Natalie Enright, a doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, understood the benefits MentorNet offered. After all, she turned to MentorNet when she was a sophomore at Purdue. But when she sought guidance again as a second-year graduate student, she received even greater insight the second time around.
Initial Goal: Confidence Building
When Enright first turned to MentorNet, she wanted to learn what it was like to be an engineer; something her classes weren't able to show her. She was also considering an internship and wanted advice on jobs and how she should structure her resume. Her first mentor offered this and more.
"My mentor gave me more confidence and made me feel like I was on the right track," declares Enright. "She painted a picture of what being an engineer was like for her, what her job entailed, and what options I had available to me."
Graduate Objective: Objective, Supportive Sounding Board
When Enright was in graduate school, she sought guidance via MentorNet again—but for different reasons.
When she began her graduate studies, she was 95% sure that she wanted to pursue an academic career. However, she wanted to be absolutely certain that it was the best path for her. “I thought a mentor with a masters or Ph.D.—who had opted to work in industry—could help me see the differences between the two careers,” explains Enright. But that wasn't the main reason Enright sought a mentor's guidance.
"I was really struggling that year and feeling very isolated, like I was fighting this constant uphill battle to prove myself," Enright continues. "I questioned whether it was possible to balance a research position with a family. I didn't know any women at my institution who were doing both and making it work. I was looking for reassurance."
And that's exactly what she got—and then some.
Enright's second mentor relationship offered more, because she had clearer expectations this time. Enright was also more comfortable asking her mentor—who was a great sounding board and very supportive—anything. “Whenever I would tell her about an incident that I found frustrating, she would often tell me of a similar situation she experienced,” says Enright. “For me—and many female engineering students—we simply want to know that we're not alone and that it's possible to succeed. My mentor really helped me feel that.”
One situation in particular stands out for Enright. Shortly after she started working with her second mentor, she took a six-month internship at a company, where she encountered sexism and discrimination. Not knowing any other women at the company, Enright turned to her mentor, who shared her experiences with Enright.
"Even if I had known other women within the organization, I probably wouldn't have sought their help. I needed a safe environment to discuss the issues; and my mentor, who was completely removed from the situation, provided that," states Enright.
Enright has found this to be true in a number of situations. Although she has a great relationship with her advisor, Enright is sometimes more comfortable sharing her concerns with someone outside of her immediate academic world. While her girlfriends are extremely supportive, they don't always offer an objective perspective.
"Sometimes, I need someone who can take a step back and say, 'hold on, you're blowing this way out of proportion,' or 'yeah, you have every right to be upset,'" Enright explains. "And my mentor does exactly that."
Final Thoughts: A New Perspective
When Enright first contacted MentorNet, she didn't feel she needed a mentor. She was doing it because she thought it would be fun and she needed a bit of advice. But now she realizes the benefits of having a mentor and credits the supportive relationship with helping her stay on track and believe in her abilities.
She also looks forward to being a mentor—and offers this first bit of advice. "Don't feel guilty if you don't devote enough time to your mentor," advises Enright. "You can give it as much or as little time as you have. The mentors understand that and are there whenever you need them. And if you don't hit it off with your mentor, don't give up."
"Finally, you should give MentorNet a try even if you feel you already have a mentor in your life," Enright recommends. "You can never have too many mentors."