Shadow Mentoring: Professional Advice from an Award-Winning Scholar

Who am I?

My name is Dr. Caroline Shenaz Hossein. I am a tenured professor who has worked at Canada’s two largest universities. With over fifteen years of experience in academia, I have held significant funded research chairs. My scholarly contributions, including seven books and more than fifty articles and book chapters, are internationally recognized and widely cited. I also draw on my professional work experience, where I have had the privilege of delivering talks and training in dozens of countries and have lived and worked in various regions, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.

Why Shadowing Mentoring is for you

Shadow mentoring refers to informal and often unrecognized mentorship activities that differ from traditional, acknowledged mentoring roles. This can include job shadowing, where someone observes a mentor's work; situations where an unseen third party observes a mentoring session to provide feedback to the main mentor; or the use of a "shadow board"—a group of junior employees who advise senior leaders. What I am doing here is taking a new spin on “shadow mentoring” as one that is purposefully hidden to help you excel. My work is completely separate from my day job, and I run it like a business.

Services

For the past decade, I have dedicated part of my time to academic coaching. In my professional practice, I often engage with individuals remotely via Zoom, spending significant time exploring their challenges and providing guidance where possible. It is important to clarify that I am not a medical doctor; the coaching and advice I offer stem from my personal insights gained through years of experience. My recommendations are based solely on my personal journey toward success and are intended for informational purposes only, not as professional medical advice. I have a strong interest in supporting fellow academics, students, and parents in navigating their scholarly journeys and achieving their personal and professional goals. My coaching services are 100% confidential and sessions are tailored to meet each individual's unique needs, fostering growth and academic success.

University Advice for Parents and Students

I am pleased to offer my coaching services to families preparing for university or community college. Growing up in a working-class environment, I understand the challenges faced by first-generation students. Navigating higher education can be particularly daunting when no one in your family has attended university before. I am committed to providing sound advice on academic subjects to pursue and guidance on how to effectively prepare and strengthen your applications. For students, cultivating a genuine passion for knowledge, participating in academic discussions, and seeking diverse perspectives are crucial for personal and professional growth. My goal is to empower each student to reach their full potential and succeed in their educational journey.

Coaching for Struggling Academics

I am especially interested in supporting academics who find themselves in difficult situations and feel stuck in their careers. Having faced human rights abuses and discrimination during my years at university, I understand the profound impact these experiences can have on one’s professional life. My aim is to offer coaching and guidance for scholars who have faced attacks on their integrity and those navigating the complexities of the tenure track. All my advice is from my own lived experience which may or may not work for you but you should decide. I also want to work with adjunct faculty having been there myself and who are struggling to secure tenure-track positions. Together, we can work toward overcoming these obstacles and forging paths to successful and fulfilling academic careers. If you are an academic in distress, I invite you to reach out. Your journey matters, and I am here to support you in reclaiming your professional narrative.

Thriving in the Academe

As a highly successful academic who has received major awards and maintained an incredibly prolific output, I have developed insights into how to thrive in academia. I plan to share these strategies with scholars and students alike. Success in the academic world requires more than just dedication to research and teaching. It involves understanding the nuances of institutional culture, mastering the art of social networking, and navigating the rigors of academic publishing. Additionally, effective time management and self-discipline are crucial for balancing teaching, research, and administrative duties. I encourage scholars to embrace collaboration and mentorship—building supportive networks can significantly enhance your academic journey. All I ask is that you be open to critical feedback to help you succeed on your chosen path.

Fees

As I said earlier, my work as a mentor is completely separate from my day job. As an academic, I do not work on mentoring and coaching for the general public. And like any small business, I need to charge fees for my services. My introductory hourly rate is $200 for the first hour, with $100 for each additional 20-minute session or book a 2-hr session for $400. Clients may choose to have a single meeting or ongoing sessions according to their preferences. I aim to keep my rates reasonable and affordable. For university-affiliated clients, I can issue invoices directly to your institution, allowing either direct payment from them or reimbursement to you later for any costs incurred. During our one-hour session, I will provide the necessary Zoom links, which are complimentary for participants. All of my advice is just that, advice: you can decide for yourself what you want to do.