Question 1

Is mentorship on PhiDoc free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Finding a mentor, sending a mentorship request and talking to your mentor are free for doctoral students on PhiDoc. Premium adds research tools such as the AI literature library and the full Baahith assistant, but no part of mentorship is behind it.

Question 2

What is the difference between a mentor and a thesis supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Your thesis supervisor is appointed by your doctoral school, owns the scientific direction of your thesis and signs the documents that let you defend. A mentor has no institutional role at all. They are an experienced researcher who advises you in confidence about your work, your publications and your career, and you can have one at any point without your supervisor being involved.

Question 3

Can I find a mentor wherever I am doing my PhD?

Accepted Answer

Yes. PhiDoc is open to doctoral researchers in every country, including those in cotutelle or studying abroad. Mentors write from several countries, and many mentor precisely because they once made the same move.

Question 4

How long does a mentorship last?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed term. Some conversations answer one question about a journal submission and end there. Others run for the length of a thesis. You and your mentor agree the rhythm, and either of you can end it.

Question 5

How do I become a mentor?

Accepted Answer

Create a PhiDoc profile, turn on the mentor option in your settings and describe what you can help with. You choose how many mentorship requests you accept, and you can pause at any time. Mentors are typically postdocs, faculty, or researchers with several years of experience after the PhD.

Question 6

Is my conversation with a mentor private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mentorship conversations are private between you and your mentor. Your institution, your supervisor and other PhiDoc members cannot read them.

PhD Mentorship from Experienced Researchers