who
Most MDW participants are sponsored by their employers, either by a supervisor or someone else within the organization.  Usually, employers provide full or partial financial sponsorship; however, this is not always the case.  Participants can also be sponsored by former colleagues or individuals they admire from within the business community. 

your role
Regardless of whether you’re sponsoring a participant financially or not, you will play an important role in lending mentoring support to this student as she carries out her required assignments.  This involves being interested in what she is doing throughout the program, keeping track of her assignment schedule, being available for questions and advice, and realizing that she is embarking on a new and exciting journey of professional and personal discovery in which she may require you to be flexible with your time requirements. 

the rewards  
Sponsoring an MDW participant can be rewarding on many different levels.  If you’re an employer, you’ll see the direct benefits in the performance of your employee. She’ll develop effective management skills and increase her knowledge of your organization and the industry in which it is situated.  Additionally, sponsoring an MDW student can be personally rewarding.  Not only will you have the opportunity to use your expertise and refresh your skills, but you will also help the participant you are sponsoring achieve her goals. 

Recent past sponsors include

• Aliant Telecom

• Canada Customs and Revenue Agency 

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada

• ICT Northumberland College

• Just Us!  Coffee Roasters Co-op Ltd.

• Nova Scotia Association of Health Organizations

• Nova Scotia Community College

• Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association

• Nova Scotia Department of Community Services

• Public Works and Government Services of Canada

• RBC Financial Group

• Scotiabank

• Wyeth