Mentorship is crucial for BIPOC students and professionals. First and foremost, mentorship provides access to role models that BIPOC students may not have otherwise (Farr, 2021). Representation and visibility are important in our field for students to combat systemic racism and visualize their goals (Chan et al., 2015; Beck et al., 2022). BIPOC mentors can provide students with guidance and support that is culturally relevant and specific to their experiences and give a diverse view of the field (Chan et al., 2015). Another important reason why mentorship matters to BIPOC students is the opportunity to build professional and personal networks. BIPOC students may not have access to the same networks and connections that their non-BIPOC counterparts do. Mentors can provide insight into career opportunities and valuable connections (Carpenter et al., 2022). Overall, mentorship is a critical component in supporting the success and advancement of psychology. The panelists will address how BIPOC mentors can help students develop professionally by providing them advice, direction for growth, and advocacy strategies, as well as strategies to support this needed protective factor. Participation will be encouraged by allowing the audience to ask questions, share their experiences and develop sustainable ways to support the process.
Aqua 309 - Interactive Panels 2023 APA Division 45 Research Conference researchconference@division45.orgMentorship is crucial for BIPOC students and professionals. First and foremost, mentorship provides access to role models that BIPOC students may not have otherwise (Farr, 2021). Representation and visibility are important in our field for students to combat systemic racism and visualize their goals (Chan et al., 2015; Beck et al., 2022). BIPOC mentors can provide students with guidance and support that is culturally relevant and specific to their experiences and give a diverse view of the field (Chan et al., 2015). Another important reason why mentorship matters to BIPOC students is the opportunity to build professional and personal networks. BIPOC students may not have access to the same networks and connections that their non-BIPOC counterparts do. Mentors can provide insight into career opportunities and valuable connections (Carpenter et al., 2022). Overall, mentorship is a critical component in supporting the success and advancement of psychology. The panelists will address how BIPOC mentors can help students develop professionally by providing them advice, direction for growth, and advocacy strategies, as well as strategies to support this needed protective factor. Participation will be encouraged by allowing the audience to ask questions, share their experiences and develop sustainable ways to support the process.