The Purpose of the NZSA Mentoring Programme is to:
- Develop the next generation of statisticians
- Build community & broaden networks within the NZSA
- Support statisticians working on their own / in small teams
Mentoring offers a variety of benefits to both the mentor and mentee.
Benefits for mentors include:
- Connect with skills & perspectives of early career statisticians
- Develop / enhance communication & leadership skills
- Pass on skills & knowledge
- Promote opportunities in the statistical profession
- Opportunity to be a role model
Benefits for mentees include:
- Gain insights from someone with experience
- Gain new perspectives
- Encouragement & motivation
- Boost self confidence
- Identify new opportunities
- Expand your network
The NZSA Mentoring Programme was launched in March 2022. The programme involved 14 mentoring pairs and ran from May to October. The majority of participants in the programme felt that the person they were paired with was a good match, enjoyed participating in the programme and would recommend it to others in the NZSA.
For mentors, the most common benefit from the program was confidence in their ability to add value as a mentor. For mentees, the most common benefits were career advice and developing their professional networks.
The report from the first cohort is available here.
Testimonials
“I didn’t really know what my strengths would be in mentoring as it was my first time being a mentor formally. The program built my confidence in mentoring.” – Mentor Cohort 1
“Found it to be extremely rewarding. Very interesting chats with my mentee – and despite the different stages in our careers / lives, there was a lot of overlap in the challenges, opportunities, etc we face.” – Mentor Cohort 1
“I would have really appreciated such a programme when I was a young statistician.” – Mentor Cohort 1
“My mentor also gave me advice throughout the interview process for a job I applied for during the program. I got the job!” – Mentee Cohort 1
“The mentoring programme is an excellent opportunity for me to build connections with and learn from more experienced statisticians.” – Mentee Cohort 1
“I am the only statistician at my workplace, so having another statistician to talk to was reassuring and helpful.” – Mentee Cohort 1
Cohort 2 2023
The Mentoring Program is continuing with Cohort 2 being offered in 2023. Cohort 2 was launched via a webinar in March. Mentoring groups have now been assigned are there are 14 groups this cohort, consisting of 13 mentors and 22 mentees. As well as the option of mentoring pairs, this cohort involves mentors grouped with up to 3 mentees and a peer mentoring group.
The Mentoring Program will also be facilitating a selection of lunch ‘n’ learn sessions throughout the year. Keep an eye on your inbox for details.
The programme has a Code of Conduct which all programme participants are expected to abide by. We have three code of conduct representatives to ensure that the programme can be a safe environment for everyone. If you have any concerns throughout the programme, or there is anything you’d like to discuss, feel free to contact one of the following representatives:
If you have any questions, or to express interest in being involved in a future cohort of the mentoring programme, please email Lisa Thomasen.