The Hennick Centre launched a JD/MBA-focused mentorship program in the fall of 2013. Joint degree students are provided with one-on-one access to graduates of the Osgoode-Schulich program. The mentorship program aims to support the academic and career development of JD/MBA students by fostering a meaningful connection between students and graduates with combined legal and business training.
To take part in the program, both Students and Alumni submit a registration form annually. Registration deadline for every new Academic Year ends on the last day of September. Program matching begins in October of every Academic Year.
Mentorship Program Overview
Eligibility
- The program is open to all JD/MBA students in the 3 or 4 year program.
- Alumni mentors must be at least two years out of the JD/MBA program.
The Match
Potential alumni mentors complete a survey covering personal characteristics, geographic location, professional industry and educational background. Registered students then perform a detailed search based on these criteria and select a mentor who most closely matches their needs. Mentor profiles are protected by the Centre’s privacy policy, names or contact details are not shared with the students during the selection process until the final match is made. Final matches are approved by the Hennick Centre.
Program Expectations
Mentees
- Students are responsible for contacting the assigned mentor and do so within ONE week of being notified of the mentor match. This is then followed by a mutual decision between the mentor/mentee on the best media for contact going forward. The first meeting is generally in person (if possible) typically taking place by mid-November fall term.
- Throughout the academic year (September – April), mentor pairs are encouraged to connect for at least three (3) meetings suiting their schedules.
- End of April, the Student is to write an email to their Mentor copying the Program Coordinator to mark the conclusion of their mentorship.
Mentors
- Mentors are notified of their student match and should expect to hear from them within ONE week of this announcement. If, however, you have not heard from the mentee in over two weeks, please notify the administrator of the program at lkharlip@osgoode.yorku.ca
- Participation is expected for one academic year. Mentorship closure does not preclude mentors and students from continuing the relationship informally if so desired by both parties.
Benefits of a Mentor Relationship
A mentor can:
- Provide you with the benefit of their experience
- Give you insights into a particular field or industry
- Help you explore career choices and opportunities
- Suggest ways to build career-appropriate skills
A mentor is not:
- A tutor
- Someone to approach for a job