Posted: May 23, 2025
By: Jessie Deacon
Virtual mentorship
Vincent Sweeney (BEng’86, MASc’89) has long been passionate about mentorship, guiding emerging professionals through his work at the United Nations and now as an active mentor in the Dal Alumni Link program. Based in Jamaica, he mentors remotely thanks to the program’s virtual format, allowing him to stay connected with ʹڲapp and support young alumni regardless of their location.
“At this stage in my career, mentorship is one of the most satisfying aspects of my work,” he says.
“Seeing real progress in someone’s career because of our conversations is rewarding.”
He first discovered the program while reading an issue of Dal’s alumni enewsletter, where a feature on one of his former professors caught his attention. This prompted him to reconnect with his professor and explore opportunities to engage more with the Dal alumni community.
From ʹڲapp to global impact
Sweeney’s professional journey began with summer internships at a water utility in Trinidad and Tobago, solidifying his passion for civil and environmental engineering. His early career saw him working in consulting before he transitioned to leadership roles in Caribbean environmental initiatives. His expertise and dedication eventually led him to the United Nations, where he now oversees environmental programs aimed at tackling global issues such as marine pollution and wastewater management.
Despite his busy professional life,Sweeney remains committed to giving back. “Many mentors worry about the time commitment, but even an hour a month can make a huge difference for someone seeking guidance,” he notes. His current mentee has already adjusted his job search strategy based on Sweeney’s advice and is making positive strides toward his new career goals.
Maintaining connection
For Sweeney, ʹڲapp is more than just his alma mater—it’s part of his family’s legacy. His father earned one of ʹڲapp’s first PhDs in chemistry, and his sister followed with a PhD of her own.
Sweeney’s ties to Nova Scotia remain strong. He returns to the region often to visit family and his connection to ʹڲapp extends beyond academics—as a student, he played for the ʹڲapp soccer team and even co-hosted a Caribbean-themed radio show on campus.
He has advice for those considering volunteering in a mentorship role. “Approach it with an open mind. It’s a two-way learning experience, and you’ll discover just how much you have to offer.”