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MCOM Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs

PhD Resources

Professional Development

Whether you are in your first semester of the PhD program, preparing for qualifying exams, or beginning to apply for postdoc positions, it is important to be intentional and thoughtful about readying yourself for the next step of your career.


New PhD Students

Resources for Selecting a Mentor

One of the earliest decisions you will make on your journey to a PhD is identifying a lab and a mentor. These resources can help you think critically about your rotation experiences to determine the best place for you to pursue your research.

  • Finding Your Research Home
    Watch this 15-minute video for tips about choosing a lab that is the right fit for you.

  • Mentee Selection Phase Resources
    The UW Institute for Clinical and Translational Research has compiled a variety of resources to aid in selecting a mentor.

  • Questions to Assess Fit
    The concept of “fit” has multiple components. Review this document to learn what questions to ask as you are exploring possible labs.

  • Toolkit
    The Indiana University School of Medicine has created a helpful toolkit for mentees, including a self-assessment.