The
FSU Instructional Systems program has a rich, proven
history and the distinction of being on the initiating end of establishing this
discipline. Alumni who have graduated from this stellar program over the years
and moved into prominent careers in all fields carry with them a wealth of
knowledge and experience of which current students could benefit.
Our Alumni Council is currently providing the Master’s
Mentorship program, but a mentorship program is in the works for ISD Ph.D.
students as well. It is slated to start in Fall 2013. Here’s information on
both of these programs.
Master’s Mentorship Program
The FSU ISD Alumni Council has endeavored to harness this
knowledge and experience and make it available to current students through our
Master’s Mentorship program that occurs, each semester, near the end of the
final semester for interested graduating students.
Since the program began in Fall 2011, volunteer alumni
mentors have provided enormous support to over 25 graduating Master’s students
so far who have been willing to take mentors up on their offer to support them.
Examples of the kinds of support students have received include:
·
Employment and career guidance
·
Gaining insights on networking, resume building,
career fields, and professional situations
·
Receiving portfolio assistance
·
Gaining a deeper understanding of instructional
design
In fact, where the stars aligned, a couple of mentors hired
their mentees after developing relationships with them!
While being hired by a mentor is not the goal, this overview
highlights the tremendous value that can be received through the FSU ISD Alumni
Master’s Mentorship.
Current FSU ISD Master Students are encouraged to contact Dr. Sue Ebbers for more information about this opportunity at:
ebbers@changebydesign.us or 850.445.6303
Ph.D. Mentorship Program
Late in 2012, our Alumni Council reached out to FSU ISD Ph.D. students,
asking them to provide input on what would be helpful to them in terms of a
mentorship program. The results indicated differing needs over the life of
their doctoral program, and three insertion points were identified for
mentors to be paired with mentees:
·
Beginning:
Before being accepted through Year 1
of the Ph.D. program.
·
Middle: Year
2 of the program through completion of Prelims, including discussions focused
on such topics as research, writing papers, publishing, presenting at
conferences, and identifying a major professor.
·
End: Dissertation,
defense, considering post-graduate professional options, CV development &
evaluation, and supporting job hunting efforts.
While planning has not yet been completed, our Alumni Council are working
towards implementation of a pilot Ph.D. mentorship program in the fall, 2013. Watch
for messages about this during the summer 2013!
