Talent Then. Talent Now. Promising Future. Connecting Students with Seniors in Ottawa.

Mission Fit

BioTalent Canada found in 2013 that 19.0% of companies nationally employed individuals over the age of 67. These people have developed large networks and extensive skills in the biotechnology industry in Canada. With youth unemployment at an all-time high in Canada, and baby-boomers leaving the workforce in record numbers, it’s a perfect time to connect youth with experience. Connecting those leaving the workforce with the new grads that are entering for the first time makes sense to bridge the knowledge and networking void that exists for new grads attempting to find their first real work placement. Senior workers benefit by remaining engaged, socially connected and feeling that their contribution has not been lost.

Objective

The overall objective of this project is to connect new graduates with older employees and retirees in the bio-economy. The goal is to improve knowledge transfer between generations. The best ideas must be shared and nurtured in order to move from thought to reality. BioTalent Canada in partnership with the Council on Aging of Ottawa will connect brilliant minds across generations and foster more innovative thinking.

Post-secondary students and new jobseekers will meet with Seniors who have forged successful careers in Canadian biotech. This hands-on mentorship will create links between the generations, build on past successes and set the stage for future success among Canada’s next generation of biotech professionals.

This program will be based on BioTalent Canada’s past research into successful mentorship and coaching programs, published as best-practices in the BioTalent Canada HR Tool Kit.

Activities associated with this project will be marketed and communicated through BioTalent Canada’s existing networks of academic institutions, employment service providers and industry associations active in the Mississauga region. We will also expand our reach through the use of our existing social media networks, newsletters, publications, e-mails, etc. to ensure the project’s success.

If you or someone you know would like to become a biotech mentor, contact BioTalent Canada today!

Deliverables

  1. Connect 25 seniors with 25 students/recent graduates in biotech in Ottawa.
  2. Engage a further 25 students/recent graduates on the importance of having mentors.
  3. Two local networking events for seniors to connect with students in the Ottawa area.
    1. One must occur within the first 2 months
    2. Second networking event in Month 5
  4. One formal speaking engagement in Month 7 inviting existing mentor/mentees, subject is benefits of being a mentor and having a mentor.
  5. Online completion questionnaire of mentors and mentees.
  6. Final report to NHFS program.