular matter and needs to consult with OPA)

Mentors

  • Must have been in a postdoc position at CU Boulder for at least one year
  • Commit to PMP for at least one year
  • Connect (in-person or virtually) at least once every month with mentee
  • Determine method of interaction and frequency during the first meeting
  • Review training materials in advance of meeting with mentee and reference as needed
  • Commit to understanding mentors may not have all the answers, and if anything is in doubt to contact OPA at opa@colorado.edu
  • Must have the ability to develop and promote intercultural understanding and engagement
  • Commit to ensuring conversations are confidential and not shared with others, unless intervention is needed outside of the mentor-mentee relationship (e.g., a mentor is unsure how to help with a particular matter and needs to consult with OPA)

Potential Activities