How Mentoring Affects the Professional Development of Women in Psychology

In recent years there has been a proliferation of literature on the importance of mentoring to the careers of young professionals. The present article discusses the importance of mentoring for psychologists, both during graduate school and for the later acquisition of a professional position. Data concerning sex discrimination in academic settings is used to demonstrate the lack of mentoring available for women and how this may compound the problems that they face both when seeking employment and when finally ensconced in a work setting. The authors conclude that the advice to find a mentor may place undue responsibility on women: The lack of mentors may be a problem that can only be solved by changing the academic environment.