The UBC Master of Data Science Mentoring Program gives students the opportunity to connect with a Data Science professional who shares their experience in the field of data science. You must be a current UBC MDS student to participate in this program.

How to Become a Student Mentee

Step 1: Read the program commitments and structure section and policies section below.

Step 2: Complete an online application form by October 16, 2026: (2026-27 applications will open soon)

Program commitments and structure

  • Student mentees commit to spending an estimated total of 10-15 hours of time from November to April on the mentoring program.
  • A mentor is matched with one or two MDS students.
  • MDS students who have applied to the mentoring program will be asked to submit a list of their preferred mentors. You will be provided with a list of DS professionals who have applied to be a mentor. Alternatively, you can opt to have the mentoring coordinators manually match you to a mentor. Manual matches are made based on information on your application form, including Data Science interest areas and career interest areas.
  • Student mentees commit to attending the program kickoff event in November. Attendance at the kick-off event is mandatory.
  • The student mentee(s) will meet with their mentor at least two times during the program. Your mentoring trio or duo can decide to meet more if you wish.
    • You have the option of holding your meetings in-person or online.
    • If you have a fellow student mentee, the expectation is that you will meet with your mentor together as a trio.
  • Student mentees are expected to take the initiative in organizing the meetings with their respective mentor.
  • Student mentees must submit 2 career-related learning goals by the end of January. You will need to discuss these goals with your mentor prior to that date. Your mentor will work with you to help you accomplish these goals over the course of the program. A link to submit your career goals will be sent to you after the kick-off event.
  • Student mentees will be invited to participate in a Wrap-up event in late March or early April to network with mentors and other students.

Policies

As a student mentee in the MDS mentoring program, you agree to the following:

  • Respect the confidential nature of my discussions with my mentor and (if applicable) my fellow student mentee and to keep their personal information private.
  • Commit to the program for the time period of November to April.
  • Attend the mentoring kick-off event in November.
  • Take the initiative to set-up meetings with your mentor.
  • Submit 2 career-related learning goals by the end of January.
  • Maintain professional conduct and manners at all times.
  • Report any issues to the mentoring coordinators (insert link to Contacts page)

Failure to comply to these policies will lead to termination from the mentoring program.