The workshop was partially supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation. The opinions expressed below are those of the workshop participants. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Throughout this document, `young', `junior', and `senior' refer to the number of years past the PhD.
The consensus was that mentoring partnerships are particularly valuable to the new PhD. It is critical that new PhDs branch out and broaden their research program. Mentors can help the new PhD move into a new area, as well as help them deal with the many new issues that arise for postdocs and new faculty.
Talk to young people about their research. Suggest people who might like to hear about their work. Suggest who are the `right people' and the `wrong people' to tell about their ongoing research.
Tell Junior people about relevant conferences and workshops. Don't assume that they are aware of upcoming workshops, or that they know which conferences may be relevant. Tell Junior people that it is important to go to conferences.
Invite Junior people to your department to give talks.
Help Junior people describe why their work is important. Often Junior people fail to convey an appreciation of how their work fits into the big picture, so it is helpful if you suggest thing like `You should mention the connection between your work and ...'
Take the time to talk to Junior people about their work, even if it is in an area that you are not an expert.
Go to conferences and workshops. Ask Senior people about appropriate conferences. Go to conferences even if you have to pay for it yourself. The AMS has a calendar of workshops and conferences.
Work to obtain funding to attend conferences and to travel to work with collaborators. Most universities provide funding for this purpose, but you may need to ask to find out what is available. Many conferences provide funding: ask the organizers if funding is available.
Pursue appropriate research partnerships, particularly as you try to move onto a new problem following your PhD. Ask senior people for advice on choosing collaborators and new problems. Find a mentor whom you can relate to on a personal level.
Talk to other Junior people about your work, and listen to what they have to say. Ask people about their research projects. Don't be put off if they give short answers: that is common practice and probably is not a reflection of their opinion of you.
Ask questions during seminar. Don't be excessively deferential.
Talk to people about your work. Put your preprints in the ArXiv. Subscribe to the daily mailings of papers in your area in the ArXiv (click on `Subscription' in the lower right corner).