The CCAPS Mentor Program, launched in 2019 and now in its sixth year, connects alumni and other industry professionals with students who share similar professional interests and educational goals. Through this program, mentors and mentees collaboratively establish a formal mentorship agreement and a timeline for their six-month partnership.
Mentors generously share their expertise, experiences, and guidance, offering valuable insights to help mentees navigate their career journeys, establish achievable goals, and boost their confidence. Simultaneously, mentors gain fresh perspectives and enthusiasm from their mentees, often reigniting their own career motivation and fulfillment.
Here, recent mentors and mentees share their first-hand experiences.
MENTEE Christine Yao
Christine Yao is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellbeing Sciences.
Why did you want to be a part of the CCAPS Mentor Program?
I joined the CCAPS Mentor Program because I wanted guidance and advice as a future nursing student and a nurse. I also wanted to increase my networking and interview skills.
Reflecting on your time in the mentor program this academic year, could you share a specific moment that stands out where either you provided guidance or received invaluable support from your mentor?
My mentor provided helpful answers to my questions about research, clinical experience, work life balance, and combining my interests in education and advocacy. She also reviewed my resume and personal statement, and I completed a mock interview with her and was offered the position. Overall, she always had great insights to share and encouraged me to pursue different things!
How would you describe your CCAPS Mentor Program experience?
Exciting, reassuring, motivating, hopeful, productive.
MENTOR Mel Sullivan
Mel Sullivan has been a mentor for the past two years. She holds the position of Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer at Ecumen. Additionally, she is a member of the HSM Advisory Board.
Why did you want to be a part of the CCAPS Mentor Program?
It is a joy to interact with a young professional that is interested in growing and evolving their skills. The Mentor Program provides the connection and the structure for the connection. I also viewed it as a "reverse" mentoring opportunity to learn from the student and to test my own assumptions.
Reflecting on your time in the mentor program this academic year, could you share a specific moment that stands out where either you provided guidance or received invaluable support from your mentee?
My mentee was highly engaged and our conversations were impactful. In one situation, they were reflecting on values and purpose. I was able to share a book and an exercise that we did together, both sharing our perspectives and advice.
What advice or recommendations do you have for a student or alumni/professional that is considering being a part of the CCAPS Mentor Program? Why should they participate? What benefits/opportunities might they have?
A well rounded and diverse network is important for professional development. The mentor program provides the platform for learning from another person, asking questions in a safe space and exploring how to be the best human possible in whatever career is chosen.
How would you describe your CCAPS Mentor Program experience?
Personal and professional growth opportunity.
MENTEE Abdulbari Ahmed
Abdulbari Ahmed is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Infrastructure.
Why did you want to be a part of the CCAPS Mentor Program?
I wanted to be a part of the CCAPS Mentor Program because it offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the field, receive guidance on educational pursuits, and expand my professional network. Being mentored provides invaluable perspectives and support as I navigate toward a career in this field, helping me make informed decisions and connections for my future endeavors.
Reflecting on your time in the mentor program this academic year, could you share a specific moment that stands out where either you provided guidance or received invaluable support from your mentor/mentee?
During my time in the mentor program this academic year, a standout moment was when my mentor encouraged me to create a portfolio showcasing my past work, like a website. His guidance and challenge to undertake this task were instrumental in pushing me out of my comfort zone and into a realm where I could professionally present my achievements. My mentor's support was invaluable as they provided feedback on how to structure and present my portfolio effectively, while also allowing me the autonomy to figure things out independently, fostering both confidence and skill development in the process.
What advice or recommendations do you have for a student or alumni/professional that is considering being a part of the CCAPS Mentor Program? Why should they participate? What benefits/opportunities might they have?
The CCAPS Mentor Program is a fantastic opportunity for both students and professionals to grow personally and professionally. Engaging with experienced mentors provides invaluable guidance and support in navigating career paths and overcoming challenges. My advice is to approach the mentorship relationship with intentionality, actively seeking guidance on specific goals and taking initiative to implement feedback. Open communication with your mentor is key to maximizing the benefits of the program.
How would you describe your CCAPS Mentor Program experience?
Support, growth, insightful, opportunity, enriching
Anything else you'd like to share about your CCAPS Mentor Program experience that you'd want others to know about?
Networking opportunities with industry professionals.
MENTEE Tessa Nichols-Meade
Tessa Nichols-Meade graduated in May 2024 with a Master’s in Biological Sciences degree.
Why did you want to be a part of the CCAPS Mentor Program?
I was interested in learning more about the practical side of a new field I was entering with my degree. My goal was to get a job over the summer after I graduated, so I thought that the Mentor Program would help me increase the odds of achieving that goal.
Reflecting on your time in the mentor program this academic year, could you share a specific moment that stands out where either you provided guidance or received invaluable support from your mentor?
My mentor gave me a lot of confidence in my ability to find a job in my field based on our conversations. They also helped me improve my resume and interview skills so that I felt confident when I applied to a position that I ended up taking. They supported me the whole way, offering encouragement and bits of advice during the interview process, as well as provided resources for building upon my skillset and gave insight on salary expectations, which were better than I had anticipated.
What advice or recommendations do you have for a student or alumni/professional that is considering being a part of the CCAPS Mentor Program? Why should they participate? What benefits/opportunities might they have?
I think it's a great opportunity to learn more about a field if you are making a career transition, or if you want to learn more about what it's like to work professionally in your current field. It also can be awkward to ask for mentorship from someone you aren't sure has the time or interest, so having a program that facilitates a match is really nice. I would recommend keeping an open mind and maintaining a respectful and professional relationship with your mentor. They are doing a great service to the CCAPS community and there is so much you can learn just by practicing building a professional relationship with them.
How would you describe your CCAPS Mentor Program experience?
Excellent, fun, successful, valuable, positive.
MENTOR Joe Harpel
Joe Harpel earned his degree in Construction Management in 2020 and has been mentoring for two years. He is currently a Construction Project Manager at Gardner Builders.
Why did you want to be a part of the CCAPS Mentor Program?
It was something that I wished I knew about when I was a student, and want to help students navigate their experience and avoid some of the struggles I had.
Reflecting on your time in the mentor program this academic year, could you share a specific moment that stands out where either you provided guidance or received invaluable support from your mentee?
This semester I was able to help my mentee navigate his first professional resume, and provide feedback with his first offer negotiation. This is something I am passionate about (particularly offer negotiations) and I felt I was really able to provide him with some insight/value that helped him get a better offer.
What advice or recommendations do you have for a student or alumni/professional that is considering being a part of the CCAPS Mentor Program? Why should they participate? What benefits/opportunities might they have?
You get the opportunity to give back and support the next generation of construction professionals navigate the very start of their careers. It is good to know what hurdles this generation is dealing with, and I always find value in helping them avoid some of the inevitable and/or avoidable ones.
How would you describe your CCAPS Mentor Program experience?
Fun, rewarding, minimal commitment, insightful.
Anything else you'd like to share about your CCAPS Mentor Program experience that you'd want others to know about?
The mentorship program is very rewarding and fun to be a part of, and really requires minimal commitment. The student is encouraged to drive their own experience, and you are there to support, encourage, and push them to their full potential. With your experience in the industry, you have the ability to help a student who is about to enter the industry avoid some of the common pitfalls that so many of us often find out the hard way.
