For me, the ideal place to connect with my mentee (Kailey) is definitely a café. Food always makes conversations feel a little more comfortable, and a café creates a relaxed environment that does not feel too formal or structured. Ideally, there would also be matcha and desserts involved. In fact, Kailey and I worked on this blog together at a café!
I personally enjoy having some background noise when meeting with someone. A completely silent environment can sometimes make the conversation feel more serious than it needs to be, while the buzz of a café helps set a more natural atmosphere. It gives us the opportunity to talk openly, enjoy each other’s company and take a break from the academic environment at the same time.
Our mentoring relationship has been fairly flexible. Rather than setting a strict number of meetings each term, we meet whenever our schedules align or when there is something specific that would be helpful to discuss. For example, we might connect when questions come up about co-op, courses, changes to the Master of Accounting (MAcc) program or other decisions related to university and career planning. This approach works well for us because it allows our conversations to be timely and relevant without making the Fellowship Program feel like another scheduled obligation.
One of the most rewarding parts of being a mentor is being able to share experiences that may help someone else feel more prepared or reassured. Having already gone through certain courses, co-op applications and university experiences, I can provide advice based on what I’ve learned, including sharing the ways I may have handled situations differently. At the same time, mentorship is not only about giving advice. It is also about listening, asking questions and understanding that each person’s goals and experiences are different.
This experience has also pushed me outside of my comfort zone in ways that I did not initially expect. I have become more comfortable making small talk, starting conversations and finding ways to keep a conversation flowing. These might sound like small skills, but they are important for building trust and making the other person feel supported. I have learned that a successful mentorship does not require every meeting to have a formal agenda or a major outcome. Sometimes, simply checking in, sharing experiences or spending time together can be equally valuable.
I would recommend the Fellowship Program to others because it is a great way to connect with peers and create relationships outside of the classroom. It provides an opportunity to help one another, exchange advice and learn from someone with a different perspective. It is also nice to enjoy a drink or dessert while discussing whatever is happening in life or school.
My advice to future mentors would be to remain approachable and flexible. It is okay to not have every answer. What matters most is your willingness to listen, share what you know and help your mentee find the appropriate resources when needed.