OT Mentorship Program
ConnectOT, our pilot mentorship program, pairs OT students with practitioners for ongoing professional development. Every incoming student will have access to bi-directional, personalized mentorship with an OT practitioner that lasts for one year.
How It Works
Students and mentors are then paired based on common career goals, life experiences, and student needs. To get started, students and mentors complete a brief online survey to paint a holistic picture of their interests and experiences. The survey should take 5-10 minutes to complete.
At this time, only first year students are eligible to register for ConnectOT.
Registration for the 2026-2027 academic year will open this summer for mentors and at orientation for incoming students. Email [email protected] with any questions!
Helpful Links
Why should I sign up to have a mentor?
- Research shows that having a mentor can help you make progress in your individual academic, career, personal, and professional goals. An experienced clinician can provide guidance and relate to your life experiences, career path, and academic journey.
- Ask questions and receive advice on topics outside of normal coursework (examples: moving for a job, balancing life as a working parent, or navigating challenges at work).
- Broaden your professional network and connections with the assistance of a mentor to champion your success.
Why should I sign up to be a mentor?
- Build your legacy and find personal fulfillment by supporting, shaping, and impacting the next generation of OT professionals.
- Further your professional growth through reflection, networking, and professional development. Stay current on OT education and trends.
- Access to continuing education opportunities with the University of Minnesota.
- Be the champion you wish you had in OT school!
FAQs
What is mentorship?
In this program, mentorship is defined as a reciprocal and collaborative at-will relationship that fosters mentee growth by:
- Imparting wisdom, sharing personal and professional experiences, and delivering expert insight
- Championing and encouraging holistic, long-term mentee success
- Bridging the knowledge gap between theory and practice
Mentorship is not: job training, supervision, or a promise of a job, shadowing, or fieldwork.
What is the time commitment?
After an initial training, participants will meet at least once per term for one academic year (Sept-May), whether in person or virtually. Outside of program assignments, we encourage pairs to determine the frequency that makes the most sense for each person.
One short survey about your conversations will be due in January, along with a final program evaluation at the end of the academic year.
How long does the program last?
The program formally runs from September to May. After that time, participants may continue the relationship informally without registering for the program. We encourage all participants to continue the relationship to the extent they are comfortable after the conclusion of the formal program.
Because only first year students are eligible to join, mentors who participate the following year will have the opportunity to be matched with a new student.
What are the expectations of the mentoring relationship?
The expectations are simply to get to know one another and be appropriately responsive with communication. Even without structured topics or activities, we believe there is great benefit in sharing life experiences, asking questions, and gaining new perspectives.
There are conversation and goal setting resources available in the ConnectOT Handbook.
Mentors are strictly prohibited from offering observation hours, fieldwork, capstone placements, or jobs to their mentees. If appropriate, informational interviews or other networking opportunities are welcome.
What support is available through the college?
The ConnectOT Handbook contains information, FAQs, and links to a variety of resources. In addition, a mentor coordinator is available to answer questions, consult on issues, and support the relationship and your participation in the program - email [email protected].
I live in another city/state. Can I participate?
Yes! Every participant in this program is required to be comfortable meeting virtually (by Zoom or another mutually agreed upon virtual platform). If both parties agree, mentor pairs may meet in person but do not have to.