The Mentor Application for the 2020-2021 Early Career Professional Mentorship Program is now open.

The Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) continues to offer opportunities for growth through its workforce development and professional training projects. For the last four years, CSTE has facilitated the Early Career Professional Mentorship Program, providing both seasoned and early career applied epidemiologists an opportunity to build relationships and foster shared learning. By connecting mentors and mentees to share experiences and advice, public health practice will improve by preparing future public health professionals with necessary skills and knowledge. The goal of the program is to allow mentees to connect with mentors that promote the exploration of State, Tribal, Local, and Territorial (STLT) career opportunities. Participants engage in activities such as professional and educational webinars, goal exercises, networking, and journal clubs.  

The Mentorship Program facilitates discussion about careers in applied epidemiology and the growth of professional skills. The program provides a forum for epidemiologists with diverse educational and experiential backgrounds to share about their personal experiences. Mentors offer insight to guide mentees in identifying their strengths and professional goals. While the world is focused on the response to COVID-19, it is important to continue to invest in our workforce. The Mentorship Program offers an opportunity for mentors and mentees to reflect and identify areas for their own personal growth.

In the current environment, when public health professionals are working harder than ever, the Mentorship Program offers the opportunity to pause and reflect on where our careers are today and the direction they are going in the future. Through the program, CSTE provides a community of practice with like-minded, interested colleagues, and lifelong learners across the country. The Mentorship Program can help you foster these relationships early into your career.

Here is what some participants from the 2019-2020 program had to say about their experience: 

“I have participated in many other mentoring programs over the years. Some have worked well, many have not. CSTE’s did work.” - Mentor 

“My new mentor has been an amazing advocate and sounding board as I work through doctoral studies and balance work, school, and the family commitments of a new parent.” - Mentee  

“I think having this program is an excellent way to educate new epidemiologists. I was able to still communicate with my mentees even throughout the pandemic to see what they were doing and how they were coping in their respective states.” - Mentor 

Applications for the 2020-2021 Early Career Professionals Program are now open. Consider serving as a mentor.

Mentors are required to have at least five years of work experience and can be work at STLT, federal, academic or nonprofit organizations. No previous mentorship experience is necessary, which presents mid-level epidemiologists a great opportunity to mentor the next generation of applied epidemiologists. Watch CSTE’s recorded Prospective Mentor Webinar to learn more about the Mentor’s role in our program. 

Early career professionals can participate as mentees. Eligible mentees should be current students or graduates within the last five years with an interest in applied epidemiology. Start your application today to participate in the 2020-2021 Mentorship Program. All applications are due by September 30, 2020. Please note that all applicants may not be accepted; space is limited based on the number of mentors that apply.