Become an ADSA Early-Career Mentor

Call for Applications: Early-Career Mentor for ADSA GSD

Empower the next generation of dairy scientists while advancing your own professional leadership.

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The ADSA Graduate Student Division (GSD) is proud to pilot an Early-Career Mentor Program designed to bridge the transition from graduate training to professional careers in academia and industry.

We are seeking a dedicated early-career mentor to join the GSD Advisory Council and help shape the future of professional development within our community. The early-career mentor is

  • within five years of completing their PhD,
  • passionate about professional development and mentorship, and
  • ready to contribute to the growth of the ADSA community.
Applications are due by Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., and duties will begin shortly thereafter and run through December 30, 2026.

 

Miss the deadline or need more time? Submit your application, and we’ll reach out for the 2026 to 2027 term (beginning in July 2026 through June 2027)!


Benefits

This isn’t just a volunteer role—it’s a career-building opportunity. As an early-career mentor, you will receive

  • A formal letter of recognition from the ADSA Board of Directors
  • One year of complimentary ADSA membership (or a refund on your dues if you’re already a member!)—a $60 value!
  • Free registration to the ADSA 2026 Annual Meeting and the ticketed GSD educational session and GSD student recognition luncheon at the meeting

Role and Expectations

As an early-career mentor, you will

  • Regularly meet with the GSD Advisory Council
  • Lead or co-lead at least one professional-development webinar
  • Draft a proposal for the official Undergraduate Student Division (USD)–GSD Mentorship pilot program
  • Advise committee volunteers and guide GSD initiatives

Application Process

  • Nominees must submit
    • An application,
    • a brief statement of interest outlining their proposed contributions (2,300 keystrokes), and
    • a headshot (JPG or PNG).
  • Applications will be reviewed by the GSD Advisory Council, which will hold a GSD-wide election if needed.

Apply Now