August 14, 2024
Science recently published an article featuring Shulamit Kahn, Professor of Markets, Public Policy, and Law, discussing the influence of mentorship on academic success.
A recent study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface revealed that prestigious mentors can shape the careers of junior scientists. Those with highly cited mentors tend to thrive, while those with less prominent mentors often face challenges. Graduate students, in particular, benefit from influential mentors, though prestigious institutions can help mitigate the drawbacks of lower-ranked mentors.
“Students should be told as undergraduates the importance of having a well-known mentor,” Kahn adds.
The study underscores the importance of mentorship in shaping a scientist’s professional journey.