Best Practices

Mentors play a critical role in the career development and growth of postdoctoral scholars. As such, please note the following recommendations to:

  • Be available and regularly meet with your postdoc on a one-on-one basis;
  • Work with your postdoc to develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) – a tool to help track your postdoc’s progress and goals (see resources here). 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó goals should align with the postdoc’s career path, with the potential for publications and other opportunities for development;
  • Provide support and guidance in your postdoc’s work, while allowing a degree of autonomy;
  • Encourage your postdoc to:
    • Attend orientations, trainings, and workshops offered by OPA, Career Services and the Graduate School (see events here);
    • Present at conferences and/or symposia, and to take advantage of the free memberships through CU 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó;
    • Explore a variety of career options and make connections, particularly in industry, government, and other non-academic sectors, given the majority of postdocs are not hired into a tenure track position;
    • Strive for a healthy work/life balance and prioritize personal enjoyment and activities by engaging with organizations such as the Postdoctoral Association of Colorado (PAC) 91ÃÛÌÒ¸ó; and
  • Remember your postdoc is a trainee with a doctorate and should be respected as such.