Faculty-Industry Co-Mentorship (FICM) Project Overview

Author: Angela Lyrette

School of Business & Hospitality

Algonquin College Academic Plan Innovation Plan Project 2024/25

Students have hopes and dreams including personal growth, employment opportunities, economic independence, and meaningful relationships. A College that is future-focused ensures that its programs are responsive to the needs of students through authentic, work-integrated learning experiences and practice. Professors who are connected to their industry know first-hand the issues, challenges, and expectations. This project aims to bridge the gap between Professors and employers through work placement and mentorship as part of a faculty PD plan. These mutually beneficial relationships will strengthen curriculum, be a force for change in organizational values, and promote a culture of continuous learning and career development.

We have long understood the benefits of the contributions of Program Advisory Committee (PAC) members and employers in our program design and maintenance. Our emphasis on Essential Employability Skills gives our students a competitive advantage. Professors can further support students with first hand knowledge of the demands of the workplace. As Professors advance in their teaching skills, they require intentional interactions with employers to build activities and assessments that meaningfully prepare students for the future. Our relationships with our PAC members could be further strengthened by inviting them to inform curriculum at a deeper level, and meet more of our students through these PD work-placements and mentorship relationships. Post-pandemic workplaces may need to be more flexible, have more diverse workforces, and incorporate disruptive technology. Employers through partnership with Professors can learn how to develop an inclusive culture to prepare for the change in workforce.

With the support of the Cory Haskins, Dean, School of Business and Hospitality and supervision of Sandra Wu, Academic Chair, Finance Accounting and Legal Studies, what follows are the stories of these faculty collaboratively creating meaningful learning experiences through co-mentorship relationships with industry partners..

Angela Lyrette – Professor, Finance & FICM Coordinator