Iowa Psychological Association Student Mentor Program
Established Fall 2020
The Iowa Psychological Association wishes to increase connection between psychologists and students and interns who will eventually enter the professional world of psychology. The student mentor program was developed to increase student engagement in IPA early in their doctoral training. It is hoped that this engagement will also promote continued professional endeavors of students and interns within the state of Iowa. The Membership Committee will connect each interested new student member with an IPA member who has volunteered to serve as a mentor.
The IPA mentor provides an opportunity for students to learn about someone who is working in the field of psychology and connected with the IPA community. IPA mentors will serve as liaisons between students and other psychologists in the state who may have similar interests, may live near the student, or may connect the student with potential career opportunities.
Expectations of mentors include:
- Connect with the mentee in person or virtually, at least once and hopefully periodically after that point
- Clarify hopes for the mentor relationship
- Encourage mentee conference attendance and attempt to connect with the mentee at conferences
- Serve as a liaison between the mentee and other psychologists or professionals in the state
- Increase awareness of opportunities and benefits of working as a psychologist in Iowa
- Increase awareness of opportunities and benefits of maintaining IPA membership, and encourage active involvement in the organization
Expectations of mentees include:
- Connect with mentor in person or virtually, at least once and hopefully periodically after that point
- Clarify hopes for the mentor relationship
- Connect with mentor at conferences, if possible
- Voice interests and future aspirations to promote connection with other professionals in the state
- Maintain curiosity regarding the benefits of working as a psychologist in Iowa
Potential discussion items:
- How did you become interested in psychology?
- What do you like about living in Iowa? What do you find difficult about living in Iowa?
- If you had unlimited resources, how would you spend your time?
- What are your hobbies?
- What are your favorite book, movie, and/or music genres and why? Do you have a favorite book/movie/song?
- Describe the population with whom you work/hope to work. What draws you to that population?
- What do you think are the best perks of being a psychologist?
- What do you see as greatest challenges associated with psychology?
- Are there areas of psychological practice, research, or scholarship for which you wish you had more training /could gain more training?
- If you are/could be involved with a charity or nonprofit, what is it/would it be and why?
- What gives you energy and/or brings you joy?
- If you could learn one new non-psychology related skill, what would it be and why?
- Describe someone you consider to be a mentor to you or someone who has inspired you in some way. What do you value about that person and/or your relationship?
- What is something you would like to see change or improve in the state of Iowa in the coming years?
- Are there ways in which you hope to see IPA grow in the future? Are there certain initiatives you would like to see IPA pursue?
- What current IPA initiatives interest you the most?
- What do you perceive to be your strengths? What personal characteristics bring you pride?
- What are some of your proudest accomplishments?
- (For mentors to answer) What advice would you want to share with a doctoral student?
- (For mentees to answer) What are your current career goals?
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