About the Mentor Program

Introduction

The Mentor Program, which traces its roots back to 1995, was founded by the Student Organization for Alumni Relations (SOAR) to help students in their search for advice, direction and a slice of reality of what the future has in store. Since its establishment it has helped hundreds of students meet alumni who either graduated from the same program or who have gone into careers that are similar to the students’ interests. Last year the McGill Mentorship program underwent some changes, the most significant of which being the new tri-partnership in the management and administration of the program between the McGill Alumni Association (MAA), Career Planning Service (CaPS) and the Student Organization for Alumni Relation (SOAR). This promising partnership will allow the Mentor Program to reach even more students and enlist a wider variety of Alumni as mentors.



Program Description

The McGill Mentor Program views the mentoring relationship between McGill University Alumni and students as a partnership. Participation of both parties is voluntary, and thus the success of the exchange is dependant on the commitment of both the student and the mentor; a joint investment is required in order to attain joint gains. Meetings between mentor and mentee are as flexible as the participants desire them to be: they can occur as often as desired, and range from casual exchanges to formal meetings. The Mentor Program is not intended as a job placement service for students, but is offered as a tool for students seeking career path advice from successful and experienced McGill Alumni. All McGill students are welcome in the program, and recent graduates are eligible for the program for up to a year after graduation.

Benefits & Objectives

  • To provide the student with the necessary aid in further defining their personal career and other developmental objectives.
  • To assist the student in exploring career and labour market information while gaining exposure to the workforce.
  • To identify career trends and opportunities in a student’s chosen field or career.
  • For students to have an opportunity to learn from mentors’ experiences, personal insights, knowledge, and know-how, and to receive assistance and guidance in attaining career related goals.
  • To provide guidance in building professional networks.
  • To receive tips and information about the job and guidance on professional image
  • To determine whether the career, industry, or company being pursued matches the student’s skills, interests and expectations.
  • To better understand business ethics and etiquette.
  • To put McGill Alumni in touch with today's students and activities.

The role of the student

  • In order to apply, you must complete the on-line Student Application Form.
  • A commitment of one semester is recommended
  • Attendance at either a CV Workshop or a CV drop-in in order to have your CV corrected is recommended. You may also have your CV reviewed by an advisor.
  • The Mentor Coordinator will provide further details about the role of the student and his/her level of involvement. For information please contact the Coordinator at mentor.caps@mcgill.ca.