Alumni Mentorship Program

Updated December 18, 2025

Sponsored by: Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work & Alumni Association 

For over twenty years, the Alumni Mentorship Program has supported graduating MSW students by connecting them with alumni to ease the transition from academic study and student life to professional social work practice. Mentors provide career guidance, share knowledge of agencies within their practice area, and offer encouragement and support during this critical transition period.

Year after year, students highlight how meaningful it is to connect with someone who has walked a similar path and can offer support, reassurance, and a warm welcome into the field. The Alumni Mentorship Program is a powerful opportunity to inspire and make a lasting impact on the next generation of social workers.

Alumni and students are matched based on a varying set of criteria and are given conversation topics to get a self-monitored mentoring relationship started. The program aims to assist students in their transition into the social work field while increasing awareness of the diverse settings and roles in which social workers contribute. The mentorship program runs from January to April in preparation for graduation.

Program Features for Alumni

While your mentorship journey is self-monitored, we’ll be here to provide support. Send us an email to studentengage.fifsw@utoronto.ca.

Program Features for Students

Second-year and Advanced Standing MSW Students are sent email invitations in December for the Alumni Mentorship Program, which is flexible to work with your and your mentor’s schedules.

Before signing up, please consider your availability in the Winter session. Applicants must commit to one monthly meeting (virtual or in-person) with their mentor from January to April – signing up is a commitment!

Once signed up, you will be invited to an interactive launch event and instructed to connect with your mentor. You’ll also receive invites to our free professional development events and opportunities, including an exclusive Headshot Photography session.

Students who actively participate in the program are eligible to receive annotation on their Co-Curricular Record (CCR). 

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Alumni Mentorship Program? 

  The Alumni Mentorship Program connects graduating Master of Social Work students with our alumni who are social work professionals working in the field. Mentors share their experiences to support you in your own professional goals. 

• What might mentors provide?

  Throughout the program, we aim to foster meaningful connections between mentors and mentees. Student participants have the opportunity to receive:

  • Guidance and encouragement to build confidence
  • Support in exploring potential career pathways
  • Resume and cover letter assistance
  • Insight into job interview skills and preparation
  • Opportunities to network with other professionals
  • Exposure to relevant industry knowledge
  • Practical tips to support the employment search

• Who are the mentors?

  Mentors are alumni of the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work who volunteer their time and skills to give back to graduating MSW students. Mentors come from all areas of practice and have experience in many different fields of social work.

  “Really great opportunity to meet and learn from one another. Provided them with info I wish I had!”
  – 2022 Alumni Mentor

• Who are the mentees?

  Mentees are current MSW students who are graduating at the end of the current academic year. This program is only meant to support students who finishing their programs and are about to transition into their careers as professional social workers.

• How can I join the program?

  Individuals who are interested in becoming a mentor/mentee must complete the registration form, which would have been sent to you via email. The deadline to submit the form is Sunday, January 11, 2026. 

• How is mentor-mentee matching done?

  To ensure a good fit, matching is done based on a varying set of criteria, including field(s) of interest, experiences, and availability. To support the matching process, we kindly ask that you complete the registration form as accurately as possible. 

• How long does the program last?

  The Alumni Mentorship Program runs from January to April 2026. Some connections may continue with mutual agreement.  We encourage all mentors and mentees to discuss this further.

• Is there a cost?

  There is no cost to either the student or the mentor. FIFSW and the Alumni Association fund the majority of the costs associated with the Alumni Mentoring Program.

• What if I have questions about the program?

  The Student Engagement Coordinator in the Office of Student Services & Registrar oversees this program and will be more than happy to answer questions or concerns regarding the program.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, January 20, 2026 – Launch Event & Networking Session