What is the McGill Mentor Program?
The McGill Mentor Program is designed to connect current McGill students with McGill alumni to assist students in achieving their highest potential as they explore career options. Through the program, students establish ties with professionals who can offer valuable advice about their career options and information about jobs, organizations and industries.
The relationship between mentors and mentees is viewed as a partnership. Participation of both parties is voluntary, and thus the success of the exchange is dependent on the commitment of both the mentee and the mentor. Meetings between mentor and mentee are as flexible as the participants desire them to be: they can occur as often as it is convenient and range from casual exchanges to formal meetings. Sometimes mentors who live outside of Montreal communicate with students by email or telephone. The length of each Mentor Match is approximately 4 months; however it may be extended to 8 months at the request of the mentee or mentor.
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.

History of the McGill Mentor Program
The McGill 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 glimpse of reality in regards to what their futures might have in store. Since its establishment, it has helped hundreds of students meet McGill alumni and staff who are leaders in their fields, industries and communities. The program is now managed through a partnership between the McGill Alumni Association (MAA) and the Career Planning Service (CaPS). 

Information for Mentees
What are the benefits of joining the McGill Mentor Program?

• The ability to receive tips on developing a professional image
• The opportunity to clarify your career goals
• Knowledge concerning business ethics and etiquette
• Networking contacts
• Enhancement of your employability
• Exposure to the work place

Role of the Student:
The role of the student needs to be proactive. It is imperative that the student has:

• Self-Awareness: Clarify to yourself and your mentor where you are in your career and specify what your goals are for the duration of the program.
• An Active Role: initiate contact with your mentor, be responsive and offer constructive feedback. It is important that you do the homework between mentoring sessions and approach your mentor with possible solutions to the challenges you would like help with.
• Professional Etiquette: Respect the Mentor’s time and contribution to the program, keep their personal information confidential and use proper business etiquette.

Commitment Requirements:

• Attend a CV drop-in session to get your CV revised.
• Attend a CaPS  networking workshop
• Schedule an appointment with the Mentor Program Coordinator
• Commitment of one semester and a minimum of the equivalent of two hour long phone calls with your mentor

Eligibility:

• Current McGill students completing a undergraduate, graduate or doctorate degree
• Recent McGill graduates (up to 1 year after graduation)
• Continuing Education students who have opted into CaPS Services

Information for Mentors
What are the benefits of joining the McGill Mentor Program?

• A reinforced sense of belonging to the McGill community
• Opportunity to enhance inter-personal and leadership skills
• An opportunity to acquaint yourself with upcoming talent

Role of the Mentor:
A mentor provides advice, support and offers guidance to their mentees. A mentor should strive to:

• Listen: listen-actively and patiently to the mentee’s concerns, questions and thoughts.
• Share experiences: Both positive and negative so the mentee can get a realistic view of that particular career path.
• Gives Constructive feedback: share what you noticed about the mentee’s comments, offer advice and challenge your mentee to make decisions so they may become an independent problem solver.

Eligibility:

• McGill alumni who completed their undergraduate, graduate or doctoral studies at McGill University

Click here to access the Mentor Program

For more information about the McGill Mentor Program, please contact:
Heather McTavish
Mentor Program Coordinator
514-398-3304 x0761
mentor.caps@mcgill.ca