Guelph’s business students now have another way to jump start their careers and alumni have another reason to stay connected to their alma mater. Alumni Affairs and Development (AA&D) and the Business Career Centre have launched the Business + Mentoring Program, which will see students and alumni connect and build professional relationships.

“The College of Business and Economics continuously works to find new ways to keep our alumni connected to U of G and build new opportunities for our students to engage in career building,” says Julia Christensen Hughes, Dean of the College of Business and Economics. “I’m excited to provide our students with enhanced opportunities to gain invaluable career advice and contacts, while engaging our alumni in a most meaningful task - helping launch the next generation of business leaders."

Mentoring in higher education has proven benefits for both mentors and mentees. Students become more prepared for the job market, interact with professionals in their fields of interest and enhance their networks. Mentors create contacts with prospective talent, share their experience and industry insight and give back to their community and university. 

"At Guelph, giving back to the community is embedded in our culture,” says Christina Couture, Alumni Advancement Manager. “The Business + Mentoring Program will give our alumni the opportunity to use their talent and expertise to benefit our eager students."

According to Mary-Anne Moroz, Manager of the Business Career Centre, mentors are an important resource for students entering the workforce. “Students gain real world insight into what it's really like to work in different industries. Mentors can act as sounding boards when students have questions they are unable to ask prospective employers. This valuable insight can help direct their career search and manage expectations as they enter the work world.”

The first year of the mentorship program will run as a pilot project that will assess and make recommendations aimed at future development. Alumni and students will be matched by AA&D and the Business Career Centre through a process that will primarily consider their business area of interest. Student applicants must be at least in their third year of study.

Applications are currently being accepted for fall 2014.