 FAQ
I believe
that what you say and do as a role model and a real, professional engineer means a lot to younger scientists, finding out how relevant are scientific pursuits and hobbies.
- Mentor
Frequently Asked Questions
Shown below are some of the questions that are asked most often. If your question isn't answered here please send us a message. We'll send you an answer and likely add your question to this list!
Questions for Everyone
Mainly For Mentees
Mainly For Mentors
Mainly For Parents
Why mentor using an online community?
- The Internet is accessible in urban and rural areas,
- Communication takes place when it's convenient (both parties don't have to be online at the same time),
- Research shows that girls are active users of computers (significantly more than boys),
- It is cost effective and easy to use, and
- It reduces the awkwardness of age differences.
Who can participate?
Cybermentor is designed for girls from 11-18. Each girl is are paired one-on-one with a professional woman with an educational or professional background in engineering, science, technology or math, or a woman undergraduate or graduate student currently enrolled in a post-secondary engineering, science, technology or math related program.
What does it cost?
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters there is no cost to participate.
Why science and engineering mentoring for girls?
The need for this program stems from the fact that in Canada women are still under-represented in science and engineering careers, and only about 19% of engineering undergraduate students and 40% of science undergraduate students are women. In order to meet the demand for highly qualified personnel it is important to provide support to young women during critical development stages.
Why Mentor using email?
Studies have shown that, after age 11, girls start to lose interest in science and math courses which are needed for science and engineering post-secondary programs. On-line communication is an effective tool to reach out to these young women and to have an impact in rural areas that traditionally lack role models for science and engineering careers. Having a mentor can make a difference to a student's understanding and knowledge of opportunities throughout her education
What are the benefits?
Mentors are given the opportunity to develop soft skills which may benefit management and supervisory skills. Participating girls are linked to positive role models who can provide encouragement, direction, educational advice and a window on university and/or life in industry. Overall, the experience helps develop communication skills, establishes networking opportunities, and builds self-esteem.
How much time does it take?
The time will vary between each mentor-participant pair; however, the minimum requirement is one message per week (about 10 minutes) for 10 months through the school year.
How will I know what to write about?
Many suggestions are offered on the website and in the mentor and participant handbooks to help get you started. Discussion topics will also be sent to your personal account dashboard regularly by the program staff.
Will mentors and participants meet each other?
Face to face meeting is not part of this program. This rule has been created to protect all participants in the program - please respect it. Chatting in the secure program chat room from time to time is up to the mentor, participant and her parents. In addition, you may be sent information about scheduled events throughout the year (like year-end celebrations) that offer opportunities for mentors and their matches to meet if they live in the same location. Any work-place visits or job-shadowing opportunities must be arranged through the program office by a participant’s parents. Please contact the program director if you have any questions or concerns about this issue.
How are mentors and participants matched up?
Matching is done based on the information applicants supply in the online registration forms. We look at interests, hobbies, expertise and personal statements and then do our best to find someone with similar goals and interests. It can be a difficult task and as a result we can't guarantee the outcome.
How do I respond to a request, from my mentee for help with personal problems? My mentee is confiding in me and it makes me uncomfortable. I do not know how to help.
Teenage years can be difficult. Your student match may start telling you about her problems or asking you for advice. You must remember that your main role is to advise her about her possible educational goals or her career path. Even though you will likely develop a personal relationship with her, you need to remain objective. If at any time you feel that your conversations are extending beyond what you are comfortable with, please contact the Cybermentor program staff to discuss your concerns. Here are some general guidelines:
- Set boundaries on your conversation topics. Your responsibility and commitment to this program certainly do not include counselling.
- Encourage her to talk to her parents, teachers, guidance counsellor or some other adult she trusts.
- Do not ignore her comments, but tell her you don’t feel comfortable talking about this with her. Use positive comments to reinforce positive conversations that you have shared with her in the past.
- Always contact the program staff for specific help.
- In an extreme situation, if your mentee confides to you anything that makes you think she is in immediate danger or that she is being abused, it is your legal responsibility to report this to authorities. In this situation (hopefully this will NEVER happen) contact the Program Director immediately so we can take the necessary actions.
How do you check a mentor's suitability?
If a mentor is eligible (a science or engineering student or professional), then the Program Director contacts her for a phone interview. During this interview, the Program Director provides information about the program and also asks a series of questions to determine the background, goals, experience and suitability of the applicant. If both parties agree that the mentor will be a good candidate for the program, the mentor’s references are contacted and asked a series of questions to further determine the suitability of the applicant before she is accepted as a mentor in the program.
What can Parents do?
Studies have shown that a student's decision to study engineering or science is heavily dependent on their parents' influence. Influencing girls early on about the exciting potential of these fields makes a difference. Your daughter will benefit more from her mentoring experience if she has your encouragement. Talking to her about how things are going or reminding her to check her account for messages makes all the difference.
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