Events


Proven approaches to career advancement


With the SSP’s Annual Meeting in Boston just weeks away, the organisation is promoting the theme of self- improvement within publishing


Whether you have a clear career path mapped out in your mind, or are waiting on the next opportunity to present itself, taking that next step up the ladder requires a dedicated effort to continuously develop your skills, knowledge, and network.


As a membership organisation focused on the professional development of scholarly publishing professionals, the Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP) has determined that several key strategies can help professionals accelerate their advancement. These proven approaches include mentorship, volunteerism, networking, and training and education.


Mentorship Mentorship is a reliable approach to advancing in one’s career, particularly for those new in their field or place of employment. Mentorship goes beyond training and education by helping newcomers navigate through the sometimes confusing or complex situations they can face. While mentorship is often associated with those early in their career, professionals can substantially benefit from mentorship at any stage of their career, both as a mentee or mentor. Because of the power of mentorship,


SSP launched our Travel Grant program in 2011 and since that time have expanded the program to include year-round mentorship from industry veterans. Now called the Fellowship Program, it offers a wide range of career development and nurturing opportunities for students and


38 Research Information June/July 2017


early-career professionals in the scholarly communication industry. Additional benefits include year-


round training opportunities, one-year complimentary SSP membership, free registrations to selected SSP events, and participation in community forums and SSP committees. Since 2011, nearly eighty-five students and early career professionals have participated in the program. Selection is highly-competitive as we receive 70 to 100 applications annually for 12 Fellowship grants. The success of the SSP Fellowship


program has led SSP members at all career levels to realise how much they could benefit from having a mentor or being a mentor. As a result, SSP is piloting a Mentorship Program. By developing this new mentorship program, SSP can help shape the leaders of scholarly communications through expansion of their professional competencies; cultivating a diverse and high-quality pool


“Mentors benefit by giving back to the field, enjoying the satisfaction and impact of sharing their knowledge and experience”


of candidates in the workforce. This program is ideal for professionals at


all career levels to develop relationships, share experiences, and learn from others outside their organisations. The pilot will run from June through November 2017. Mentors benefit by giving back to the field, enjoying the satisfaction and impact of sharing their knowledge and experience, expanding their networks, and learning new things from their mentees, to name a few. Mentees benefit from new perspectives on their work, further developing their networks, gaining a sounding board for ideas and projects, and increasing their sense of self-worth.


Volunteerism Getting involved by serving on a committee, task force or Board of Directors with an organisation like SSP is a great way to expand your network, gain valuable leadership skills and increase your personal and organisational visibility. SSP has an active base of volunteers. Nearly 25 per cent of our membership dedicates their time to helping SSP. We have a number of standing committees and active task forces where members can lend their expertise and time. Those interested in getting involved can learn more on our website, or attend the Get Involved Luncheon at the 2017 SSP Annual Meeting, May 31 to June 2 in Boston, USA.


This is an abridged version of a Viewpoint article posted by SSP at www.researchinformation.info/ viewpoint


@researchinfo | www.researchinformation.info


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