It is also vital for researchers to engage with businesses in order to understand and develop the potential impacts of their research. The SGSSS runs a number of opportunities to support industry and research collaborations. 

SGSSS Career Pathways Mentoring Scheme

The SGSSS Career Pathways Mentoring Scheme aims to increase the knowledge and capability of social science doctoral students to engage with business, by pairing them with PhD graduates who have succeeded in making the transition to a successful business career or who have substantial experience building academic collaborations with business.

What is mentoring? Mentoring is a learning relationship that includes elements of listening, advising, planning, challenge, support and sharing experience. In this programme mentoring can be understood as: “A confidential active learning process whereby an experienced, empathic person (the mentor) facilitates the development of another individual (the mentee).” 

The general anticipated benefits to mentors include: 

1. Management and leadership development: self-awareness, active listening, challenging, motivating others, building commitment to action, coaching.  
2. Increased professional networks, via the mentee, and the other mentees and mentors in the programme cohort. 
3. Appreciation of the skills and experiences of PhD researchers and the benefit they can bring to private sector organisations. 
4. Satisfaction of helping others who are transitioning from academic research into other sectors and/or research opportunities. 

We welcome enquiries from individuals who are interested in being mentors on the Career Pathways Scheme, or from businesses who have multiple employees who would be eligible to mentor. Please contact us on team@sgsss.ac.uk to find out more.