Career Development Services is excited to announce the re-launch of our ACCESS Mentorship Program for the Winter 2025 semester! ACCESS (Attaining Career Connections to Encourage Student Success) is a mentorship/job-shadowing program in which undergraduate students are paired with professionals in an industry relevant to the student’s career goals. Over the span of the semester, participating students will complete 10 hours of mentorship, during which time their assigned mentor will provide them with guidance, leadership, and advice about how their industry works, what a typical day might look like, and what the student can do if they want to pursue a career in the mentor’s field. Additionally, student mentees may be tasked with some responsibilities within the organization to help them develop the skills required to transition into the industry after they graduate.

How does it work?

1. You must submit an application. Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee that you will be granted a placement. Placements will be granted based on the information provided in your application and the availability of a suitable mentor. A maximum of 10 placements will be granted for the Winter 2025 semester.
2. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. If your application is successful, you will be contacted by the Career Development Coordinator to begin arrangements. The first placements will begin in late January and continue through the Winter semester.
3. The Career Development Coordinator, your mentor, and you will meet together (in-person or virtually) to discuss your mentorship schedule. All 3 parties will sign an ACCESS Mentorship Agreement which outlines the terms of the mentorship.
4. Once a schedule is established, your mentorship begins. You will be responsible for completing a minimum of 10 hours with your mentor, divided across the semester.
5. Upon completion, you will have a follow-up meeting with the Career Development Coordinator where you will reflect on your experience and discuss how the program has impacted your career goals.

Why should I sign up for ACCESS?

• Career-relevant experience. Many young people have limited professional experience on their resumes. By taking on an ACCESS mentorship, you can complete work that is relevant to your career that can easily be included on your resume or CV for future employers or recruiters.
• Career exploration. Many university students don’t know what they want to do when they graduate or even what kinds of fields they want to work in. ACCESS gives you the chance to dip your toes in the water of a potential career and test it out for a few hours before you dedicate yourself to pursuing it long-term.
• Networking with industry professionals. For new job hunters, success can often be measured by who you know more than what you know, so this is a great opportunity to meet the people who might one day be your employers!
• It’s FREE! Participation in ACCESS is completely free and bears no additional fees or charges.

A few reminders for interested students…

• As above, ACCESS is currently limited only to undergraduate students enrolled in at least one course.
• Selection for and participation in ACCESS are free of charge, however, please note that these are also unpaid placements. Neither the mentors nor the mentees are financially compensated for their participation in ACCESS.
• Neither Grenfell Campus nor your assigned mentor will be responsible for transportation to and from your ACCESS placement site. Responsibility will fall on the mentee.
• When participating in ACCESS, you are representing Grenfell Campus and are therefore expected to maintain a high degree of professionalism and respect towards your mentor and their workplace. The Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities will apply during the mentorship program.

Have questions? Email the Career Development Office at twy675@mun.ca or come visit us in AS271.