The Alumni Mentorship Initiative

The Alumni Network of the University of Torontos School of Public Policy and Governance (SPPG)

The Alumni Network

Represents all of School of Public Policy and Governances (SPPG) graduating classes (now ~150 members), with all graduates welcome to join the leadership group Provides a variety of professional, academic and social opportunities for alumni, allowing members to participate in the community as they choose The Networks two objectives:
I.

II.

To maintain the connections and associations with the School and with each other in order to contribute to improve the policy discussion in Ontario and Canada, and To leverage the skills, knowledge and resources of the alumni collective to offer support to the School of Public Policy, students, staff and faculty.

The Mentoring Initiative

The Alumni Network of the School of Public Policy and Governance (SPPG) is offering a mentorship initiative with two elements:

an online Alumni Library for easy one-time connections, a formal Mentorship Program that matches alumni and current students over an eight-month period.

The objectives:

To invite peer guidance from young policy professionals to currently enrolled students as they plan their careers and set professional goals; To capitalize on the professional capital of the growing alumni network in a flexible and productive manner; To build meaningful, relevant, and productive relationships between graduates and students; and To offer an opportunity for alumni to remain connected with students and the broader SPPG community.

The Benefits of Mentorship?

For Students

A chance to learn from a person with expertise in their fields of professional interest First-hand insights into workplace challenges and expectations Support in accessing professional networks A way to build meaningful relationships with alumni Enhanced self-awareness, values and professional or personal goals

For Alumni

A satisfying opportunity to help current students A simple and important way to give back to and maintain ties with the SPPG A means to build connections, share experiences and learn from policy peers Support their own learning objectives, policy careers and professional growth

For the SPPG

An enticing offering for prospective students An avenue through which to improve the educational experience A compliment to SPPGs professional development programming A way to maintain strong ties with its alumni community

The Alumni Library: explained

Unveiled in January 2012, the Alumni Library is a low-commitment online resource for students modeled on the Toronto Public Library's Human Library Provides a searchable roster of over 50 SPPG alumni they can connect with to seek insights and advice to support their professional development A one-off opportunity for students to:

seek information (e.g. tell me about your industry), request connections (e.g. do you know anyone in this field?) or ask for advice (e.g. how should I prepare for an interview?)

The Alumni Library

The formal Mentorship Program

What is formal mentorship? It is a developmental partnership through which there is a sharing of knowledge, skills, information, and perspective over a defined period of time to support the personal and professional growth of one or both of the partners The purpose of the Mentorship Program? To provide students with a head start in reaching their learning and professional development goals while at SPPG, and in pursuing their career goals after graduation

The formal Mentorship Program: explained

Pilot program for the 2012-13 academic year that will match alumni with students over a period of eight months (October 12 May 13) Student-Alumni matching through an application process that seeks to create partnerships based on aligning interests and objectives (e.g. industry, policy area, skill development) and logistical considerations (e.g. location) Supports and guidance are provided to help prepare for the mentoring relationship, structure it and establish objectives and expectations, and grow and progress in the partnership The Program has been developed by the Alumni Network, in consultation with the SPPG Student Union and the SPPG Administration over the past year

The formal Mentorship Program: timelines

Application process begins in late August

Late Aug 2012 - Application Process

To match students and alumni based on learning objectives, areas of expertise and industries of interest, and logistical considerations

Early Sept 2012 - Matching Process

Orientation and welcome event in late September

For introductions, program overview, and guidance on how to build relationships

Late Sept 2012 - Orientation and Welcome Event

Partnerships run from October to April

Oct-April 2013 - Mentorship Partnerships in Progress

Up to the partners how to structure relationships, based on their learning needs and schedules
May 2013 - Formal Partnerships End

End of formal partnerships in May 2013

Partners assess the success of the partnerships, further goals / strategies for the student, and whether to keep in touch informally

Summer 2013 - Annual Review

The formal Mentorship Program: tools and supports

Orientation and welcome session in September Periodic check-ins by Alumni Network Program Administrators

Supports and tools to help structure and grow relationships:

Template Alumni-Student Mentorship Agreement Mentorship Partnership Process Guide Tip Sheets for Students and Alumni

Year-end feedback and annual review

The formal Mentorship Program: disclaimers

We cannot guarantee a match! But we try our best

Expectations and responsibilities are established at the outset

Mentorship is not a job placement service Students need clear expectations about what SPPG Alumni mentors have to offer Sometimes mentoring partnerships just dont work

Questions? More Information?

For more information, or for access to other Mentorship Program resources and materials, please visit the SPPG Alumni Network website at: http://policyforward.wordpress.com/mentorship/

Questions? E-mail sppg.alumni@gmail.com.