The postdoc ‘buddy’ program is designed to get postdocs out of their small circles by pairing them with other postdocs in a systematic manner to help them build academically and mentally supportive communities. One hour of support from someone who is in the same shoes can be more valuable than 100 pages of Word documents with lists of resources. Sign up and we will match you with another postdoc at MIT, according to your preferences. You will receive a gift card so you can meet for coffee or lunch!
The PDA Buddy Program is supported by a grant from Mind Hand Heart and the PDA DE&I Committee. If you would like to help us run the program and make matches, or if you have questions feel free to email us at pda-community@mit.edu.
Registration for this chapter was closed on September 20. We plan to reopen registration for the next round in November.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the motivation for this program?
The three main goals of the buddy program are
- Providing a way for postdocs to meet each other outside of their existing research group
- Building a diverse and inclusive community of postdocs at MIT
- Providing a new source of resources and support to postdocs around the institute.
Can I apply to the program more than once?
Yes! If you enjoyed meeting someone new, we would be happy to pair you with someone else as well. Depending on funding, we might not be able to provide you with lunch a second time, though. If you liked the program, we would love to have you volunteer to help run it! Send us a message at pda-community@mit.edu.
Who can I email with questions?
Postdocs that administer the program can be reached at pda-community@mit.edu.
What happens when I am matched?
Based on your responses, we will match you with another postdoc at MIT. We will then email the matched pair to introduce you. If you noted any specific interests we will mention those to get the conversation going! It is up to you and the matched postdoc to schedule a time to meet. We will send each of you a gift card to the same restaurant to incentivize meeting up. The gift card will cover a coffee. If you were matched previously, but did not meet your buddy you are not eligible to receive another gift card.
Are there any requirements if I sign up?
If you are matched, and you received a gift card we expect that you will follow through and meet with your matched postdoc. We will send a survey afterward, and people who respond to that will be entered into a raffle for another gift card.