Recently, a junior scholar took an aggressive shot and commented that I didn’t understand modern methods.
I was really bothered, because early in my career, I used to run the data on all of my projects.
For me, running data was better than playing Doom or Legends of Zelda - I could get lost in it!
These days, I find myself doing a lot more work on the ideation, packaging, and contributions - and rarely running data.
So it stung!
Then I remembered the words of a pretty famous Management scholar.
‘Jason, enjoy running the data while you can, some day, you’ll be responsible for the big picture’
She then explained to me her career started with running data & now she spent her time helping people like me learn to publish.
I reflected on the many lessons she imparted through our collaboration that prepared me to become a mentor.
It took a long time for them to sink in - and even now - I catch myself thinking about how she managed me - when I’m on a call with my team.
What did she teach me?
First, extend trust.
Once you are convinced a student is capable, don’t second guess them. Suggest analysis, make sure it is complete etc. but don’t undermine the students confidence.
Why?
Bc the academic system mostly breaks people down. Your job as a mentor is to build them up.
Second, trust but verify.
When a student runs analysis, ask them to walk you through what they did. Force them to explain their choices and the outcomes.
Why?
Bc this helps them prepare to explain their work in writing and in presentations.
Third, teach good habits.
My mentor taught me version control, insisted on sequential revisions of papers, & made me archive raw and processed versions of data.
Why?
No one teaches research habits and hygiene in seminars. We shape people by teaching them habits.
Fourth, make students write.
My mentor made me write first drafts, second drafts, and so on. She would provide extensive comments in margins - but not write sections of papers. Only late in the process would she take a hand in writing.
I used to get so pissed, thinking I was being abused.
What she was really doing, was force me to learn to write, iterate on ideas, & communicate ideas.
Fifth, be available.
My mentor was always available. If her door was open, we were free to drop in.
Her open door made papers move faster.
Why?
Bc she managed us. After a problem was resolved, she would nudge you to get to work.
Bc she had listened, you felt obliged to work.
Through showing me trust, making me write, & demonstrating the power of a nudge, she prepared me to manage papers.
These days, I realize she could have written the papers without me! I’m glad she invested in me.
& I hope paying forward these tips help you transition fron data analyst to mentor!
I still want to run data - I miss Doom! But, it’s just as fun helping students grow!
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