Embedded Files
Outside of our semester mentor-match program, we also offer drop-in mentoring meetings where undergraduate students can meet 1-2 times with a grad-student mentor to discuss things related to research/careers specifically in ecology and related fields. Typically, drop-in hours are utilized for one-off questions, review, edits, or advice.
Meeting topics can include:
Meeting topics can include:
- Research on campus (UROP, finding a lab, contacting a professor)
- Summer research/internships
- CVs/Resumes/Cover letters
- Course/class selection
- Post graduate plans (graduate school, careers, gap years)
- Random questions
- And more!
To participate in drop-in hours, follow 3 steps below:
1. CHOOSE A MENTOR:
Scroll through the slides to learn about the research interests, expertises, and personal identities of our available mentors. You are welcome to select whichever mentor seems like the closest fit for you and your needs!
Questions about choosing a mentor? Reach out to us at fieldguides@umn.edu
2. DRAFT AN EMAIL:
Draft an email to reach out to your selected mentor. You can find their email located at the bottom right corner of their profile slide above. Please utilize the template below to help guide your writing. At minimum, your email should:
1. Include/CC the Field Guides email: fieldguides@umn.edu
2. Utilize the subject line: "Field Guides Drop-in Request"
3. Suggest some meeting times that work well for you.
SAMPLE EMAIL TEMPLATE: Your email does not need to follow this exactly, but please use this as a guide
To: [Mentor Email] CC: fieldguides@umn.edu
Subject: Field Guides Drop-in Request
Thank you![Your name]
To: [Mentor Email] CC: fieldguides@umn.edu
Subject: Field Guides Drop-in Request
Dear [First Name of Mentor],
Hello! My name is [insert] and I am an undergrad in [x major/program] involved in the Field Guides mentoring program. I'm interested in having a one-time mentoring session with you through the Field Guides drop-in hours.
I am really interested in [insert topic/field/research] and I'd like to ask you some questions about [insert].
Here are some times I am available to meet over the next two weeks: [insert 3-4 different times you are available for 30-45 mins]. Please let me know if any of these will work for you.
Thank you![Your name]
3. MEET WITH YOUR MENTOR!
Choose a time and date to meet with your mentor! Many mentors can meet either in-person on the St. Paul Campus, or virtually over zoom.
If after 1 week you have not heard back about your inquiry, send a follow-up email or feel free to reach out to another mentor or the Field Guides organizing committee at fieldguides@umn.edu.
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