Mentorship benefits go above and beyond academics
Fazleabbas Janmohamed, a third-year mechanical engineering student, turned to mentorship to help him adjust to life at Ryerson as an international student.
With summer jobs and co-op placements on the horizon, now is the perfect time for students in engineering and architectural science to consider how mentorship could benefit their academic, professional and personal lives.
Farhan Riaz, Mechanical Engineering '17, is an industry mentor through the Tri-Mentoring Program (TMP). TMP is a Ryerson-wide program that connects students with peer or industry mentors in their area of study.
"The benefits of finding a mentor go beyond just academic or professional guidance," said Riaz. He said students should look at mentorship in a holistic way that involves personal and professional growth.
For students in technical programs like engineering and architecture, Riaz said that mentorship can be an especially valuable opportunity. "With a mentor, you get to focus on building soft skills like communication and networking, which are things you might not get out of a math class."
Fazleabbas Janmohamed, a third-year mechanical engineering student, turned to mentorship to help him adjust to life at Ryerson as an international student. "When I first arrived, even speaking with my peers or professors was difficult," he said.
Janmohamed said the skills and confidence he has developed through working with peer and industry mentors have helped him become more involved with the Ryerson community – joining design teams and even running for student leadership. "That support really brings up your confidence and helps push you to where you want to be."
Riaz said that one of the most valuable things he can offer as a mentor is connecting students to people in the industry who they could also receive mentorship from. He said that, while organized mentorship programs are a good place to start, students should be open to asking for mentorship from anyone who inspires them, both during school and in their future careers.
"You always have something to learn from someone. So keep an open mind and reach out to people you think are doing remarkable things."