Alumni mentors at the Alumni-Student Mentorship launch event in January 2026. (Photo: Dewey Chang)
Mentoring computer science students has given alumnus Jason Lee a new way to stay connected to campus.
What draws him back each year are conversations he has with undergraduate students, who reflect the same curiosity and ambition he once had as a student.
He said many students come to mentorship conversations searching for direction, and he finds meaning in helping them work through those questions.
Lee recalls mentoring a student who was unsure whether computer science was the right path. Through discussion, the student gained clarity about what they wanted and what they didn’t.
“It was incredibly rewarding to see them make an informed decision about their future,” he said. “Mentorship isn’t just about giving advice. It’s about helping students figure out what they want for themselves.”
For third-year computer science student Yoyo Liu, mentorship also clarified her long-term career goals. She was debating whether to try an industry internship before committing to research.
“After our conversations, I realized that my interests align more with R&D,” she said. “That insight solidified my decision to pursue a PhD and focus on research.”
Lee said mentoring also strengthened his own perspective on the field. Students’ questions about emerging technologies push him to stay current, reflect on his own career decisions and lead his team more effectively.
“I’ve seen generations of students come through the program. Each brings fresh energy, ideas and ambition.”
Liu said she would “100 per cent” recommend the program to other students. “It gave me the chance to ask questions, visit my mentor’s office and hear their perspective on my goals. It was incredibly valuable.”
For Lee, his mentees continuously change his perspective and teach him new things.
“In some cases, their way of doing things could be more efficient and effective than the ‘old ways’ that I have experienced,” he said.
“This mentoring experience reminds me why I’m proud to be part of U of T. I hope to continue mentoring and supporting students all the way to retirement.”
Department of Computer Science Alumni-Student Mentorship Program
Each winter, undergraduate computer science students pair with alumni for a series of one-on-one conversations about career paths, research opportunities and life after graduation. The mentorship program unfolds over several months, giving students space to ask candid questions and test ideas with someone who has navigated similar decisions.
Launched in 2005, the Department of Computer Science’s Alumni-Student Mentorship Program connects undergraduates with alumni working in industry, research and academia, offering perspectives that extend beyond the classroom and evolve through ongoing dialogue.
Learn more about the Alumni-Student Mentorship Program.