Developing a Successful HPC Mentoring Program at the IHPCSS

The International High-Performance Computing Summer School (IHPCSS), established in 2010, addresses the challenge of training the next generation of HPC users by providing a platform for students and early career researchers to learn about HPC. The program includes technical training, science talks, and a strong mentoring component aimed at nurturing individuals, creating professional networks and building a supportive community. We describe the evolution of the mentoring program as it was expanded to become more formalized and inclusive, with dedicated sessions focusing on career development, interpersonal skills, and networking. Mentors and mentees are matched on the basis of shared interests and backgrounds, with a focus on career and work/life topics rather than technical mentoring. The IHPCSS also includes returning mentors, former IHPCSS students who return to serve as near-peer mentors, providing valuable insight into career progression in HPC. The key mentoring sessions are tailored to support participants in different aspects of their professional life. For example, the Career Paths session provides insights into different career paths, helping participants to make informed decisions about their future and the Goal Setting session helps participants set clear and achievable goals, fostering a strategic approach to personal and professional development. Through formal evaluations, student frequently express that the mentoring components are the most valuable parts of the IHPCSS. By considering the evaluations and feedback from each class, the organizers continuously improve the mentoring program. This paper captures our experience and lessons learned to provide a resource for other institutions interested in establishing similar initiatives in HPC or related fields.