February 3, 2021
Daniel Henderson, Director of Biomedical Workforce Development at NH INBRE, initiates the concept of an alumni mentoring network as part of a broader workforce development initiative. The goal is to strengthen relationships between alumni and current students, particularly in biomedical fields, by leveraging the expertise of INBRE alumni. A key focus is on preparing students for internships and employment through mentoring and professional development activities.
July 1, 2021
The NH INBRE Alumni Network Charter is drafted. The charter outlines the structure and goals of the alumni network, which aims to provide career and professional development resources to current NH INBRE students and alumni. The network’s primary function is to connect students with alumni mentors who can guide them in career planning, interview preparation, and professional networking. LinkedIn is chosen as the platform for this network, with an advisory board established to guide its development.
July 2, 2021
Daniel Henderson reaches out to active alumni to join the advisory board. The board's initial tasks include setting up a meeting schedule, launching the LinkedIn group, building a comprehensive alumni database, and developing a mentoring model to be reviewed by NH INBRE leadership. The advisory board is also tasked with publicizing successes and maintaining communication between alumni and students.
August 2021
As part of the NH INBRE Annual Meeting, efforts are made to engage alumni in mentoring activities. This includes organizing workshops focused on resume writing, interviewing skills, and career planning. The alumni network is promoted as a vital resource for students attending the meeting, with plans to continue these efforts in future annual meetings.
September 19, 2022
Discussions begin around expanding the alumni mentoring program to include medical school mentoring panels, targeting current INBRE students interested in pursuing MD paths. This new initiative aims to further enhance the professional development opportunities available through the alumni network by connecting students with alumni in advanced medical training.
Spring 2023
The NH INBRE Career Speaker Series is launched to further expand career development opportunities for students. The series features alumni who have gone on to various successful careers, including medicine, academia, and industry. The sessions, held via Zoom, provide students with insights into different career paths and the steps required to achieve success in those fields. The series is designed as a networking opportunity for students to connect with alumni who can serve as mentors.
September 26, 2023
The Graduate School Mentoring Program kicks off as part of the alumni network's ongoing efforts to support students pursuing advanced degrees. This program consists of monthly sessions that cover various topics related to graduate school applications, such as selecting programs, preparing personal statements, and interview techniques. These sessions are led by current graduate students who are NH INBRE alumni and offer a platform for current students to ask questions and receive personalized advice.
Ongoing (2024 and Beyond)
The NH INBRE Alumni Network continues to grow, with ongoing efforts to recruit new members, expand mentoring activities, and provide professional development resources. The advisory board meets regularly to refine the network's offerings and ensure it remains a valuable tool for both students and alumni in the biomedical field.