What Students Are Saying: The Most Common Takeaways from Our Mentorship Sessions

At HIEC, we’ve spent decades creating spaces where young people can explore their career pathways through mentorship, networking, and career coaching sessions. Whether it’s a student attending our Women as Career Coaches (WACC) event, participating in a Career Lab workshop, or connecting with industry professionals through one of our programs, the feedback we receive time and time again tells a powerful story about the impact of these experiences.

Here are some of the most common takeaways from students after our mentoring sessions and events:

1. “I didn’t realize I could change my mind or pathway, and that makes me feel so much better.”

One of the biggest revelations for students is that career paths aren’t set in stone. The pressure to have everything figured out can feel overwhelming, but hearing from professionals who’ve taken unexpected turns in their careers helps students see that they have the flexibility to explore different options over time. Knowing they don’t have to make a lifelong decision today brings them relief and confidence.

2. “I learned about careers I didn’t know existed, and I feel like I have more options.”

Many students enter our events with a limited understanding of the vast career possibilities available to them. Often, their knowledge about careers is shaped by what they see in their families or on TV, which may not reflect the full range of opportunities out there. Through conversations with mentors and industry professionals, they often discover career paths they had never considered—or even knew existed. Learning about these options broadens their horizons and helps them make more informed decisions about their futures.

3. “I feel more confident after being reminded that it’s OK to not know 100% what I want to do.”

There’s often an unspoken expectation that students should have a clear career plan early on. Our mentorship events help normalize uncertainty and reinforce that career exploration is a journey, not a race. By hearing directly from professionals who have navigated changes and uncertainty, students feel reassured that it’s completely normal to still be figuring things out.

4. “I feel more confident interacting with people I’ve never met before.”

For many students, stepping into a networking environment or speaking with professionals can feel intimidating. But after participating in our programs, they often express newfound confidence in initiating conversations, asking questions, and engaging with mentors. Developing this skill early on helps them prepare for future opportunities like interviews, co-op placements, and networking events.

5. “I would love to do something like this again.”

Perhaps the best feedback we receive is when students tell us they want to participate in more mentorship experiences. The connections they make and the knowledge they gain leave them inspired and eager to continue exploring their career paths with the guidance of mentors and professionals.

These reflections highlight the importance of mentorship in career development. By providing young people with opportunities to connect, learn, and grow, we help them build confidence in their own potential. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a mentor or supporting career exploration programs, we’d love to hear from you!

About Career Conversations

For a lot of young people, talking to adults about their career can be stressful. The pressure to make big decisions early, the uncertainty of fast-changing job markets, and not knowing themselves well enough yet can create anxiety. Fear of making the wrong choice, combined with academic and social pressures, often leaves them feeling overwhelmed. With limited real-world exposure to various industries, many are unsure what paths even exist, adding to the worry about their future.

But what if career exploration started with a conversation that didn’t create anxiety but instead sparked ideas, built confidence, and opened doors to the future?

That’s exactly what we’re trying to do with the Ontario Career Lab—an initiative designed to inspire Ontario’s Grade 9 and 10 students by connecting them with community professionals from all industries, occupations and backgrounds. Through meaningful career conversations, students can explore in-demand industries, discover local opportunities, and begin to shape their own unique paths. 

Funded by the Government of Ontario, this first-of-its-kind initiative is more important than ever. 

Get Involved

We’re looking for individuals from a wide range of sectors who share their personal insights and real-world experiences. 

Your career story can inspire and ignite curiosity in our students. By sharing your experiences, you’ll help broaden their perspective on the world of work, connect with fellow community members, and play a vital role in shaping the next generation.

Ready to make a difference? Sign up today to join the conversation.