Social Psychology Network

Maintained by Scott Plous, Wesleyan University

SPN Mentorship Program

Are you an undergraduate student interested in a career in social or personality psychology? Are you a member of an underrepresented group in psychology, such as a racial or ethnic minority? Have you ever wished you had a mentor who could guide you through the process of becoming a professional psychologist? Then you've come to the right place!

The SPN Mentorship Program is one of the largest and most international mentorship programs in psychology, connecting college students with their choice of more than 600 faculty and postdoctoral mentors. Eligible students include:

  • Racial/ethnic minority members
  • First-generation college students
  • LGBTQ+ students
  • Students with a disability

SPN Mentors have volunteered to answer questions and provide guidance via email to students who are interested in becoming a personality or social psychologist. For example, SPN Mentors can:

  1. Answer questions about social and personality psychology
  2. Suggest professional groups for you to join as a student affiliate
  3. Help you select graduate programs that fit your needs
  4. Offer tips on getting into graduate school or finding jobs in psychology
  5. Provide expert feedback on résumés, graduate school applications, and statements of purpose


How the Program Works

Whether you are looking for an answer to a single question or looking to establish an ongoing relationship with a mentor, participation in the program involves three easy steps.

Step 1: If you are searching for the answer to a specific question, begin by checking whether the information is contained in Frequently Asked Career Questions.
Step 2: If the answer doesn't appear, search for an SPN Mentor based on whatever attributes matter to you (e.g., geographic region, gender, school, research interests).
Step 3: Email the mentor you choose, making sure to identify yourself clearly as a participant in the SPN Mentorship Program.

Note to Faculty Members

If you would like to volunteer as a mentor, please add your name to the mentor database by editing your Social Psychology Network Profile (just check the "SPN Mentor" box). To be a mentor, you do not need to be a minority group member. The success of this program depends upon the generosity of individuals who are willing to serve as mentors.



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