Promoting sociology in Australia
Facilitating sociology teaching and research
Enhancing the professional development of TASA members
TASA Post Grads
Welcome to TASA Postgrads: the Postgraduate section of TASAweb. In this section we have collated a range of web resources for postgraduate students, including: PhD study tips, research methods and groups, and scholarships.
TASA MENTORING PROGRAM
In 2010, the first TASA Mentoring Program will be launched. Below you will find information regarding the aims and expectations of the program, as well as details of how you can become involved.
Program Aims:
TheTASA Mentoring Program will partner TASA student members with professional sociologists from outside their university. The main aim of the program is to provide opportunities for student members to extend their networks beyond their home department and to access a relevant career mentor other than their supervisor(s). For mentors, the program provides an opportunity to reflect on their careers, ‘give back’ to the sociological community, and to keep up to date with educational trends and the issues facing emerging sociologists.
Program Expectations:
Mentoring Partnerships:
It is expected that mentors and mentees make contact at least four times during the year via e-mail / phone / Skype. For some partnerships, this will be enough for both parties to benefit, whilst others may mutually decide to have more frequent contact. Outside of these broad guidelines, both parties should be prepared to openly discuss and agree on their expectations at the beginning of the program. Support materials and more detailed guidelines will be provided to mentors and mentees upon acceptance into the program to help them establish their mentoring partnership.
Mentors:
The mentor role is collegial and career orientated, rather than academic. It is NOT intended as an academic supervisory role. Mentors will be sourced from the current TASA membership and therefore may be based in academic or non-academic sectors. Whilst there is not an onerous time commitment expected from mentors, they should have a genuine interest in partnering with an emerging sociologist for the duration of the program.
Mentees:
All mentees must be financial TASA members. Mentees may be student members at Honours, Masters or PhD level. They may also be recent graduates who are considering further study or evaluating their career options. As mentoring is a partnership, mentees must be motivated to get the most out of the program and not simply expect their mentors to ‘give them all the answers’.
How will mentors and mentees be matched?
It is intended that mentors and mentees will be matched according to interests and aims for the program, as detailed on the application form. However, mentors and mentees should be as open-minded as possible when expressing preferences, as it is not always possible to find ‘exact’ matches. Indeed, literature on mentoring programs also shows that diversity within the mentoring partnership can also be the most rewarding part of the experience for both mentors and mentees, so keep this in mind!
When will the program run?
The program will run annually from July to June, with the inaugural year planned for 2010-2011. This timing is intended to facilitate as many mentors and mentees as possible to be able to meet in person at the 2010 TASA conference in December, at which a special mentor program event will be scheduled into the conference program.
How do I apply?
If you would like to apply to the TASA Mentoring Program, download the relevant application form below and return it by e-mail to the TASA Postgraduate Member, Peta Freestone: postgrad@tasa.org.au
The deadline for return of all applications for the 2010/2011 program is COB, Friday 30th April, 2010.
Both mentors and mentees will be notified of the outcome of their application in June 2010.
Questions?
If you still have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the TASA Postgraduate Member, Peta Freestone: postgrad@tasa.org.au
Postgraduate Workshop
The Postgraduate Workshop held each year immediately prior to the annual TASA conference is a great place to meet other postgrads and develop professional skills.
Are you a TASA member?
We invite all postgraduate students who have an interest in sociological research to become members of TASA. Postgraduate students make up approximately one third of TASA’s members. TASA membership will provide you with opportunities to enhance your career through professional development activities, scholarly exchange and networking opportunities.Membership benefits include:
- Annual TASA conference: Substantial conference registration discounts
- Annual TASA conference: Postgraduate Workshop
- Annual TASA conference: TASA Conference Scholarships
- Awards: Eligibility for the Jean Martin Award for Best PhD
- E-Access: Access to TASAweb E-list and Members-only section featuring info on scholarships & early career positions
- Representation: Advocacy on the TASA Executive via a dedicated postgraduate executive member
- Publication: Subscription to the quarterly Nexus Newsletter
- Publication discounts: Sage and Footprints Books
To find out more information about TASA membership or to join online using our secure payment system, click here.
Postgraduate Executive Member
Your Postgraduate Member on the TASA Executive is Peta Freestone, PhD student at Melbourne University, and co-convenor of TASAs economic sociology thematic group. Please send any feedback and suggestions via email to postgrad@tasa.org.au.
TASA Postgraduates can now interact via facebook!
British Sociological Association Postgraduate Forum (BSA PG Forum)
The BSA PG Forum have produced a new blog and podcast. For the full details, click here.