The Alumni Engagement team recently held two mentoring sessions for students and alumni. Both events took place in a rotating speed-mentorship format, with open dialogue for students to ask questions. Despite the restrictions of in-person networking and learning, alumni and students from across York faculties are creating meaningful ways to connect.

“Hearing from peers who have recently graduated and successfully navigated the job market definitely inspired me for the future,” said biotechnology student Pablo Gonzalez. “I know that the connections I have made and strengthened at this mentoring event with these resilient young alumni, as well as with the fellow students, will prove valuable both during my time at York and during my professional career.”

Along with Student Community Leadership Development (SCLD) at the Spark Leadership Conference in early February, the York University Alumni Board (YUAB) gathered for an alumni mentoring roundtable. Alumni from a variety of career paths met with students to share their stories about resilience during times of upheaval – a topic especially poignant during the pandemic. Students had the opportunity to practice their networking skills, learn what makes a great leader and understand ways to excel during uncertain times.

In mid-February at the Young Alumni and Student Mentoring Evening, York’s young alumni ambassadors offered mentorship to student leaders, sharing tips on how to break into careers when applying virtually, how to manage stress, and ways to keep York in their lives after graduating.

“I have grown to be very passionate about York and its success, and I am always seeking new opportunities to contribute to the York community,” said alumna Crystal Heidari (BSC ’17, JD ’20). “York’s excellent and robust faculty, programs, and initiatives allow its students to develop their interests and skills. With so much to offer and no real wrong decision when seeking academic and extracurricular pursuits, it can sometimes be difficult for students to navigate the journey from student to alumni. I decided to join the mentoring event in an effort to alleviate student concerns by participating in an informal, open dialogue.”

York’s Alumni Networks are organizing alumni-student mentorship activities. For questions about student-to-alumni mentorship or to get involved, we invite colleagues, alumni and student groups to connect with Alumni Engagement Officer Ellie Coult at ecoult@yorku.ca.