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Introduction

3rd and 4th year undergraduate students in Physics Major, Specialist and Joint Specialist programs at the University of Toronto St. George Campus are encouraged to join this valuable program as the advice and help of a mentor can be of great benefit as Physics students prepare to make their way into the working world or move into graduate work. Likewise, mentors have the chance to find out about the current crop of students, and discover more about the emerging research areas at the Department.

Section #1: Introduction

Mentorship at U of T

Anecdotal and statistical evidence show that while the academic experience of University of Toronto students is consistently strong, the co-curricular and support experience is much more varied. Engagement of students in the life of the university beyond the classroom can be limited, particularly for those that are not living in residences.

A unique advantage of the U of T student experience is our large size within which is contained a range of smaller communities, each of which has access to a critical mass of top faculty and staff. We also have innumerable resources in the communities around us. We must use these resources to ensure that every student has the opportunity for a well-rounded experience at the university and in the communities of which we are a part. We will also continue to take an active interest in students’ careers and development while at the university.

Key areas have been identified by many divisions that relate to enriching the student experience both within and beyond the classroom. Among these are: enhancement of the experience of community for students; provision of resources for skills development; and provision of opportunities for community engagement.

The connection of our student community with our alumni community is of fundamental importance, not only in fulfilling the objectives stated above, but also to lay the foundation for a sustainable pattern of interaction between the university’s past, present and future students.

A Guide to Mentoring Students

What do we mean by mentoring?

Mentoring is about supporting people to help them develop more effectively. Mentoring occurs when two individuals decide to work together to achieve specific outcomes for skills growth and development. One individual has the skill, knowledge and experience that the other individual needs to acquire.

Mentoring can help students prepare for life after university. It creates an environment to develop and practice important skills needed for the workplace. It allows them to ask questions, to better understand their career choices and gives them a practical and realistic picture of the working world. It helps these students create their network of contacts with individuals in their area of interest.

Ideal candidates for mentoring are students who are interested in a mentoring relationship that allows them to commit time to self-assessment of their skills and career ambitions. The mentoring relationship will allow them to create a plan of action to help them achieve their goals.

What kind of activities do mentors do?

Possible mentoring activities include:

  • Conduct a goal setting session to identify areas that you will work on together
  • Provide the student with advice concerning career choices, job applications and the interview process
  • Review your student’s resume and give comments
  • Refer the student to professional colleagues for informational interviews
  • Arrange a meeting for the student to be introduced to an important contact in your field — make suggestions prior to this meeting regarding possible topics of conversation — a debrief session is often helpful afterwards
  • Pass on topical articles and books for comment
  • Support by email or by phone on specific issues raised by the student

An ideal mentor is:

  • An influential professional with advanced experience and knowledge
  • Respected in their field and organization
  • Prepared to make a commitment to nurturing and supporting the student’s development
  • Willing to share their wisdom
  • Skilled at listening and provides supportive guidance and constructive feedback
  • Available; keeps in contact
  • Confidential; treats all dealings and discussions in confidence

What are the benefits?

Benefits to you, the mentor, are many:

  • The satisfaction of knowing you are helping the student understand the unfamiliar and often daunting world they will face after graduation
  • Heightened profile as an active supporter of your community
  • Valuable practice to help develop your coaching and leadership skills
  • Heightened self-awareness
  • The pleasure of giving back

Benefits to the student include:

  • Access to wisdom and expertise
  • Opportunities for self-assessment
  • A personalized career-development plan
  • Greater understanding of current business practices
  • Introduction to business networks and related supports
  • Exposure to the business environment
  • Job search strategies
  • Advice, moral support, encouragement