Get Started with IMPact

Getting started with IMPact is easy, but the program is open only to current APS members. If you're not already an APS member, you can join APS today.

Meeting a mentor

Start by logging in to our mentoring platform with your APS account and creating your mentee profile.

Prospective mentees will receive mentor matches based on geography, technical discipline, and other criteria. You can send up to two mentor requests at a time.

You will receive an email response letting you know if your request has been accepted or declined. If your request is accepted, reach out to your new mentor and get started.

Don't worry if your request was declined, or if you didn't receive a response. You can cancel your request and search for another mentor.

Start the IMPact mentorship matching process

Becoming a mentor

IMPact mentors are current APS members working in industry. They range in career stage from postdocs to senior scientists, but the most important requirement is a dedication to providing guidance, knowledge, and experience that will be useful to the mentee.

As a mentor, you should plan to commit about an hour a month over three to four months to each mentoring relationship.

Additionally, you will complete an information form, which includes basic questions about:

• Your research interests
• Your areas of expertise to provide advice and guidance
• Your past mentoring experience
• A short paragraph describing your interest in mentoring

Mentees review your answers to help them select a mentor that is best matched with their own career goals. As a mentor, we ask that you provide feedback on your experience.

Get started as an IMPact mentor

It is up to both mentor and the mentee to decided if they wish to continue communicating.

Become a mentor with IMPact today

Establish regular check-ins

Mentees and their mentors will get the most out of the mentoring relationship with consistent and regular check-ins.

Within a week of being matched, the mentee should contact their mentor to establish an initial meeting. After the first meeting, you should establish a regular schedule to meet at least monthly, for approximately 30 minutes. In most cases, meetings will be held virtually.

It is up to both mentors and mentees to decided if they wish to continue communicating.

Mentors and mentees may discuss many topics, including:

• Daily activities
• Project selection
• Conference attendance
• Resume advice
• General career advice
• Higher education options
• Technical information
• Personal encouragement