University of Alberta Women in Science and Engineering
Overview
This year, UA-WiSE (University of Alberta Women in Science and Engineering) and WISER (Women in Science Engineering and Research) are hosting a virtual mentorship program. The program aims to connect women and under-represented individuals in STEM fields with mentors who can help foster professional development and personal discovery.
Eligibility
We welcome all participants: undergraduate students, graduate students, post-doctoral researchers, young professionals and experienced professionals in STEM fields or with an interest in STEM fields. People of all genders are welcome to apply.
Program Structure
Each group consists of a professional who is well established in their field, a graduate student or early career professional, and an undergraduate student. This structure allows the graduate student or early-career professional to gain experience mentoring an undergraduate student under the supervision of an experienced mentor.
The program will run from October 2023 until April 2024 and will include three mandatory virtual events throughout the year:
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October 26, 2023: Introduction Event
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January 17, 2024: Professional development event
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April 4, 2024: Professional development closing event
All events will be held in the evening from 6 - 7:30pm MT.
Commitment
Each mentorship trio are expected to meet every two months for at least two hours (or monthly for one hour).
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Virtual events: Attend all 3 virtual events throughout the year. If a virtual event is missed, the time must be made up by the trio through additional independent meetings.
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Independent meetings: Trios are required to meet for a minimum of 4 hours outside of the program’s formal events. Arrangements for these meetings are to be decided within the trio, and all meetings must be completed before the last formal event. This year we encourage trios to meet virtually and explore career-related events online.
Mentees will be required to pay a $25 deposit that will be refunded once the requirements are completed. Mentees will forfeit their deposit if they fail to complete the program requirements.
Important Dates
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July 11, 2023: Application opens for mentors with ≥5 years of experience from academia, industry and government across North America
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August 14, 2023: Application closes for mentors with ≥5 years of experience
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September 1, 2023: Application opens for early-career professionals with ≤ 5 years of experience and undergraduate students
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September 26, 2023: Application closes for early-career professionals with ≤ 5 years of experience and undergraduate students
How to Apply
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Experienced mentors with ≥ 5 years of experience: Applications are now closed.
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Early-career professionals with ≤ 5 years of experience and undergraduate students: Applications are now closed.
Program Benefits for Mentors
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Networking with other mentors at the three program events
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Connecting with the new generation of professionals across Canada
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Extending your network with early career professionals
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Improving your communication and leadership skills
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Giving back to the STEM community
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*Mentorship hours may count towards Professional Developments Credit (PDC) for APEGA and APCA members (Up to 20 PDC), and Graduate Student Professional Development Hours.
* Please confirm with the professional development hour policy with your organization as WiSER does not hold authority for PD credits.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the WiSER/UA-WiSE Mentorship Program, please contact uawise.wiser@gmail.com.
Trio matching will be done by WiSER and UA-WiSE based on each mentor’s and mentee’s future goals and areas of expertise. The matching criteria focus on developing different professional skills such as professional conduct, negotiation skills, work-life balance, and more.