We are excited to launch the 2022-23 Asian Institute Mentorship Program (AIM) to connect current students in the Asian Institute’s undergraduate and Master’s programs with alumni for professional development and networking opportunities. This year, AIM will run in the fall and winter academic semesters from September 2022 to April 2023. Key aspects of the program will take place online, and we will also offer various opportunities for in-person activities. This means we’re able to work with inspiring mentors whether they’re based in Toronto or anywhere in the world!

Participating as a mentee can strengthen your professional and personal networks and provide the opportunity for you to learn from past generations of Asian Institute students as you prepare for future academic and career success.

How It Works

If you are interested in becoming a student mentee, please fill out a (short) mentee application form by 11:59PM (EDT), September 26, 2022. Selected students will be matched with an alumni mentor who shares related career interests and/or mentorship goals.

Meet and greets: Meet the mentors and your fellow mentees at an orientation workshop in early October 2022 and celebrate the conclusion of the program at a reception in April 2023 (in-person event).

Training and guidance: Mentors and mentees will receive resources on how to make the most of the AIM experience through a presentation at the online orientation workshop and an accompanying pdf guide with further reading, resources, and suggestions for how to structure your meetings.

Connect over the academic semester: Hold at least two meetups with your mentor per term (these can be virtual or in person). AIM encourages our students to develop their communication and networking skills; as such, the expectation will be on you to reach out and set up the first and subsequent meetings with your mentor!

Professional development: Participate in one career-related workshop per term through CLNx to learn more about crafting your resume and cover letter, interview skills, networking, and more. You’ll get to choose which workshops you attend! Then share what you learned with your mentor and get their feedback.

Co-Curricular Record: Mentees who complete all of the required components of AIM will receive CCR recognition for their participation. The required components are: 2 meetings per term with your mentor, participation in 2 CLNx career workshops, two short written reflections on the experience, and completion of the AIM surveys.

Questions? Contact Asian Institute Program Advisor and Communications Officer Katherine MacIvor at ai.asianstudies@utoronto.ca.

*We will do our utmost to accept all student applicants, and we anticipate matching all students with a mentor. However, due to resource limitations, we cannot guarantee participation for all applicants.

Deadline: September 26, 2022