Mentorships should be transformational relationships, mutually beneficial for both the mentor and the mentee, and in Canada’s biotech industry they are essential. As the industry continues to grow, the need for qualified, skilled workers has increased. There is a significant gap from entry-level to executive positions that permeates the industry, as Michael May and Peter Zandstra wrote about here. It’s exciting to see the progress that has been made since that 2018 blog post, including the launch of the Canadian Advanced Therapies Training Institute.
Mentorship is a proven tool to invest in the future of our industry and cultivate the next generation of leaders. As per this Forbes article, mentors invest “a bit of themselves in helping to pay it forward” and thereafter create a pathway for enhancing an individual’s skills and competencies, and close the “confidence gap.” Dr. Allison McWilliams, in Psychology Today, describes the confidence gap as a phenomenon wherein young professionals possess the skills and abilities to succeed in their roles, but cannot advance to higher-level positions due to a lack of confidence in their abilities. A 2018 study found that only 36 per cent of recent graduates felt “very confident” in their ability to seek professional development opportunities. Mentees can access a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise through mentors, broadening their network and asking questions.
Mentorship isn’t only for those in the early stages of their career. Fostering professional relationships at all levels of growth is equally important. In Season Two, Episode Three of the Commercializing Living Therapies with CCRM podcast, Dolores Baksh, CEO of TAAV Biomanufacturing Solutions, and Susan Nichols, Chief Business Officer at ViroCell Biologics, discuss how they’ve benefitted from mentorship in all stages of their career development, especially in the regenerative medicine and cell and gene space where pivoting and perseverance are fundamental to one’s longevity. The benefits of mentorship for more senior working professionals include the ability to hone leadership skills, the accumulation of valuable knowledge and perspectives, and exposure to the latest trends and technologies from the next generation.
Below is a curated list of mentorship programs and organizations you may find helpful as you begin your mentorship journey.
Student Biotechnology Network (SBN): The Student Biotechnology Network, based in Western Canada, is a student driven and led, not-for-profit organization that “provides students an autonomous forum to discuss and explore interests in biotechnology and the life sciences.” It has an 8-month mentee-led program that connects talented students with successful biotech professionals who can guide them as they explore potential career opportunities. Check out SBN’s website to learn more about this unique opportunity.
Ten Thousand Coffees + LSO Hub: A membership with Life Sciences Ontario offers mentorship support through its digital mentorship hub with Ten Thousand Coffees. The program is entirely virtual and operates like a virtual coffee chat, offering resources and support to recent graduates, young professionals, and anyone navigating a career transition wanting to network with experienced mentors within the sector. If you’re interested in learning more, visit the LSO hub page.
Women in Advanced Therapies: Phacilitate’s Women in Advanced Therapies (WIAT) program strives to build a community of women who can support each other, share experiences and pave the way for the next generation of leaders in advanced therapies. This all-female initiative has opportunities for both mentors and mentees; click here to learn more.
Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA): The HBA Mentoring Program claims to have helped advance over 6,000 professionals into influential leadership roles. Their program is for HBA members only and employs a 1:1 mentoring model. Mentoring pairs typically meet virtually as the program is international. Learn more about the power of the HBA network here.
Women in Bio: Boardroom Ready: Women in Bio’s Boardroom Ready program was established to assist life sciences executives in landing their first director role and ensuring they succeed in the boardroom. Each cohort participates in an intensive five-day board governance curriculum and is paired with an experienced board member to mentor them through the program. This U.S. based organization has a chapter in Montreal, Canada, but also offers mentoring virtually.
Canada’s biotech industry is growing exponentially and becoming more dynamic as it continues to drive innovation and expand its ecosystem. This growth requires honing a unique skill set and an infusion of skilled workers to meet demand. Through sharing knowledge, mentorship programs like those outlined above impact not only the industry but also an individual’s career pathway. Think of it like this: “If it takes a village to raise a child” then it takes a village to build a career too.
Source for stats: https://www.thementormethod.com/single-post/mentoring-statistics-the-research-you-need-to-know#:~:text=Employees%20who%20are%20mentored%20are,participate%20in%20a%20mentorship%20program
Tannen Horber
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