Anteater Mentoring in Physical Sciences

Program Overview:

The Anteater Mentoring in Physical Sciences (AMPS) program is an initiative by the School of Physical Sciences to help undergraduate students succeed professionally and academically. Students have the opportunity to meet professionals who will expose them to the many career paths and industries available in the Physical Sciences. AMPS runs annually from October through June, but the relationships that are built often last much, much longer. All Physical Sciences alumni are welcome to join the program as mentors. We also welcome friends of the School and local professionals in the Physical Sciences fields who are interested in coaching our students. All Physical Sciences junior and senior undergrads are encouraged to participate in our program. 

Mentors can sign-up for the program by completing their online profile. After the mentors have registered, eligible students will review the mentor’s online profiles to determine their preferred mentors — or mentors that best suit their career and personal needs. After a mentor and student are paired, each will be notified of who their mentor or student is. Students are expected to send an introductory email to their mentors. The duo will have their opportunity to meet and discuss expectations at the AMPS Meet and Greet.

Students will attend a Mandatory Orientation and the Mentor/Mentee Interviews prior to the AMPS Meet and Greet. Mentors and students will then be encouraged to set-up meetings on a regular basis, and are encouraged to complete the Mentor Agreement Form. Various events will also take place throughout the year, which mentors and students are welcome to attend.

Students

1. Register online (click on the link to the Student Sign Up) during the registration period.
2. Attend a mandatory orientation and the Mentor/Mentee interviews. NOTE: To guarantee a space in the program, you need to attend orientation.
3. The program coordinator will match you with a mentor, and email you his/her/their contact info.
4. Send an introductory email to your mentor.
5. Attend PS Mentor Program Events and stay in touch with your mentor on a regular basis.*

Mentors

1. Complete an online mentor profile.
2. Attend the Mentor/Mentee interviews to meet with the students participating in the program and select your preference. Mentors have the opportunity to mentor more than one student.
3. Expect an email from your matched student(s).
4. Attend PS Mentor Program Events and stay in touch with your mentee(s) on a regular basis.*

*Remote mentors, or mentors who cannot be physically present at events, are welcome to the program as long as they maintain regular contact with student through telephone or online platforms.

The Matching Process 

Once students and mentors have completed online profiles, students will attend a mandatory orientation. Directly following the orientation, students and mentors will participate in the Mentor/Mentee interviews where students get the opportunity to meet with at least 3 mentors of their choosing and speak with them about their career field and experiences. There will be three 15 minute interviews which will give the students and mentors a chance to meet and at the end choose their mentor/mentee preferences for the upcoming year. The program coordinator will do their best on accommodating their preferences and match students with one of his/her preferred mentor selections. The program coordinator will then contact students and provide them with their new mentor’s contact information. Students are expected to contact their mentors through an introductory email. Mentors and students have the opportunity to meet during the AMPS Meet and Greet.

The Mentoring Process 
A Physical Sciences Mentor is a guide, friend and resource who shares education and professional experience to help pave the way for students to succeed professionally and academically. For mentoring to be successful, both parties must work at developing a relationship and should remain open-minded, respectful and abide by the expectations they have set. Each duo has the flexibility to set their own expectations regarding meetings, communication, goals, etc. We strongly encourage participants to attend the Mentor Program Events hosted by the School of Physical Sciences: Meet and Greet and Year-End Social.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AMPS Program?

The AMPS program is an initiative by the School of Physical Sciences to help undergraduate students succeed professionally and academically. Students have the opportunity to meet professionals who will expose them to the many career paths and industries available in the Physical Sciences. Mentors share their academic and career experience and offer guidance and advice to the mentee. The program takes place annually from September-May. Each mentor decides how many students he/she wants to mentor. The School hosts three mandatory events throughout the year, however it is strongly encouraged that students/mentors dedicate at least two hours per month to build the relationship.

How do I sign up for the program?

Students

1. Apply online during the window when applications are accepted and list your preferred mentors.
2. Attend a mandatory orientation. NOTE: To guarantee a space in the program, you need to attend orientation.
3. Attend the Mentor/Mentee Interviews directly following orientation. The interviews are a chance for you to get to know multiple mentors and compare interests/goals.
4. The program coordinator will match you with a mentor after the Mentor/Mentee Interviews, and email you his/her contact info.
5. Send an introductory email to your mentor.
6. Attend AMPS Program Events and stay in touch with your mentor on a regular basis.

Mentors

1. Complete an online mentor profile.
2. Attend Mentor/Mentee Interviews, which will allow you to interact with various mentees and help you in selecting your preferred mentee that shares your common interests and goals. Note: If you are a remote mentor, we will pair you up with a mentee based on common career goals and interests.
3. Expect an email from your matched student.
4. Attend AMPS Program Events and stay in touch with your student on a regular basis.

What type of mentoring partnership is best for me?

Each mentor and student partnership has the flexibility to create the mentoring relationship they want. Some duos chose to have remote partnerships meaning mentors live in another city/state and the two communicate via skype or telephone instead of meeting in-person. Other duos chose to meet regularly to discuss goals and plan activities. Some mentors have the opportunity to offer their mentees job shadowing, company tours, or networking opportunities. While other mentors are experts at offering academic advice and stories about their research and educational experiences. The key is to indicate in your online profile the type of mentoring and activities that you hope to obtain from the program.

How much information should I provide in my online profile?

The more information shared in your online profile the higher chance you have of a best suitable mentor/student match. The program coordinator uses the online profiles as primary sources for the matching process. Be specific about the kind of mentoring relationship you want and the kind of activities you are willing to partake-in or offer (i.e. Networking, job shadowing, company tours, academic advice, research advice, resume building, in-person meetings vs. remote communication, etc.).

What is the time commitment involved with the program?

Students and mentors are required to dedicate two hours per month to the mentoring partnership. Each partnership determines how they want to dedicate their time (i.e. telephone conversations, skype, activities and events, coffee, lunch, etc.)

Should I attend a AMPS event if my mentor is not attending?

No, you do not have to. However, AMPS events are resourceful and instructional particularly for students. We hope that all students attend events at all times. It is also a great opportunity to meet other mentors and seek their mentorship as well.

What is the student dress code for AMPS events?

Students should always dress professionally when interacting with a professional group. AMPS events are considered professional events and students should dress in business casual attire.

Who should I contact if my mentor/student is not being responsive, or if I have an issue?

Please contact the program coordinator, Stefanie Masuda at amps@uci.edu, anytime you have a question or concern. We are always here to help you.