Mentoring and professional development
Shortly after students start in the master Applied Physics they will be coupled to a mentor from their chosen master track. A mentor is an Applied Physics lecturer who belongs to the scientific staff and guides the student throughout the entire master. The main goal of mentoring is to support students in getting the best possible start to their career. A mentor can do so by:
- Challenging students to determine their educational and career goals.
- Acting as a sounding board for ideas and concerns regarding academic and professional choices, providing students with insight into possible opportunities and helping them think through important decisions.
- Helping with decisions on what courses, external internship or graduation project suits the students ambitions, developmental goals and career plans.
Timeline
First Quarter
The first meeting with the mentor will revolve mainly around setting up a study program. Before the end of the first quarter, students fill in the study program form and schedule a meeting with their mentor, to discuss their choices, doubts and alternatives. In addition, during this first meeting the Code of Scientific Conduct (see forms page) must be discussed and signed by the student. Nb: A mentor advice on the study program form is required for approval of the program by the study program committee.
Second and third quarter
During the second quarter, all first year master students will be invited to join the Professional Identity Training (PIT). This training aims to give students more insight in their identity, drives and motivations to help them shape their career. With the results and insights obtained from the PIT, students fill in the Personal Development Plan (PDP) template. The PDP serves as a basis for the second meeting with the mentor in Q3, in which questions such as ‘Where am I now?’, ‘Where do I want to go?’ and ‘What do I have to do to get there?’ should be discussed.
Later quarters
Questions, doubts or the need for advice may always arise during the remainder of the master. In that case students can reach out to their mentor who is available upon request as an objective point of contact throughout the master. Furthermore, career academy can provide help in taking charge of your career, and TU/e skillslab offers online and offline trainings in writing, presenting, project management, etc.
More information about coaching and professional skills can be found here.