The TPMA Mentorship Program is designed to connect local product management professionals and individuals looking to start their product management careers or enrich their knowledge of the profession. The relationship between mentors and mentees is viewed as a professional one-on-one partnership, and both parties are expected to give time and energy to make the partnership work. Since its initial launch in 2011, the TPMA Mentorship Program has been a fun and rewarding way to learn and share experiences with like-minded local professionals.
Duration: The program runs once a year between December and June, lasting 6 months.
We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023-2024 season for the Mentorship Program. For all inquiries please email mentorship@tpma.ca.
TPMA pairs interested mentors and mentees together for a 1-on-1 mentoring experience. During the program kick-off presentation, TPMA will introduce both parties and provide the recommended framework for the program. Mentors and mentees are expected to discuss and agree on goals and processes before the program starts.
Mentors and mentees are expected to have at least one meeting per month and commit to ongoing constructive communication both ways, which is essential to the successful completion of the program. TPMA supports both mentors and mentees with check-in surveys every two months as well as program coordinators who are always available to help.
🌟 Elevate Your Product Game with TPMA Mentorship Program! 🌟
September 29, 2023: Registration opens
October 29, 2023: Registration closes
November 18, 2023: Mentors/mentees matching process completed
November 23, 2023: Program kick-off meeting
November 23, 2023 - January 16, 2024: Participants have completed the first meeting, and individual goals are set and confirmed
January 17, 2023 - June 30, 2024: Active mentoring; participants are expected to meet at least once per month
March 12, 2024: Mid-point survey
June 30, 2024: Final survey and wrap up
Click on the sections below to expand.
One-on-one mentorship with seasoned product leaders 🤝
Tailored guidance to sharpen your product management knowledge 🎯
Deep dives into the latest industry trends and best practices 📈
Networking opportunities with fellow product enthusiasts 🌐
When you join TPMA Mentorship Program, you gain insights and connections that can help to gain new perspectives and accelerate your career. Your mentor will share personal experiences, offer advice, and answer complex questions. Mentees need to be proactive in their role:
Establish constructive communication: clarify to yourself first and then your mentor during your first meeting where you are in your career and what your goals are for the duration of the program.
Actively lead the program directions and discussions: maintain contact with your mentor and be prompt in responding. It is important that you do your own research, and develop questions for your mentor and agendas for meetings.
Maintain professional etiquette: remember that mentors are volunteers. Respect the mentor’s time and contribution to the program, keep their personal information confidential and use proper business etiquette. Do not ask or pressure mentors for job placements.
Opportunity to make a lasting impact on emerging talent 🌟
Network with other experienced mentors in the industry 🌐
Sharpen your mentoring and leadership skills 🤝
Stay connected with the latest trends and fresh perspectives 🚀
As a mentor, you provide support and career guidance to product managers or soon-to-be product managers who will benefit from your unique experience and skills. Sharing your knowledge will open mentees’ eyes, and play a crucial role in building a dynamic, enduring local community of professional product managers. Your wisdom and experience could make a significant positive impact on your mentee’s career
Click on the sections below to expand. If you have a question that has not been addressed in this list, please contact the program coordinator at mentorship@tpma.ca
Existing TPMA members who want to join the program as Mentees are required to pay a fee of $50. As another benefit to members, this fee includes up to 5 in-person TPMA monthly meetings between January and May 2024 (virtual meetings are always free to attend).
Preference in matching will be given to Greater Toronto Area members who are currently working in a Product Manager role. You can become a member of TPMA at https://www.members.tpma.ca/join (it is free!)
Product Management professionals with relevant experience.
Absolutely. It is up to you and your program partner to make it work
Become a TPMA Member
Pay the Program fee (Mentees only)
Submit the application form by October 29, 2023
TPMA tries to match Mentors and Mentees together so that they will receive the most value out of the relationship. Both Mentors and Mentees may provide information on certain considerations they’d like to take into account when being paired.
The Program fee of $50 is fully refundable if:
Requested by Mentees before Program Kickoff November 23, 2023
TPMA is unable to find a match by November 23, 2023
Mentors drop the Program before April 01, 2024, and TPMA is unable to find another qualified Mentor
Both parties are expected to maintain confidentiality at all times and absolutely avoid disclosure of any personal information outside the one-on-one discussions
TPMA Execs will never reveal any personal information of Mentorship Program participants to other members participating in the program without previous consent. Only emails are provided to both Mentors and Mentees
For all Mentorship Inquiry, please email mentorship@tpma.ca
Registration is now closed“It’s shaping my thinking as a Product Manager and giving key insights to some assumptions product teams hold which ultimately results in failed products.”
“Really appreciate you all running this program - it's a great initiative. Keep it up!”
“It's been a great experience for me. I am learning from my mentee as well. I believe we will form a great "professional" friendship following this.”
“Specifically very helpful for guidance during an interview process! Very good and gave lots of resources and tips.”