Who should apply to the Leaders of Tomorrow Mentorship Program?

Students who are entering their last year of post-secondary education, regardless of whether the program is two years, four years, or longer. Or those who have just graduated.

I will not be in Vancouver for the duration of LOT, can I still participate in the program?

As the program requires you to attend events, arrange meetings with your mentor, as well as participate in a volunteer committee, the program will be most beneficial if you reside in town.

How do you match the mentors with the mentees?

Accepted students are asked to fill in a student profile. We take into consideration several criteria: field of study, hobbies, interests, and location.

What is the time of commitment?

It depends. The time commitment for the LOT program is approximately five to eight hours per month. This includes meeting with your mentor, attending events, and participating in a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade volunteer committee.

What are the requirements to graduate from the LOT program?

You are required to attend both the LOT Orientation and Graduation evenings, as well as a minimum of three additional Board of Trade events. It is also required for you to meet with your mentor at least five times over the course of the year and track your progress in your log book. Lastly, you must attend volunteer committee meetings and respect the Code of Ethics and Conduct and Harassment Policy.

Why should I join LOT?

LOT offers a unique opportunity to be paired with an established professional in your area of interest, providing invaluable mentorship and insights throughout the program year. It also provides numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and other professionals in the Greater Vancouver region. Through a mix of networking events, workshops, and volunteering initiatives, LOT participants gain a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape while building lasting relationships, and fostering a sense of social responsibility and leadership.

Accepted students also gain access to over 15 free Greater Vancouver Board of Trade events, as well as over $250 in complimentary tickets to more events. Additionally, they receive personalized business cards, a nametag and a professional headshot to start their professional brand in-person and online.

What is the timeline of the application process?

Applications for the upcoming program year (which runs from September to August), open in January and are due on April 30 of each year. Applicants who have met the graduation eligibility are invited to attend the Virtual Interview Night in June. Successful candidates are notified of their acceptance into the program in July.

What is the format of the Virtual Interview Night?

Six to eight candidates are assigned to a breakout room with one interviewer and asked questions based on the four pillars of LOT: mentorship, leadership, networking, and volunteerism.

What if I can't make it to the Virtual Interview Night?

The Virtual Interview Night is a mandatory step in the selection process. If you're unable to attend any of the scheduled sessions, please email lot@boardoftrade.com .

What are the eligibility requirements to be a LOT mentor?

We ask that all mentors have a minimum of five years of work experience since completing post-secondary, hold a manager position and above, and are Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Members.

What is the time commitment?

Each mentor is asked to meet with their student on a monthly basis and attend Graduation event in early September. The students are required to meet with their mentor at least 5 times to complete the LOT program. Phone calls, video chats and attending events together can also count as a meeting.

Who are the students that apply for the Leaders of Tomorrow program?

The students are from the top post-secondary institutions around the Lower Mainland and are entering their final year of post-secondary education.

How do you match the mentors with the mentees?

We take into consideration several criteria: field of study, hobbies, interests, and location.

What are the benefits of being a LOT mentor?

It may sound cliché, but you get to give back and potentially transform a student's life! You will get to share your wealth of experience and be a sounding board and cheerleader for an emerging leader. You will also be able to network with fellow mentors and other mentees who were all selected from a rigorous interview process.