Hot Tips

Make the most of your participation.

Participation in the MCP is a key to the NIH -- it can open many doors for you. Despite their busy schedules, people will make time to support the program and its participants. Take advantage of the program's flexibility and be creative in shaping your own experience.

Select a mentor who will be helpful and supportive.

Your mentor should be willing to spend time with you to identify immediate career goals, to map out long-range career plans, and to expose you to new opportunities. You may want to select two mentors, each to help you in a different way.

Be open to new and different assignments.

Take the time to explore opportunities in a variety of areas.

Explore the NIH.

Become familiar with different aspects of your own Institute and then investigate other areas of the NIH. Have you visited an intramural or animal lab? Have you seen the Baltimore campus? Have you looked into facilities management operation? Have you learned about ongoing community relations projects?

Investigate several career paths.

Be aggressive in pursuing information about several career paths that may interest you, especially if you are undecided about your career goals. Set up informational interviews with people in a variety of positions to talk about the skills and responsibilities that their jobs entail. Even when they are busy, most people are happy to discuss their jobs and may be willing to schedule short meetings over lunch or just before and just after their regular work day.

Select details carefully.

In selecting details, you should look for opportunities that interest you, demonstrate your abilities, and expand your network of career advancement contacts. You may want to do one detail and investigate the possibility of extending it beyond the standard 30-day period or you may want to do several very different details - there are advantages to both. Decide which option is best for you and tailor the program to meet your needs.

Choose training opportunities wisely.

Select courses that will help you to perform in your current position and to expand your responsibilities there. Also select courses that will prepare you to move forward along your chosen career path, especially those courses that are recommended by people whom you have chosen to interview about their jobs.

Ensure successful meetings.

Whether you schedule an appointment with someone directly or with an administrative assistant, contact the person with whom you are meeting to confirm the date, time, and place. You may want to send a copy of your biographical sketch, resume, and/or individual development plan in advance.

Develop a network.

Use your MCP meetings, training, and details to develop open lines of communication with your fellow participants and others at the NIH. Use these contacts as a learning tool and to exchange information.

Contact MCP alumni.

Alumni from the 1996 and 1998 MCP classes are an excellent resource for general program information, advice on mentor selection, and help with designing your individual development plan.

Negotiate detail and shadow assignments.

Be sure to arrange details and shadow assignments with your supervisors. If you need help in negotiating, you can rely on MCP alumni, your mentor, and the LDC to help.

Showcase your abilities and talents.

Seek out and suggest new and interesting projects in your current job that will demonstrate the skills you are developing through your participation in the MCP. Volunteering for and creating new projects will be accepted in your institutes as an important part of your MCP experience.

Launch your career!

Use the MCP to create your own career opportunities.