Marketing Mentorship Program

CMA’s annual marketing mentorship program provides business focused students considering their career options the opportunity to experience a ‘day in the life’ of a marketer. It also provides a business school with the opportunity to introduce organizations to the calibre of talent honed through its programming.

CMA pairs students with mentor organizations for a day of learning and interactivity. Organizations expose students to the breadth and depth of a marketing role and its value to the organization. Students will experience an organizations’ culture, learn about its vision, history and importance in today’s environment.

The company visit typically takes place in February, March, or early April – at a time convenient to the organization and the student. On occasion, an organization may choose to offer a specific date. Students normally visit an organization in pairs, or more should the company prefer.

How Can I Participate as a Mentee?

CMA works directly with the schools. Participating schools incorporate the activity into their program and offer the mentorship activity to selected students.

Schools that have participated in the program include: Centennial College, DeGroote School of Business (McMaster University), Dalhousie University, George Brown College, Queen’s School of Business, Rotman School of Management (MBA program), Schulich School of Business, Telfer School of Business (University of Ottawa), Sprott School of Business (Carleton University), Western University and Wilfrid Laurier University.

Students who want to participate as a mentee should speak with their program coordinator, who if interested, would then contact CMA to find out if the mentorship activity is available in their area.

What Students Said about CMA’s 2012 ‘Day in the Life’ of a Marketer

“The experience of participating in the CMA Marketing Mentorship Program provided remarkable insight into the strategy behind loyalty marketing. It was invaluable to learn about the operation of an agency that services several vertical markets. I was always interested in a marketing career, but my visit to Aimia inspired my desire to work for a marketing agency/firm.”
Laurier student visiting Aimia

“We had a very successful visit with the marketing team at the LCBO. They opened their doors to us, bringing in their colleagues from across the department to teach us the different marketing roles in the organization, as well as opening our eyes to the obstacles of being a crown corporation. “
Rotman student visiting LCBO

“This experience was an excellent opportunity because it allowed me to explore how marketing can be applied by a crown corporation serving the public sector. It was exciting to see how marketing has modernized the way companies approach clients. There is always that misconception that highly bureaucratic organizations cannot implement effective marketing strategies”
Sprott student visiting Canada Post

“I thoroughly enjoyed my day.  The people were extremely friendly, educational and organized and I couldn't have asked for anything more from the Mentorship program.  I really appreciate the efforts that CMA made to make the activity possible.”
Queen’s Student visiting RBC

“The experience of visiting the YMCA during the Mentorship Program was extremely valuable. By having the opportunity to observe exactly how marketing concepts are applied in a real world situation, I was able to apply my theoretical learning to the operation of a real organization and learn about the challenges and opportunities that brands face every day.”
Schulich Student visiting the YMCA

“Thank you for taking the time to give use a glimpse of what real world marketing really looks like, through the Marketing Mentorship Program. This whole experience was very eye opening, and I hope to someday take my skills and be working for an industry leader like Kraft.”
Student visiting Kraft