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Student Advice & Resources

Topics to discuss with your mentor

You understand the importance of frequent and ongoing communication with your UROP mentor, and perhaps you’ve even set up a time for regular in-person or remote meetings. Now what? Having a clear idea of what topics you’d like to cover will help ensure that meetings are productive, supportive, and feel like time well spent for both you and your mentor. 

Consider these questions and topics when thinking about what you’d like to discuss during your mentor meetings. 

Progress toward your goals

  • What specific work had you hoped to accomplish over the previous week or two, and what did you actually accomplish? 
  • If you did not accomplish all you intended, what do you think was the cause? 
  • How are you planning to accomplish any incomplete goals? 
    • What additional training or guidance might be helpful to you? 
    • Are there tools or resources that you need? 
    • How can your mentor help? 
  • What are your goals for the next few weeks? 
  • How has your experience over the last few weeks influenced those goals and how you’ll accomplish them?

Your overall UROP experience

  • In general, what specific challenges do you find yourself facing during your UROP and how are you working to overcome them? 
  • What are some of the lessons you’re learning? 
  • Are you getting the support and resources you need to do your very best work? 

Guidance and procedures related to on-campus vs remote work continue to evolve at MIT and beyond. These resources will help you maximize your UROP experience during times when work is being completed remotely: