Industry Mentorship Program

Mentoring

Program Overview

The Society is proud to offer our members the opportunity to participate in the Career Mentoring Program. The goal of the SFB Industry Mentorship Program is to connect selected SFB student members with experienced professionals working in the biomaterials industry.

Through this program, students can learn what it is like to work in industry, explore career options, and get advice from experienced professionals. Mentors also have the opportunity to connect with and help prepare the next generation of biomaterials professionals.

Program Details

The program runs for 12 months, from January through December.

Each mentoring group includes one industry mentor and five students from the same local region. Students will be selected by their local SFB student chapter or through an application process.

Mentors and students are expected to meet at least once every three months for 1–2 hours. Meetings can take place virtually or in person. Whenever possible, the group is encouraged to hold at least one in-person meeting during the year.

The following topics are suggested for each quarter to help guide discussions. Groups are welcome to discuss additional topics based on their interests and career goals.

Quarter 1: What Is It Like to Work in Industry?

  • What does a typical workday look like?
  • How much time is spent in meetings versus working on projects?
  • What are common project deadlines, and how quickly are tasks expected to be completed?

Quarter 2: Finding and Applying for Industry Jobs

  • What internships are available, and can they help students qualify for full-time positions?
  • What should students expect during a job interview?
  • What tips can help improve a resume and increase the chances of getting an interview?

Quarter 3: Career Growth and Learning in Industry

  • What opportunities are available to learn new skills and grow professionally?
  • How can employees take on leadership roles?
  • When might it make sense to look for a new position within the same company?
  • How can someone tell whether a job is the right fit?
  • How do employees continue learning after they become comfortable in their roles?

Quarter 4: Communication and Teamwork Skills

  • What skills are important beyond technical knowledge, such as communication, negotiation, public speaking, and handling difficult conversations?
  • How can students start building these skills while still in school?
  • What is it like to work as part of a team in industry?
  • How do teams handle disagreements and conflicts?

Mentor Eligibility and Responsibilities

Who Can Be a Mentor?

Mentors should:

  • Have a background in biomaterials.
  • Have at least five years of experience working in industry.
  • Be interested in helping students and postdoctoral researchers explore and prepare for careers in industry.

SFB membership is encouraged but not required.

What Is Expected of Mentors?

Mentors agree to:

  1. Meet with their group at least once every three months for 1–2 hours during the 12-month program. Meetings can be virtual or in person, with at least one in-person meeting encouraged whenever possible.
  2. Share their professional experiences, advice, and career insights with students. Mentors are not expected to share confidential or proprietary information.
  3. Optional: Participate in a regional SFB meeting to provide career advice and feedback.
  4. Provide feedback halfway through the program and at the end to help SFB improve the program in the future.

Interested in becoming a mentor? Click here to participate.

Mentee Eligibility and Responsibilities

Who Can Participate as a Mentee?

Mentees must be SFB student members studying biomaterials at the undergraduate or graduate level, or postdoctoral researchers.

Each mentoring group will include five students selected by a local SFB chapter or through an application process.

What Is Expected of Mentees?

Mentees agree to:

  1. Attend all mentoring meetings, held at least once every three months for 1–2 hours during the 12-month program. Meetings can be virtual or in person, with at least one in-person meeting encouraged whenever possible. Attendance at all mentoring sessions is required.
  2. Actively participate in discussions by asking questions and engaging with the mentor and other students.
  3. Provide feedback halfway through the program and at the end to help SFB improve the program in the future.

Interested in participating as a mentee? Click here to apply.