Mila Mentorship Program

About the program

In April 2020, Mila will launch a mentorship program. Open to approximately twenty Mila researchers, this pilot project will pair mentees to a volunteer mentor for a period of 9 months. The mentor’s role will be to support the mentees in achieving their personal and professional development objectives.

The program aims to provide Mila researchers with a working environment that encourages them to develop and realize their potential.

DURATION OF THE PROGRAM

The pilot project will be held on a 9 months period, from April to December 2020.

Traditional mentoring

Mentor.e-mentee dyads, with 1 to 2 mentees per mentor

Group mentoring

1 mentor for a small group of mentees

Program candidates

Mentees

15 to 20 Mila researchers
The program is open to all researchers, who will be randomly selected from the applications received. A portion of slots has been reserved for researchers who self-identify as members of a group that is under-represented in the AI community.

Mentors

A mix of professionals, Mila alumni, senior researchers and employees associated with Mila who are ready to commit time to their mentees

Selection criteria

Mentees

A Mila researcher
A portion of slots has been reserved for researchers who identify as members of an under-represented group in the AI community. The other slots will be randomly allocated.
Commitment to participate in regular meetings for 9 months (estimate: approx 1-2 hours / month,
including follow-up between meetings).
Commitment to take part in the evaluation of the program.
- Two mandatory surveys requiring 10 minutes each
- Optional participation in a focus group

Mentors

A professional or a senior researcher (a researcher at the end of his or her doctoral or post-doctoral
studies) who works at Mila or in an AI / data science company in Montréal,
Compatibility between the mentor’s professional skills and the professional and personal development goals desired by the mentee at the time of application
Gender identity, experience, etc. that allows Mila to match them to a mentee
Commitment to participate in regular meetings for 9 months (estimate: approx 1 hour / month)
Commitment to take part in the evaluation of the program
- Two mandatory surveys requiring 10 minutes each
- Optional participation in a focus group

How to participate

Becoming a mentee

Complete the application form.
Receive notification of selection if your application is selected, you will be given the opportunity to identify your top 3 choices from the list of mentor.
Receive an email presentation of your mentor and a guide to orient your discussions.
Interact regularly with your mentor according to a schedule that you will determine together based on the guidance provided by Mila
Contact the program coordinator with any questions and provide your comments and suggestions at the end of the program.

Becoming a mentor

Complete the application form, indicating your professional experience and mentoring preferences.
Receive confirmation of your registration as a mentor.
Receive an email introduction to your mentee and a guide to orient your mentoring relationship.
Interact regularly with your mentee according to a schedule that you will determine together based on the guidance provided by Mila.
Contact the program coordinator with any questions and provide comments and suggestions at the end of the program.

The training

A written guide provided at the beginning of the mentoring relationship
Monthly reminders: tips and tricks
Optional webinar training midway through the official mentorship period
Access to Mentorat Quebec’s Annual Forum on 29 January 2020 at the member’s rate; free access to Mentorat Quebec webinars

Mila Mentorship Program Calendar

Support from Mentorat Québec

Mila is a corporate member of Mentorat Québec, Quebec’s source for best practices in mentoring. As a Mila mentor or mentee, you are also a member and may attend Mentorat Québec’s events and training at a reduced rate. You will have access to Mentorat Québec’s documentation on their Espace Membre and you will receive the Mentorat Québec’s newsletter with practical tips for a successful mentoring relationship.