Sometimes all you need is a sympathetic ear or some good pointers. That was the experience of Justin Hollander when he was a Computer Systems Technology (CST) student.
“I was a ‘lost’ student for a while and deeply appreciated the guidance that helped me get back on track,” reflects Hollander, who is now taking his turn being a mentor (read Justin’s story here) – and also working in industry as a Senior Programmer Analyst at Overwaitea Food Group (OFG).
BCIT’s Student Association runs the mentorship program, which pairs current students with mentors working in industry. Mentors only need to commit two hours per month, and activities range from a chat to attending networking functions together. Mentors are recruited twice per year.
“The Mentorship Program offers me an opportunity to give back and to inspire the next generation of professionals with sound judgement, and impart social strategies to work with others in a meaningful and productive way,” explains Hollander. He’s now mentored 5 CST students over four years.
“During the 7 months I had Justin as my mentor, he went out of his way to help me job shadow him at work and network with industry professionals. He also gave me valuable job search advice such as how to stand out from competitors, salary negotiation, and pitfalls I should avoid as a new hire.” said Angela Ma, Justin’s first mentee, a CST grad and now a software developer at Copperleaf Technologies.
Justin offers the following suggestions to successful mentorship:
- foster a good relationship with the mentee
- offer tips, strategies and support
- share knowledge, experience and expertise
- provide goal setting and give feedback
- bring them to work (literally)
- impart social strategies to work with other professionals in a meaningful and productive way
- help them navigate the political landscape of the professional world
For her part, Ma also thinks it helped that Justin was “very easy going, talkative, and willing to go out of his way to help.”