DEVELOPING AND STRENGTHENING MENTORSHIPS WITHIN THE GEOSCIENCES: A BOND TO UNITE PROFESSIONALS AND THEIR SUCCESSORS

As a significant number of geologists near retirement, geoscience industries are in demand for rising young professionals. For an individual entering or growing in the geoscience workforce, having a professional career path with a solid foundation of mentorship from senior geoscientists is the perfect recipe for success. The bond between mentor and mentee cannot be underestimated as it provides for a more successful career for the protégé while at the same time giving their senior advisor gratification and renewed energy. This bond can be formed within a company or professional organization and through these mentorships; our geoscience community can support and educate students and young professionals in topics of licensing, ethics, professional development, industry topics, networking, and geoscience policy.

Through mentorship, mentors and mentees to actively participate in uniting the geoscience community. The bonds created ensure continued growth of new ideas, protection of geoscience education and professional licensure, communication across generations, and the strengthening of geoscience traditions.