Alumni Mentorship at UTM : A Q&A with Kevin O’Neill (HBSc 2001) and Alexander Javier (HBA 2022)
The transition from university graduation to working life can be an overwhelming and daunting time for new graduates. For many years, UTM has run a very successful Alumni Mentorship Program, which pairs an alum with a third or fourth-year student. Based on the success of that program, the UTM New Graduate Mentorship program was recently developed to help new graduates navigate this often difficult transition time by pairing them with an established UTM alum who was once in their shoes.
New graduates applying to the program can choose to be matched based on program of study, field of work, social identity and/or lived experiences. Through regular meetings with their mentor, new grads can explore and talk through the challenges they may be facing post-graduation and develop strategies to get moving towards a successful career path, without feeling like they’re tackling it alone.
Kevin O’Neill (HBSc 2001 UTM) and Alexander Javier (HBA 2022 UTM) were matched through the New Graduate Mentorship program earlier this year. They sat down with us to share their experiences in the New Graduate Mentorship Program, steps they’ve taken so far in their careers, and why they felt their mentorship partnership was so successful.
Alexander, what was your student experience like during your time at UTM?
As a student at UTM, my experience can be described as a journey of enrichment and enlightenment. UTM provided me the opportunity to truly understand our world; with a double major in Political Science and Geography, I can appreciate the nuances, morals, ethics, purpose, and reasons for policies which shape our world and our collective future. Faculty and staff members are experts in their fields and highly supportive of students’ growth and development.
Kevin, how do you feel your education at UTM prepared you for your career journey?
I've come to appreciate how my education laid the groundwork for a lifelong commitment to continuous learning. The curiosity it sparked has remained a constant driving force, prompting me to explore and adopt new approaches and techniques, always striving to improve. As an avid reader, I enthusiastically recommend books to everyone I work with, eager to share knowledge and insights.
Completing my degree was not the endpoint of my educational journey; rather, it ignited a passion for learning that has accompanied me throughout my career. Starting as an entry-level engineer, I've steadily progressed to become a seasoned executive, and that growth is a testament to the enduring flame of curiosity and the eagerness to learn that my education instilled within me.
Kevin, I know that Alexander was thrilled to be partnered with you because of your entrepreneurial spirit and your experience supporting start-ups. As Vice President of Gordian Software, can you share about the career path that has led you here?
Throughout my entire career, I've dedicated myself to early-stage startups, gaining invaluable insights into building exceptional teams and creating products that customers genuinely love and appreciate. Navigating the challenging early stage, where product-market fit is crucial, has taught me the importance of mentorship for entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, I've observed a consistent lack of such guidance within the startup community, leaving entrepreneurs without the necessary support to address market dynamics and customer needs effectively.
As a result of these experiences, my consulting efforts have been laser-focused on assisting entrepreneurs from the early stages of market gap identification and customer understanding to the execution of marketing and sales strategies. I take pride in supporting startups throughout their entire lifecycle, rather than only focusing on specific aspects of their journey. As a consultant, I had the privilege to collaborate with a diverse range of organizations, spanning from pre-seed startups with initial ideas to early-stage companies (Series A/B) and even later-stage enterprises generating $100M+ in revenue.
Through all of this, my goal remains clear: empowering startups to deliver unique solutions that genuinely solve real problems and create value for their customers.
Alexander, what have you enjoyed most about being partnered with Kevin?
Being partnered with Kevin has been a rewarding experience on so many levels. As a mentor, his approach is through open dialogue with genuine advice and tips on how to navigate the entrepreneurial maze. As a budding entrepreneur, being surrounded with people who believe in inclusion and openness inspires confidence and clarity that fuels my entrepreneurial drive.
I love his enthusiasm for solving real-world problems, and he helped me to discover a solution to the problem I was trying to address. Although our time was brief, his guidance has helped me to develop, and I’m now better able to assess the problem I'm trying to solve and create potentially viable solutions irrespective of resources and experience. I really enjoyed the ideation and discovery process.
Kevin, what have you enjoyed most about being partnered with Alexander?
Alexander's passion for the problem he's determined to solve is truly inspiring. His enthusiasm for learning and dedication as a student made mentoring him a delightful and rewarding experience. I sincerely hope that he succeeds in his mission, as it has the potential to profoundly impact the lives of students. His drive and commitment are powerful ingredients for making a positive difference in the world, and I'm genuinely excited to see the impact he will create.
Kevin, what motivated you to become a UTM Alumni Mentor, and what do you enjoy most about mentoring others?
My motivation to become a mentor stems from a deep desire to support others and prevent them from facing failure due to lack of experience. I take great pride in sharing my own experiences to help guide others through challenges and uncertainties. Seeing my mentees transform from initial concern to confident execution, armed with clear steps to achieve their goals, is immensely satisfying. Moreover, my passion for continuous learning and curiosity drives me to enjoy mentoring, as I constantly explore new approaches and techniques, sharing my knowledge with others to help them grow and succeed.
Alexander and Kevin - do you think you will remain connected even after the completion of the program?
Kevin: Definitely. I love checking in and hearing about progress that he’s been making!
Alexander: Kevin and I will certainly remain connected! Since the end of the New Graduate Mentorship program, Kevin and I continue to meet and discuss the progress of my business concept and openly discuss other plans outside of business. The mutual trust, respect, and friendship we developed is so appreciated.
Alexander, would you recommend this program to other New Graduates?
The UTM Mentorship program has been an incredible experience. With a dedicated staff, mentors, and graduates all eager to make their own unique contribution to the University of Toronto community, the New Graduate Mentorship Program is an excellent way to start and carve out your own path. Getting advice and tips from a Mentor with a proven track record is highly valuable and should be cherished as it will have the potential of drive you forward with your goals and learn to connect with future mentors along your journey.
Kevin, what would you say to other alumni who might be interested in volunteering as mentors in the New Graduate Mentorship program?
To other alumni who are considering volunteering as mentors in the New Graduate Mentorship program, I encourage you to seize this incredible opportunity. As evident from my experiences, being a mentor is immensely rewarding. You have the chance to make a profound impact on the lives of young graduates, providing guidance and support as they embark on their professional journeys.
Sharing your own knowledge and experiences can prevent them from stumbling and enable them to thrive. Whether it's helping them navigate the early stages of their careers, offering insights into specific industries, or fostering a passion for continuous learning, being a mentor is a transformative experience for both you and your mentees.
Your passion and expertise can serve as a guiding light for these graduates, instilling in them a sense of confidence and purpose. Embrace the opportunity to be a positive influence, as the mentorship you provide can shape their future and contribute to a stronger and more vibrant community of professionals.
Want to get involved?
Programs like this wouldn’t be possible without our incredible and generous UTM Alumni volunteers! Are you a UTM alum interested in volunteering as an alumni mentor to support students and recent graduates? We would love to hear from you! Sign up using this form.
Have you graduated from UTM in the last two years and are interested in applying to the New Graduate Mentorship program? Learn more here.
Thank you to our sponsors
The UTM New Graduate Mentorship Program is proudly sponsored by U of T affinity partners Manulife and TD Insurance. Discover the benefits of affinity products: affinity.utoronto.ca.
