WEST Dynamic Pod Mentoring

Program Mission:

To help mentees achieve a personal or career goal by using small mentoring groups (pods) to obtain diverse perspectives that will provide an enriching experience for mentees and enable execution on goals through focused actions.  

Program Overview:

 

Kick start your development with a 1:1 goal setting session and training. Then, each of the following two-hour virtual sessions features Core Pods, Flex Pods, Networking, and Mentor Stories.

  • Each Core Pod has a general topic for the whole program that is set from the beginning based on preferences ranked in the interest survey. The same group with around 2 mentors and 5 mentees will meet for 30 minutes each session building towards your goal and driving accountability. 
  • Flex Pods allow you to further individualize the program by selecting topics most important to you and working with a broader range of mentors. In the flex pod, mentors will address a topic with 1-3 mentees who choose that topic. The mentor and fellow mentees will change each session.
  • Short structured networking activities are designed to help you connect to your peers.
  • Mentor stories allow you to hear the career journeys and hard won wisdom from each of the mentors.

WEST Mentors are from all areas of the biopharma and tech industry, with a wealth of experience and expertise across academia, start-ups, biotech, and multi-national pharmaceutical companies including CEOs, heads of functions, leaders, and coaches. They have the lived experience and diverse perspectives to help you with your goals.

During the application process, mentees will rate their interest in key career and personal development topics that will be used for matching their core pod. Mentees will also have the opportunity to explore the other topics offered and/or mentors for their flex pod time each session.

The dates of the program are 8/30, 9/13, 10/4, 10/25, 11/15, and 12/6. All session will be via Zoom 6-8pm ET. The cost of participation for mentees for the program is $100, currently open to WEST members only. If you need a scholarship to cover the majority of the cost of a spot in this mentoring program and/or a membership, please email [email protected] to apply.  

Who should apply:

Mentoring Program Testimonials:

"The WEST mentoring program allowed me to foster fruitful professional relationships with a diverse group of successful and supportive women in the industry of science." -Hala Haddad (mentee)

"I joined this mentoring program at a point when I was transitioning from academia to industry. Practical advice and insights from both mentors and mentees played an instrumental role in helping me secure my first position in industry!" -Yureeda Qazi (mentee)

"I really enjoyed this mentorship program. Everyone, mentors and mentees, tries their best to help you and I feel comfortable to ask them anything! I connected with multiple people after the mentorship sessions and I plan to stay connected with them." -Adrienne (mentee)

"This is a really great program. I felt supported and empowered after talking to the awesome mentors!" -Stella (mentee)

"I would highly recommend this program. This platform helped me build my network of mentors. I also met a lot of great women with diverse backgrounds, which helped me build a strong network." (mentee)

"This is a great learning and growing experience for all. WEST has created an open, supportive environment where you can receive non-judge mental feedback and practical advice." Mary Ann O’Loughlin (mentor)

"The WEST mentoring program offers mentees a diversity of perspectives on topics key to their professional progress and development. And for mentors, it's a great chance to connect and give the valuable gift of reflection and experience. Never underestimate the value of an outside view and the power of giving back!" Noël Theodosiou (mentor)