We invite you to participate in the new Faculty of Science (FoS) Mentoring Program if you:

• Have questions about your future or direction in a given career
• Want to learn about an industry first hand
• Would like to be mentored by an UM Alumni professional or industry leader in your field of interest

If any of these points are of interest to you, then we welcome your participating in the FoS mentoring program.

The FoS Mentoring Program will teach skills in professional communication, teamwork, project management, knowledge in a given field, leadership abilities, and enhance career development for participating students. The program will increase students’ satisfaction in their academic studies and personal fulfilment, and provide insight into career options in their area of interest.

No, this is not a job program, however the industry connections you make during your time with your mentor could be valuable later in your career. There is no cost associated with the FoS Mentoring Program.

We are looking for diverse students who will make a firm commitment to participating in the program. If you are a second-year undergraduate student or higher, matriculating full time, in a FoS department, you are eligible to apply to the FoS Mentoring Program. We also ask that you abide by the University of Manitoba student code of conduct and adhere to confidentially agreements.

Please contact Carrie Selin, Science Engagement, at carrie.selin@umanitoba.ca for more information regarding the FoS Mentoring Program.

You may apply online (reopening Summer 2020) to be a mentee in the FoS Mentoring Program. You will be asked:

• To follow the instructions provided
• Provide an updated resume/CV
• A personal statement on why you want to be part of the program, and how you will show commitment to participating in the program (250 words)
• To describe your main interests and goals

We ask information-gathering questions to determine your mentor match. Successful matches are key to a positive mentoring experience. The application process should take approximately 11 minutes to complete.

The application to the  Mentoring Program, will have every student and mentor describe their availability, interests, and field of study/work.  After the application has been processed and an initial interview conducted, if accepted, the student will be matched with an industry professional who has volunteered his or her time to participate in the program.

• There will be an orientation, events, and questionnaires over the course of the academic year, which will all assist in progressing your relationship with your mentor.  The 2020-21 school year will include both semesters.
• While we would like each student and mentor pairing to meet as often as possible, minimally there should be a one-hour monthly contact between student and mentor. The student will be responsible for contacting the mentor. We will help the students to facilitate the development of their mentorship.
• We will supply the student with an email link to keep a log of all student and mentor meetings and discussions.
• The student is required to be available by email and phone.
• The student will be asked to produce a LinkedIn account while in the program.

The program coordinator will contact you to provide the mentor’s name and contact information.  The mentee is responsible for first contact with the mentor.

The program coordinator will send an introductory email to both mentor and student. The student will make the initial contact with the mentor.

The FoS Mentoring Program will  also host an online inaugural event for all mentors and mentees, as an opportunity for student and mentor to meet as a group.  Because of Covid-19, all matches will meet virtually.

You may have a professional discussion with your mentor, that include, but are not limited to, topics such as:

• Career goals
• Networking
• Company structure and operations

Part of the success of a mentoring program is the development of your professional relationship with your mentor.

We want the experiences to be successful. The program coordinator will available on a continuous basis to provide support and offer guidance, and will facilitate requests as they arise.