About the program: The Graduate Students of Color mentoring circles is an initiative created by Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD) and the Office of Graduate Education (OGE). The Mentoring Circles connect current graduate students with alumni who provide culturally relevant perspectives on pathways to academic and industry careers. The program was developed in response to the Black Graduate Student Association’s advocacy for tailored resources to help underrepresented graduate students compete successfully in academic and professional job markets.
Program format: Through this month-long program, students will virtually connect with graduate alumni and engage in weekly topical conversations focused on navigating work environments as people of color. In this mentoring circle format, students will have access and receive input from mentors in various career paths and hear about their peers’ experiences. The mentoring circles meet online via zoom for three 1- hour group sessions. After the group sessions, in the fourth week, students will have the opportunity to have 15 minute individual conversations with mentors.
Dates & time commitment: Fall 2023: October 31, 2023 through November 15, 2023. Time commitment: 3 hours
Mentor information: Mentors represent the departments of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Questions? Contact Elsie Otero eotero@mit.edu
Tuesday Circle
Dates: October 31, November 7, 14
Times: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Mentor expertise: First-generation experience, Tech entrepreneurship
Wednesday Circle
Dates: November 1, 8, 15
Times: 5:00pm-6:00pm
Mentor expertise: Teaching, human factors in transportation safety, robotics, mechatronics and control theory
