'ACCESS-A-MENTOR'

Mentorship program

Program description:
In an ongoing effort to prepare the next generation of young researchers in Canada, a new mentorship program is now available, called 'Access-a-Mentor'. The program offers both a peer-to-peer and peer-to-professional mentoring component. The former involves HQP-HQP mentoring, to better prepare and support new HQP within AFMNet for life as a student (i.e., undergraduate and graduate) or young researcher (i.e., research associate, technician, post-doctorate fellow). In contrast, the peer-to-professional aspect involves the pairing of graduating HQP from AFMNet with an available professional from industry, academia or government to ease their transition into the workforce.

• Peer-to-peer mentoring component:
  • The program is open to all HQP involved with current AFMNet funded projects;
  • HQP (or mentor) can only be assigned one mentor (or HQP) at any given time;
  • In order to become a mentor, you are required to be involved with AFMNet for a minimum of 1 year, unless you are a research associate or post-doctoral fellow.
• Peer-to-professional mentoring component:
  • Open to all HQP who are leaving AFMNet for employment in academia, industry or government;
  • HQP must have a firm job offer to take part in the program;
  • AFMNet will only facilitate the peer-to-professional mentoring for a duration of one year after the initial pairing; after which continued mentoring will be up to the individuals involved.
  • A HQP can only have one assigned mentor at any given time; and
  • A Professional can mentor as many HQP as they desire.

How the program works:
An internal mentor database will be set up by the Administrative Centre for both the peer-to-peer and peer-to-professional mentoring. HQP looking for a mentor, or mentors looking for HQP, will be asked to fill out a brief online survey to gauge the needs and compatibility of participants. Upon evaluating the application, HQP-mentor peering will be facilitated for a 1-year duration by AFMNet. At any time, either party for any reason can dissolve the mentor-HQP pairing. In this instance, the Administrative Centre will assign the HQP a new mentor upon availability. For more information, please contact Kelly Krashinsky at 519-822-6253 ext. 56492 or by email (kelly.krashinsky@afmnet.ca).

Note: AFMNet and mentors are not liable for any advice and guidance given by participants of this program. Advice must be used at the discretion of the HQP involved.