Being on a TPC for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. So many new things to process, while trying to be your best, trying to prove worthy of the recognition given by the invitation, senior persons watching etc.
At ECRTS, we started some form of mentoring of first time or junior TPC members. As TPC chair you can
- meet with them before major milestones and explain what will happen, what is expected of them
- monitor their activities and give individual feedback
- support them if needed in discussions with senior TPC members to ensure their opinions are heard, not drowned out by shyness or other noise
Junior TPC members have given some of the best TPC work I have seen, contributing constructively and professionally. Lets foster this valuable community resource.