Are you looking to take the next steps in your entomology career? ESA offers great options to help you grow professionally: the Professional Advancement Career Training (PACT) program, EntoMentos, and Science Policy Fellows.
Use the chart below to compare features and decide which program—or programs—align best with your professional journey.
Feature |
Professional Advancement Career Training (PACT) |
EntoMentos |
Science Policy Fellows |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Graduate students & postdocs | Students & early career professionals | All career levels |
| Application Deadline | June 1 | June 1 | June 1 |
| Program Duration | 6 months (September–March) | 5 months (June–November) | 2 Years (starts in November) |
| Structured Monthly Themes | ✔️ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No (topics vary with events and activities) |
| Mentorship Component | ✔️ Monthly meetings with assigned mentor (MentorCity) | ✔️ Flexible, mentee-chosen mentor relationships | ❌ No formal mentorship (mentoring by experience) |
| Group Discussions | ✔️ Monthly, guided peer discussions | ✔️ Weekly virtual meetings (optional) | ✔️ Group events, workshops, Hill meetings |
| Webinars/Meetings | ✔️ Monthly webinars | ✔️ Weekly sessions on rotating topics (optional) | ✔️ Webinars & briefings throughout the year |
| Networking Events | ✔️ In-person at ESA Annual Meeting | ✔️ Virtual discussions and platform interaction | ✔️ DC visits, Annual Meeting, agency meetings |
| Platform Features | ✔️ Robust MentorCity platform: profiles, messaging, goal setting, group mentoring | ✔️ Robust MentorCity platform: profiles, messaging, goal setting, group mentoring | ❌ No platform, uses email/event-based communication |
| Eligibility | ✔️ ESA members, U.S.-based grad students & postdocs | ✔️ Open to all interested participants | ✔️ ESA members, all career stages |
| Application Requirements | ✔️ CV, letter of interest, recommendation letter | ❌ Simple online sign-up | ✔️ CV, statements, letter of recommendation |
| Time Commitment | ✔️ ~4 hours/month (required) | ✔️ Flexible, optional attendance | ✔️ Two annual DC trips + webinars & workshops, assistance on specific projects |
| Cost | ✔️ $100 (for selected applicants) | ✔️ Free |
|
| Leadership & Soft Skills Focus | ✔️ Core program focus | ✔️ Included in group discussion topics |
|
| Career Exploration Outside Academia | ✔️ Strong focus | ✔️ Covered in discussion topics | ✔️ Yes—focus on government & policy careers |
| Recognition/Prestige | ✔️ Competitive program
|
❌ Informal and open
|
✔️ Highly prestigious, limited cohort |