Students Perceptions of the Need for Mentoring

In 2006-07, MentorNet surveyed approximately 2,500 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduates, graduate students, and postdoctoral scholars about their perceptions of the value and need for mentors. 98% of respondents reported that having a mentor (of some type) was important to them. Gender proved to be a significant factor in determining which respondents were more likely to report that they did not receive any mentoring support in all three mentoring role factors (psychosocial, role modeling and academic/career). Almost 40% of the respondents reported that they were not encouraged by anyone to find a mentor. Understanding their beliefs about mentoring will help us help them. The outcomes are summarized in three research briefs which focus the results for academic leaders, students, and faculty. The full study report is also available.

Research Briefs and Full Study:

• Academic Leaders (PDF)
• Students (PDF)
• Faculty (PDF)
• Full Study Report (PDF)

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. EEC-0639762. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.