Frequently asked questions
What is a mentor?
Mentors are role models and guides. They are business people who share their experience and expertise with you to help you plan and develop your career. Many will help you with your life goals. A mentor will complement your studies by providing firsthand insights into the world of business. And, in some cases, a mentor can introduce you to others who can help you with your professional aspirations.
See Get a mentor or Become a mentor to get started.
How do I get involved with the program?
One of the first steps is it the "learn about the program" pages. If you don't find what you are looking for, contact Robin Dyke, mentor program director, at robind@uvic.ca, or phone 250-658-4815 or through the Gustavson School of Business Student Services office at 250-472-4488.
How does the program work?
We match you with a mentor of your choice who most closely fits your mentoring goals and expectations. There are also events planned each year to permit you to meet potential mentors in a social environment. Once you are matched, it is up to you and your mentor to decide how to govern your relationship - there are no set agendas or "rules of engagement."
The program is based on 10 principles.
Why would a student want a mentor?
Our students seek mentors in order to:
- learn the "ins and outs" of industries or organizations through talking to professional
- have a confidant to talk to about concerns or ideas
- receive guidance, advice and encouragement in issues like: career planning and job search, balancing work and family or being a woman in the work force
- gain access to networking opportunities through social events and events planned by students and mentors
- practice networking and communication skills when meeting new people
- gain connections in fields or industries of interest
- learn about the business environment
Why mentor a student?
Mentors benefit in the following ways:
- receive invitations to various social events, networking opportunities with other mentors, faculty, staff and students
- contribute to the development of future management in our community and beyond
- build connections and friendships with future leaders in business
- give back to society what you may have received in the past
- learn and grow through exposure to new ideas, problem solving, and discussions
- keep informed of issues in business education at UVic
See Become a mentor to get started.
What do mentors and students do together?
- attend company meetings, planning sessions or social events together
- meet for coffee, lunch or dinner
- mentors often introduce protégés to other professionals
- mentors can give feedback on course assignments
- mentors occasionally give students role playing activities for certain situations, (e.g. mock interviews)
- participate in sports activities (golf, squash, jogging, tennis)
- mentors sometimes involve the student in a project
- students may assist the mentor with issues faced by their organization
- mentors can offer students a plant or company tour or provide protégés the opportunity to "shadow" the mentor for a day
What type of commitment is involved?
Participation in our executive mentor program is purely voluntary. However, once participants enter a mentor-protégé relationship, we do have some guidelines:
- the onus is on the students to maintain communication with their mentor
- participants should try to maintain the relationship for at least eight months
- participants must keep confided confidential personal or business information to themselves
- students must act responsibly since they are ambassadors of UVic
- students must realize that mentors are not their personal job seekers
- participants should periodically communicate with the program director
- attendance at the mentor program events is required and expected
Who are your mentors?
We have over 250 mentors representing a wide scope of industries and positions. See our mentor roster.
