Sci.STORIES
Interview with the mentee Olga Bagrova

Interview with the season 2025 mentee Olga Bagrova

Interviewer: Ksenia Kuznetsova

Ksenia: Have you participated in a mentorship program before Sci.STEPS? How does your current experience differ from the previous one?

Olga: Yes, I previously participated in a program that was focused on students and young scientists, where mentors were quite varied. My assigned mentor, for example, was a deputy director of an institute. We didn't have the option to choose a mentor - they were assigned to us after we applied. That was a positive experience, but at that time I didn’t really need structured guidance as much. I was mostly exploring possible career paths. In contrast, with Sci.STEPS, I had a clearer career path in mind. It was very valuable that I could choose a mentor with experience directly relevant to my needs.

K: What were your initial expectations for this program and for the mentor?

O: I didn’t have high expectations,  I just wanted to work through specific aspects of my application process. In mentoring, I usually feel a strong sense of hierarchy because mentors are much more experienced. I didn’t really expect that I would be able to fully trust my mentor this time. But that’s exactly what happened. I felt comfortable discussing everything and genuinely listened to the advice. I think the fact that we were on the same wavelength was very important for actually achieving my goals.

K: What question did you come in with, and how did the mentor help you solve it?

O: I was failing my online interviews for PhD programs. While my written application was already strong, I struggled to get through the interview stage, and I had no idea what exactly was going wrong. That’s when I realized I needed someone to point out my oversights and provide guidance, which is why I joined Sci.STEPS. 

During the program, I started doing much better in interviews (and sometimes even really well). In the end, what I needed most was support, and my mentor knew exactly how to provide it. I also appreciated that my mentor recognized my existing strengths. As a result, we didn’t spend much time reworking my CV or cover letter and instead focused on my next steps and possible career options.

K: Was there something unexpected from your experience with mentorship?

O: I didn’t expect that having support and belief from my mentor could motivate me and help me so much. I believe it played a key role in my path.

In addition to having a great match with my mentor, I didn’t anticipate such a highly personalized approach. We didn’t just follow a standard plan for preparing the PhD applications; instead, we discussed my urgent questions and possible next steps that I was interested in. My mentor was also very patient with me. For instance, we spent about a month discussing my choice of a lab when I had already received offers. Every time, she would listen to my arguments, share her own perspective, and we worked together to find the best solution.

K: What is your take-home message from the program? Maybe some things besides the career choices?

O: I’ve become more open to networking because I see that it really matters - not just for my career, but also a way to meet good friends. My mentor inspired me to reach out to all the potential labs for my PhD, and that openness is helping me a lot in my new environment. We also keep in touch with my mentor on a friendly basis, which is something I really value.

K: What would you say to someone considering joining Sci.STEPS?

O: If you’re unsure, my advice is don’t overthink it, just apply to the program. That’s the first thing that comes to mind. Whether you’re uncertain about your career choice, need help with your CV, or just want to explore opportunities in science, find a Sci.STEPS mentor who can guide you and apply. You can set your goals with your mentor and work together to achieve them. I know the international format or language barrier can feel daunting, but you will find that people here genuinely want to listen and help. I’m so glad I applied, and I encourage everyone I know to try. Just apply, and you’ll figure out the rest later.

About Sci.STEPS

Sci.STEPS scientific mentorship program offers mentees a set of advantages. It provides access to expert knowledge and experience, allowing mentees to learn from scientists who have successfully navigated their fields. The mentorship network provides mentees with a supportive environment to seek advice, share their aspirations, and build professional relationships. Participation in a long-term program or short-term targeted consultations also aid in personal growth, improving essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and time management. Ultimately, the mentorship program nurtures mentees' scientific passion and equips them with the tools they need to pursue their goals with confidence.