Fellowship Program
Established in 2003, the Fellowship Program is one of the School of Accounting and Finance’s (SAF’s) most innovative leadership initiatives, designed to deepen students’ academic experience while preparing them for professional success. Selected after first year, Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) and Sustainability and Financial Management (SFM) Fellows receive specialized training, meaningful work experience and financial support, while serving as leaders, mentors and ambassadors within SAF.
Each Fellow is paired with a distinguished SAF alumni member — their Honouree — forming a multi-year mentorship grounded in guidance, career insight and professional connection. Together, the experience, community involvement and alumni partnership set Fellows apart as engaged students and emerging professionals.
Program Highlights
receive financial support up to $11,000 throughout the program
of valuable experience in leadership, professional development and special projects
alumni that serve as honourees to mentor fellowship students
One of the most meaningful experiences the Fellowship Program has added to my university journey is the opportunity to grow alongside my peers. It is incredibly rewarding to see the different paths everyone has taken and what we have accomplished together.
Participation in the Fellowship Program
Fellows develop their communication and leadership skills by serving as role models among their peers and participating in specialized training. The Program connects a range of students in second to fourth year with each other, providing an opportunity to meet talented students in other co-horts. In years three and four, they complement their classroom and co-op experiences by serving as:
- Course Assistants
- Research Assistants
- Ambassadors
- SAF Representatives
- Mentors or Peer Leaders
- Special Project Assistants
These experiences enhance credibility and confidence, forming a strong foundation for future career success.
The Fellow-Honouree Relationship
A Mentorship That Lasts Your Entire Undergraduate Journey
At the heart of the Fellowship Program is a one-of-a-kind connection between each Fellow and a distinguished SAF alumnus — their Honouree. This relationship extends beyond occasional check-ins, it is an ongoing mentorship built on shared ambition, professional growth and mutual learning.
Throughout their degree, Fellows stay connected with their Honourees in ways that are both personal and practical:
Ongoing Conversations
Fellows share updates about academic terms, co-op experiences, career interests and evolving goals. In return, Honourees offer perspective on navigating the profession, advice on career decisions and insight drawn from their own journeys.
Career Insight & Guidance
Honourees provide candid advice on job searches, industry pathways and long-term career planning, helping Fellows approach opportunities with greater clarity and confidence.
In-Person Connections
When geography allows, Fellows and Honourees meet for coffee, office visits or professional events. Office tours provide a firsthand look at real-world work environments and introduce Fellows to professional networks beyond the classroom.
A Two-Way Exchange
While Fellows gain mentorship and professional exposure, Honourees gain insight into the next generation of SAF students — their ambitions, challenges and evolving perspectives.
The Fellow–Honouree relationship transforms the Fellowship from a leadership program into a deeply personal and professional partnership, one that often extends well beyond graduation.
Beyond Waterloo’s rigorous accounting and finance curriculum, the Fellowship program has helped me to develop networking and peer collaboration skills. Additionally, being a fellow provides a SAF brand of approval that has helped to differentiate me from other students.
Meet the Director
David Lin’s connection to the Fellowship Program spans every stage of its journey. As one of the program’s earliest Fellows in the AFM Class of 2009, he experienced it firsthand as a student, then later returned as an Honouree, and now leads the program as Director. This full-circle perspective has shaped his approach to strengthening the Fellowship experience, drawing on his understanding of what students need to grow during their time at the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF) and as they begin their careers.
Throughout his career, David has seen the program evolve to offer more meaningful work experiences and stronger mentorship opportunities. Reflecting on his own path, he credits his Fellowship experience, particularly his work as a teaching assistant, with sparking an interest in education that ultimately led him back to SAF as a professor. Today, he is focused on ensuring Fellows gain hands-on experience, build meaningful connections with faculty and alumni, and develop the confidence and professional skills needed to succeed in a wide range of career paths.
Peer Support Fellows
Peer Support Fellows play an important role in welcoming first-year students and helping them feel connected within the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF). As part of the Fellowship Program, upper-year students serve as Peer Support Fellows to provide guidance and offer insight into university life, SAF courses, and co-op and career pathways.
Through weekly tutoring sessions and informal support, Peer Support Fellows help first-year students stay on track academically while building confidence in their transition to university. They also create opportunities for connection, offering both guidance and a sense of community.
Having benefited from the support of upper-year students themselves, Peer Support Fellows are committed to giving back and helping first-year students navigate their SAF journey with greater confidence.