Political Science Senior Mentorship Program 2024–2025
About
The Political Science Senior Mentorship Program was developed to enhance the student experience for 3rd and 4th year Political Science undergraduate students. By matching students with Political Science alumni, the program provides students with valuable career advice at a critical point in their education. Mentors share their experiences to assist students in the transition from student life to work life or further education. Students may receive career advice, academic encouragement, advice on preparing to enter the workforce and opportunities to make professional contacts. The topics of conversation and the goals of the relationship are directed by the student mentee. It also provides mentors with an opportunity to connect with current students and contribute to their alma mater in a meaningful way. If matched, both parties meet on a regular basis and have contact through email, phone or in-person meetings, depending on individual preferences. The duration of mentoring is from October to May but can continue after the program has concluded. The closing date for students to apply is Friday, September 27th, 2024. We are especially interested in applications from first generation college students so please mention this when you apply.
Criteria & Selection
Applicants must be enrolled in the Department of Political Science Minor, Major or Specialist program and have completed 9.5+ FCE’s. Student mentees will be selected by the mentorship committee based on the best fit between mentor and student applicants. Selected students will be contacted for interviews by early October. Match notification will be completed by mid October.
Co-Curricular Record
The Political Science Senior Mentorship Program is recognized by the University of Toronto’s Co-Curricular Record. CCR’s are institution-validated records that recognize learning opportunities beyond the classroom, such as student leadership positions, campus volunteer opportunities, and participation in mentorship programs, governance and committees. The record acts both as a tool to help students find and articulate co-curricular experiences, and as an official document of activities that have been completed by students and validated by a staff or faculty member. Many post-secondary institutions in Canada are researching, developing and implementing their Co-Curricular Records/Transcripts. For more information go to the CCR website.
Hear from Former Students
“The mentorship program and the practical advice of my mentor made me more confident about post-graduate life. I heartily recommend the program to upper-year students who wish to learn more about a field that interests them. It allays anxiety about what to expect in the working world. The program’s success in nurturing a mutually beneficial relationship depends on both the mentee and mentor.’ Inayat Singh
“I applied to the Political Science mentorship program because I was looking for academic and career advice as I approached graduation.The mentorship program was an invaluable resource at the University as it reassured me that I have someone who has previously been in my position who supports my career goals and can guide me on my journey. Having a mentor has given me a whole new level of confidence.” Jenique Kennedy
To Apply
Students are required to submit their resume and a completed application form by email (see below) as ONE PDF attachment. Separate documents WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Hard copies can be handed in to the Political Science Office (SS 3018) for the attention of Jennifer O’Reilly. Students are also required to attend an interview (via Zoom).
Program Requirements for Co-Curricular Record
If matched, the student is required to do the following in order for the program to be added to their CCR:
- Meet (virtually or in-person) with their mentor at least 3 times over the course of the academic year.
- Attend the opening ‘Meet Your Mentor’ lunch ceremony.
- Attend one ‘Campus to Careers’ Lunch. Typically there are 2 during the academic year. Email notifications about the lunches are sent out from Jennifer O’Reilly.
- Attend one career related event organized by the undergraduate advisor David Zarnett. Typical workshops include topics such as applying to law school, grad school and CV and resume writing. Email notifications about these events are sent out from the undergraduate office. David Zarnett can be contacted by email on david.zarnett@utoronto.ca
- Submit a reflective piece on their mentorship experience and future plans at the end of the program.
- Attend one evening ‘team-building’ event to be held at one of Toronto’s cultural hubs (typically held at the AGO, the ROM, Hot Docs cinema or Rotman School of Management).
Applications Forms
These forms must be filled out using Adobe Reader or by hand. Contact polsci.alum@utoronto.ca if you have any queries.
