SC12 Mentor/Protégé Program
Mentor Protégé
The Mentor Protégé program is sponsored by the Broader Engagement Committee to support newcomers to the conference and HPC and enable them to fully benefit from the conference and its more experienced participants. Conference attendees are invited to become mentors for participants in the Communities programs: HPC Educators, Student Volunteers, Broader Engagement and the Student Cluster Challenge. Select yes in your conference registration or send an email to Mentor-protégé@ info.supecomputing.org. Mentors are also invited to sign up directly via the Mentor Matching Form at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dG52azBzSW5PZS0wN3g5YkFmc2otUHc6MQ
Add to your calendar the Mentor Protégé Mixer, Monday November 12th and the Tuesday November 13th interactive session on Building Functional Professional Relationships.
FAQ
As a mentor, how much time should I spend with my protégé?
We recommend that you spend at least one session (30 minutes to an hour) with your protégé. This can be coffee, lunch, or just a relaxing chat. The Mentor Protégé Mixer Monday evening just before the Gala is a perfect time to get to know one another. You then may decide to participate in a few other activities together throughout the conference. An initial meeting, plus one or two activities (tour of the exhibit floor, technical session, booth duty, lunch discussion, corporate event, etc.) would be ideal. If you do not have the time to have at least one meeting, please let us know.
When should I meet my protégé/mentor?
We recommend that you schedule the first meeting early in the week to be of some benefit for the protégés during the remainder of the conference. The Mentor/Protégé Mixer provides a terrific opportunity for mentors and protégés to get to know each other in an informal environment. You can also set up a time to meet your protégé or mentor any time that suits you both. Be explicit about the time and place so you know you can definitely catch each other.
Should I call or email my mentor/protégé prior to SC11?
Absolutely! We recommend emailing to arrange the first meeting so that you have your initial plans set before you arrive. You can begin your networking before the event.
How should I follow up with my mentor/protégé after the conference?
Send an email, make a call and at best, decide together how you want to proceed. Mentor-protégé interactions may seed a longer professional relationship. Mentor and protégés have said in their post evaluations of the program that they continue to be in touch with their match after the conference. Of course, this is up to each mentor and protégé. Regardless, it is always encouraged to send an email or make a phone call in appreciation for the time taken at the conference to meet one another and welcome newcomers to the HPC arena.
Are there any deadlines or reporting requirements?
The Broader Engagement Committee goes through every effort to match mentors and protégés based on their interests. We also work to provide support for mentors as they take on the important role of supporting new comers to HPC. We will send you an evaluation to complete after the conference. Your feedback, although not required, will help us to improve the program and provide a better program in future years. We encourage you to complete the evaluation in a timely manner.
What kinds of things should we do/talk about?
For many of the protégés, this is their first SC. They would likely want some tips as to where they should spend their time, how to get the most out of the conference, how to easily navigate the conference, etc. We have made an effort to match mentors and protégés according to technical backgrounds and goals, so mentors may be able to talk about career goals with their protégés. Be sure you filled out the survey on expertise and abilities https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?fromEmail=true&formkey=dG52azBzSW5PZS0wN3g5YkFmc2otUHc6MQ.
Discuss your expectations at the beginning this new relationship. Start the conversation by asking your protégé what they would like to get out of the association, what they would like to discuss, and what kinds of activities they would like to do. If their goals and wishes for the association are totally contrary to yours, or you don't think you can provide the protégé what they are looking for, contact the Mentor Program co-chairs and suggest a change or request additional resources on how to make the experience a positive one.
What should I do if I cannot find the protégé/mentor I am assigned?
If you have trouble in communicating with your protégé or mentor before you arrive, or in finding your protégé/mentor when you arrive at the conference, or could not contact him/her prior to the conference, contact Mentor Program Chair Dr. Raquell Holmes by email raquell@improvscience.org or with a note at the Communities Office.
What can I do to ensure that the experience is rewarding for the protégé?
Set expectations, interests and goals, both short and long-term. Make sure that there is a clear understanding and agreement between protégé and mentor. Some sample goals could be: meeting three potential collaborators, finding three funding leads or building network of graduate students from two additional universities, and learning a new software package.
What can I do to help promote the sustainability of the program?
Give us feedback on your experience and also communicate via the conference survey that you think this is a worthwhile program (if in fact, you do think so). Any suggestions you have for improving it are very welcome.
Do you have any suggestions for the novice mentor to ensure that the experience works for both mentor and protégé?
•Be personable. Your experience is unique and can be a source of inspiration and information for the protégé.
• Make sure that expectations are clearly defined and agreed between mentor and protégé
• Pull together a plan to help make a good experience
Who do I contact in the event of an emergency?
If a life-threatening or personal emergency occurs while in the Convention Center, the appropriate first action would be to call 4111 (and yes, that is a 4 with three 1's) from a house phone or contact any one of the SC12 committee members. SC12 Committee volunteers will be individuals with picture badges or a badge that has committee ribbon attached to it. You can contact the Broader Engagement Program Chair Dr. Tiki Suarez-Brown.
Questions: mentor-protege@info.supecomputing.org