Mentorship is a powerful way to inspire and guide the next generation of leaders. 

Those who have had a mentor (or mentored someone themselves) know it can be a transformative experience. Mentoring is a professional relationship between two parties: a student or young alumnus or alumna mentee interested in gaining insight and information related to the job market and an experienced uOttawa alumnus or alumna mentor who is working in a field related to the mentee’s program of study.

Our mentorship program has several objectives: 

• Improve the student experience by offering a pathway to help students develop their transferable skills and professional networks.
• Provide mentees a head start on thinking about the job market and introduce them to a professional setting related to their program of study.
• Offer mentors an opportunity to share their experiences and knowledge about the working world.
• Create a space where mentors can improve their leadership skills by working with a mentee.
• Enhance the reputation of uOttawa by creating and reinforcing a sense of belonging among mentors and mentees.

Who are the mentors?

Mentors are uOttawa alumni with relevant work experience and a willingness to support students entering their field. Mentors are expected to be available for between two and five meetings with their mentee.

Who are the mentees?

Mentees are uOttawa undergraduate students in their third or fourth year of study (must be 19 years or older), graduate students or alumni who graduated less than two years ago. The mentorship program is currently available for students within the Faculty of Science.

How does the program work?

The mentorship program runs through the fall and winter terms, from October to December and January to April. Mentors and mentees typically meet three times during the term.

While specifics are up to each individual mentor-mentee match, each meeting is generally between 60 and 90 minutes in length. Meetings are to take place in a public space (e.g., a mentor’s workplace, restaurant or coffee shop) or virtually. Unless the mentor and mentee agree otherwise, meetings should be held between Monday and Friday, 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

We have developed a series of resources to make this process simpler for mentors and mentees. Visit our Science Mentoring Program guide to see some helpful tools and to get a sense of how meetings can be structured.

Sounds great! How can I learn more?

Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. Mentors and mentees (including prospective ones) can email Victoria Obeid, the Faculty of Science mentorship coordinator.