In this post, MPhil student Wing Yin Anna TSUI shares her experience of organising and participating in an academic mentoring session and writing retreat with world-leading professors visiting HKU Sociology.

On February 25, 2025, the Department of Sociology hosted an inspiring mentoring session for over 20 research postgraduate (RPg) students and early career scholars. Esteemed visiting sociologists, Professors Michèle Lamont and Frank Dobbin from Harvard University, shared their invaluable insights on academic writing and navigating scholarly careers.

As part of our tradition, the Department invites current and visiting faculty to join the Department of Sociology’s RPg writing retreats, fostering an environment of collaboration and learning. We were thrilled when Professors Lamont and Dobbin accepted our invitation, allowing us to engage in meaningful discussions about writing and scholarship.

Prof. Lamont emphasised the importance of taking initiative in building both vertical and horizontal mentoring networks. She encouraged students to connect with peers and supervisors while ensuring diversity in their networks to encompass various research areas and identities. Proactivity is key; junior researchers should not hesitate to reach out for mentorship and support. Relating her personal experience, Prof. Lamont further shared how she uses deadlines to motivate her writing and prioritise research amidst numerous commitments. Her advice resonated with many attendees who face similar challenges.

Prof. Dobbin focused on two primary questions: how to structure a work routine and tackle writing struggles, and how to select appropriate journals for publication. He distinguished between two types of writing: exploratory writing for developing narratives and formal writing for publication. He advised against early perfectionism and advocated for flexibility in the writing process. Additionally, he encouraged participants to reserve their prime hours for writing, and to target top journals to gain valuable feedback and insights into successful articles’ argumentative style.

During the Q&A session, attendees posed questions about effective article framing, literature reviews, and responding to reviewer comments. Furthermore, both Professors highlighted the unpredictable nature of academic careers, urging participants to pursue research topics they are truly passionate about.

We are excited to report that the Department’s writing retreat model, inspired by Murray and Newton (2009), caught the interest of Professors Lamont and Dobbin, who expressed a desire to host similar events at their home institution. They were particularly impressed by our RPg-led retreats, which have been running since October 2023 as a collaborative initiative organised by MPhil/PhD students and faculty members of the Department. The eminent Visiting Professors recognised the retreats’ potential to enhance research-oriented interactions, build confidence, and foster cross-disciplinary dialogue.

The presence of Professors Lamont and Dobbin has significantly strengthened our academic community. Their insights may even influence research environments at top universities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Sociology and the Faculty of Social Sciences for their support in making this event a success. We also encourage more student-led initiatives to continue bringing dynamism to the HKU research community.

(Wing Yin Anna TSUI, MPhil student, Department of Sociology)