Navigating the STEM field can be difficult; especially if you are first generation, have few connections, and/or unsure of career opportunities. An instrumental part of this process is having a mentor for career and professional support. The STEM Hub for Industry Networking and Exchange (SHINE) aims to diversify, build, and prepare future talent pool of S.T.E.M. professionals. To do so, students from ethnic and racial minority groups are provided the tools to combat barriers of entry into the biotech and pharmaceutical industry primarily through 1:1 mentoring. Our mentors come from a diverse range of careers at numerous companies in the pharmaceutical and biotech field and are passionate about supporting future professionals.
University-level students are paired 1:1 with a professional for 5 months of personalized mentoring that is tailored to their needs and schedule.
Mentees gain access to internship and job opportunities allowing companies to diversify the alma maters and personal backgrounds of their talent pool.
Mentoring is a mutually beneficial relationship for both the mentor and the mentee.
For mentees, mentoring can be a crucial aspect of their support system as they navigate a career path within STEM. A mentor can not only provide career guidance but also serve as a role model that increases the mentee’s agency and sense of belonging within STEM.
For mentors, mentoring can support development of leadership skills, identification of talent for their company, and be a source of career fulfillment. In addition, mentoring can serve as an opportunity for professionals to engage with individuals outside of their typical network in order to challenge unconscious biases.
Increase retention of underrepresented racial and ethnic minorities in STEM
Increase mentee knowledge surrounding industry and careers available to STEM students
Increase mentee network within the industry
By participating in the S.H.I.N.E. program, you will commit to meeting with a mentor at least monthly for 5 months. However, it is ultimately up to the pair to decide the frequency and duration of the mentorship.
In addition to being paired with a mentor, S.H.I.N.E. mentees will receive:
Shine mentors are professionals at all levels within the pharma/biotech industry with experience in functions such as drug discovery, project management, data science, clinical research, and business development and venture funding. They are passionate about supporting STEM students, diversity and inclusion, and are fully committed to working towards their mentee's goals.
The S.H.I.N.E program has provided me with the opportunity to learn from a mentor whose experience cut across industry and Academia. The mentor provides an atmosphere of learning and growth both as an individual and as a graduate student. Also, she's always eager to answer my questions and provide clarifications when needed. All in all, the programme has been awesome.
My mentee is a second year med chem PhD student. She has been curious to learn more about pharmacokinetic and small molecule drug screening assays which happens to be the department I'm in! Good match by SHINE. This has also been an excellent opportunity for me to brush up on my small molecule drug discovery considerations since I typically work on biologics. It has motivated me to learn about areas that I hadn't made time for before. She is currently working on her graduate preliminary proposal and I'm providing helpful references and notes. I have enjoyed getting to know her and building a rapport. We've also had some great conversations about grad school journeys and potential opportunities for her to do a pharma industry internship. Overall, fantastic experience thus far!
The STEM Hub for Industry Navigation and Exchange (S.H.I.N.E.) program aims to diversify, build, and prepare the future talent pool within, but not limited to, the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.