Sci.STEPS

Sci.STEPS is a mentoring program for undergraduates, graduates, and young scientists looking to build their lives and careers consciously, find desired positions in academia and industry, and become confident in the application process. Sci.STEPS is a platform for mentees and mentors to meet, where we as organizers provide the tools for productive communication, and help participants solve any arising problems. While the responsibility for a fruitful mentee-mentor relationship is shared between mentees and mentors, our role is to provide comfortable conditions for the mentorship and interaction between all participants of the program. Read about our mission, vision, and values. 

However, Sci.STEPS is more than just a mentoring program for career in research. Here, we combine three key elements that will help you to intentionally shape your live and professional path, secure your preferred career roles in both academia and industry, and gain self-assurance throughout the application process.

Individual mentoring

We believe that successful mentoring is founded on an individual approach. With the help of our program, mentees are matched with mentors who suit them best according to their particular scientific profile and career goals. During the pairing process, we take into account the mentee's wishes about the preferred mentor and their career and research profile as much as possible. Our mentors are volunteers from different countries with experience in relocation and accomplishing international training programs (undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, internships), equipped with insights into building a successful career in their scientific fields in both academia and industry.

Like-minded community

We also believe that there is nothing that helps you better to stay on track towards your goals than a community of like-minded people. For mentees, this provides an opportunity to share their experiences not only with their mentors, but also with others in similar positions and receive peer support. Mentors, on the other hand, can consult with each other to provide better guidance to their mentees. For all the participants of our scientific mentorship program, joining our community is a great way to expand their network, participate in common activities, such as language clubs or a club focused on improving presentation skills.

Community building supported by Warenje scientific community building project.

Educational content

How to organize your search for positions? 

What are different options to look for when choosing a PhD? 

How to compile a good CV that presents you in the best possible way? 

How to fill out your LinkedIn profile? 

Are there any techniques that can help you understand what you truly want? 

How to maintain your mental health while working in academia? 

There are so many questions that arise when you think about your next career step, be it in academia or industry. But don’t worry, in addition to regular meeting with the designated mentors, we have organized some webinars and round tables, invited external speakers and created a collection of readings to help you answer some of those questions and navigate your next career steps in science. If you still have any questions left, check out our consultations page.

Are you an expert in your field? Do you have a topic you would like to share? We also support you if you want to share your knowledge or experience with the community. Just fill out the form (English, Russian) and we will contact you for more information.