SIGNALS Summer Mentorship Program 2025
Empowering the next generation of interdisciplinary leaders in sustainable energy and environmental policy.
Please fill out the form to register for the program: Mentees/Mentors Form
2025 SIGNALS Mentorship Summer Program Mentors Pamphlet
2025 SIGNALS Mentorship Summer Program Mentees Pamphlet
What is the Program?
The SIGNALS Summer Mentorship Program connects Carleton graduate students and recent alumni with professionals in sustainable energy and environmental sectors. Designed to be low-barrier and flexible, the program supports career exploration, skill development, and meaningful networking.
This program runs May–September 2025, offering 1-on-1 mentorship tailored to each participant’s goals and availability.
Who Can Participate?
Mentees:
Carleton students or recent grads (within the last 2 years) in:
- MASc/MEng in Sustainable Energy
- MPP in Sustainable Energy & Environment
- MPPA (with at least 1 energy or environment elective)
Mentors:
Professionals (at least 2-3 years of experience) in sustainability-related roles (public policy, engineering, academia, clean tech, etc.) who want to give back and support new professionals and students in the field.
What You Will Gain
For Mentees:
- Real talk: career pathways, industry insights, resume help
- Confidence to navigate post-grad life
- Expanded networks and clearer direction
For Mentors:
- Grow your own career by building leadership and coaching skills.
- Support the next generation of leaders get through a rocky time.
- Recruit potential employees with access to new talent.
- Join a community of professionals in the field and broaden your network.
Time Commitment
Core Expectations:
- 1 meeting/month (~45–60 min) from May to September
- Minimum of 4–6 meetings total
- Attend at least 1 program event (orientation, panel, or closing)
Optional Activities:
- Skill-building workshops, panels, and BBQ events in September.
- Monthly resources and check-ins from the SIGNALS team.
Meetings can be virtual or in-person—it’s up to you.
Dates
| Milestone | Date |
| Registration Opens | April 14, 2025 |
| Registration Closes | April 29, 2025 |
| Pairing Period | April 29 – May 4, 2025 |
| Orientation & Kick-off | Week of May 7, 2025 |
| End of the mentorship program | Week of Sept 9, 2025 |
Resources to consult
Questions for mentees:
- What do you want to get out of this relationship?
- What are your expectations for this relationship?
- How can your mentor help you reach your goals?
- What can you contribute to the relationship?
Helpful links:
- Article on “How to be a great mentee”: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ashiraprossack1/2018/04/27/how-to-be-a-great-mentee/.
- Article on “What mentors wish their mentees knew”:
- https://hbr.org/2017/11/what-mentors-wish-their-mentees-knew.
- Document on “Do’s and Don’ts for Mentors and Mentees:” https://www.bgsu.edu/content/dam/BGSU/provost/center-undergraduate-research-scholarship/documents/Dos-and-Don-ts-of-Montors-and-Mentees.pdf
How to be a good mentor:
- Communication is key. Make sure that you are communicating with your mentee and that you are taking the time to get to know each other.
- Establish expectations. What are you able to offer your mentee and what do each of you want to get out of this relationship?
- Work with the mentee to create a plan. Mentoring is about guiding and empowering, not directing.
Helpful links:
- Article on “Mentoring for the first time – 14 tips to start off on the right foot”: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2020/03/24/mentoring-for-the-first-time-14-tips-to-start-off-on-the-right-foot/.
- Document on “Do’s and Don’ts for Mentors and Mentees:” https://www.bgsu.edu/content/dam/BGSU/provost/center-undergraduate-research-scholarship/documents/Dos-and-Don-ts-of-Montors-and-Mentees.pdf