REACH's Research Analytics Mentorship Program (RAMP) is a peer-to-peer mentorship program open to professionals in a variety of areas within research analytics, evaluation, and research administration. Mentors and mentees can expect to build upon their skills to contribute to this growing community.
Research Analytics Mentorship Program
At-A-Glance: RAMP 2025 - 2026
The 2025-2026 program matched 1-4 mentees with a single mentor based on identified mentee goals and mentor expertise. RAMP formally runs for from October - March.
Mentees are expected to have a culminating experience of their choice. Suggested deliverables may include a presentation (cohort or individual) at the annual Research Analytics Summit, presentation or poster at another professional conference (regional or national), a virtual webinar through REACH, or a written article (e.g. NCURA magazine) describing the impact of the RAMP learning experience.
Missed the application window?
Keep a look out for our monthly webinar series, "Casual Fridays", where attendees can learn from a variety of experts and network with other members of the community.
For current RAMP Mentees
As a mentee, you will share your professional experience with your mentor, and bring them your questions about the research analytics field.
What can I expect from my mentor?
Your mentor will be an research analytics professional with multiple years of experience in analytics and/or higher education.
From October to March, mentors will meet virtually once or twice a month with their mentee group with individual 1:1 mentor/mentee meetings as needed. At the group meetings, your mentor will share their professional and career experience with you, talk with you about your experience and goals, support your efforts accomplish your defined goals and develop your identified deliverable, and answer questions!
You were paired with a mentor who had expertise in areas that you indicated were of high interest to you in your application.
How long is the program?
The 2025-2026 mentor and mentee applicants received their group pairings in September and will meet from October to March (6-months).
Does it cost anything to participate?
No! Participation in RAMP is free for mentees. However, REACH does not have funds to support mentee travel expenses for program deliverables. Costs for associated activities are the responsibility of the mentee’s home institution.
For current RAMP mentors
As a mentor, you will share your work experience, professional knowledge and expertise, personal career path, and interests with your mentee group.
How much time can I expect to spend?
We ask mentors to meet virtually with their mentee group once or twice a month and hold 1:1 meetings with mentees in their group, as needed.
Mentors should be able to invest up to 5 hours each month. This time includes the group meetings, 1:1 meetings, and attendance at the monthly webinar (if desired). Mentors may spend more or less than 5 hours each month, but 5 hours is provided as a reference point.
What are some common discussion topics?
- Current issues in the profession
- Your personal career path and experience
- Career tracks and exploration
- What a “typical” day is like for you
- How to look for and get a job
- Management issues
- Skill development related to mentees' defined goals and deliverables
What traits will a successful mentor have?
Mentors should be responsive, kind, and encouraging to their mentees. Successful mentors should have:
- a desire to help others grow and develop professionally
- patience with mentees who are still developing their skills and exploring/defining their interests
- a willingness to learn from and about students’ experiences
Mentors may consider reviewing this infographic on PurdueGlobal for information on generational differences in the workplace.