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 shared professional goals and interests and are given conversation topics to get a self-monitored, one-on-one 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 November to April in preparation for graduation.

What To Expect

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

Program Benefits

In addition to the regular mentee-mentor meetings, participants will receive:

• An invitation to our networking event in mid-November – mingle with alumni, staff, and fellow students in the mentorship program. 
• An invitation to our formal kick-off event in mid-January – meet your mentor and learn more about the program offerings.
• A monthly newsletter with resources to guide your mentoring relationship, outline professional development opportunities, and gain key insights from alumni.
• *A one-on-one resume review session with a professional social worker.
• *A free headshot photography session to boost your professional profile.
• An invitation to our closing event in early April – come together once more and celebrate your completion of the program.

*Offered exclusively to student participants. 

Mentor/Mentee Relationship Agreement 

Goal 

The goal of the Mentoring Program is to provide the student mentee with assistance in the process of transitioning into the field of social work in their area of interest upon graduation. The program runs from November to April in preparation for graduation. 

Objectives 

The mentor will work jointly with the mentee on the following tasks over a series of e-mail/virtual meetings and/or in-person meetings: 

• Develop a clear overview concept of the mentee’s area of interest, what this field entails in terms of required knowledge and skills, short-term and long-term roles and the fit with the mentee’s education, skills and prior work, volunteer, and other experience. 

• Provide tangible assistance that will help the mentee to prepare a strong resume for job searches, approach to finding both advertised and ‘hidden’ job opportunities, advice on interviewing techniques, direct toward potential employment opportunities and generally provide support and encouragement in what can be a challenging process for a new social work graduate. 

• Serve as a sounding board for the mentee regarding particular job opportunities, decision-making among opportunities and any difficulties encountered during the job search process. 

Limitations of Scope 

• The mentor is not expected to find the mentee a job. The mentor will help the mentee locate opportunities and to prepare for success in securing an appropriate position. 

• The mentee and the mentor will negotiate and mutually agree on the amount of time to be devoted to the mentoring process. The mentor will understand that the mentee is very busy with courses and field placement. The mentee will understand that the mentor’s time is valuable and may be limited due to professional demands and other commitments. 

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 November to April 2027. 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.