Pharmacy Practice Faculty Publications

A Graduate Student Mentoring Program to Develop Interest in Research

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-2012

Journal Title

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education

ISSN

1553-6467

Volume

76

Issue

6

First Page

1

Last Page

9

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.5688/ajpe766104

PubMed ID

22919080

PubMed Central® ID

PMC3425919

Abstract

Objective. To assess the impact of a graduate student mentoring program on student interest in research and postgraduate education and on graduate student confidence in mentoring.

Methods. Undergraduate and pharmacy students (mentees) and graduate students (mentors) were matched and participated in the study, which required them to engage in at least 2 discussions regarding research and careers. Mentees completed a pre- and post-assessment of their perceptions of research, postgraduate training plans, and perceptions about mentors. Mentors completed a pre- and post-assessment of their perceptions about themselves as mentors and their confidence in mentoring.

Results. Although there were no significant differences among the mentees’ perceptions of research or the mentors’ confidence in mentoring, qualitative analysis indicated that the mentees’ perceptions of research improved and that the mentors believed their mentoring skills improved.

Conclusions. Based on the results of the qualitative analysis, implementing a graduate student mentoring program may help improve students’ perceptions of research and graduate students’ confidence in mentoring, which could increase student interest in postgraduate education and prepare mentors for future leadership roles.

Keywords

Graduate students, mentoring, pharmacy students, research, career choice, pharmacy education, graduate education, female, humans, male

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