Entering the workforce after graduation can be an intimidating and challenging step for students. Their insights and opinions are valuable for building vibrant, diverse, and inclusive business cultures, but they don\u2019t always have the confidence or knowledge on how to have an impact in a larger organization. This is why cultivating relationships and working alongside the next generation to build their confidence and gain insights into how they see the world is essential to both organizations and students. Providing thoughtful and reliable mentorship to up-and-coming talent can be the key to identifying new opportunities, understanding emerging trends, and meeting the challenges of unpredictable markets and technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Izabela Nanushi, Director, Innovation, Kashmera Self, Vice-President, Strategy & Innovation and Anna Long, BA Social Work Candidate (expected 2023), participated in Advancing YU\u202f<\/a>at York University, a program that connects upcoming graduates with York alumni from a variety of professional careers<\/a>, including several leaders from Interac. Here, Anna, Izabela, and Kashmera explored the reciprocal benefits of mentorship and building relationships with the next generation of talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mentorship isn\u2019t a one-off experience or something only senior executives can participate in. It\u2019s a lifelong practice that contributes to an individual\u2019s learning and development at all stages of their lives and careers.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n “We all have valuable experiences we can share with others, as well as opportunities for personal and professional growth, regardless of our job title, age, or profession. Whether we take on the role of mentor or mentee, mentorship is a continuous process that evolves throughout our careers, adapting to new challenges, opportunities, and experiences as they arise.\u201d said Kashmera.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mentorship provides different perspectives depending on where someone is in their life and their career, and it can greatly enhance its value and impact on the individual and their organization over time.\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though some might think it is only mentees who gain knowledge, that is not the case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u202f\u201cMentorship isn\u2019t just about setting up people who are entering the workforce \u2013 it also gives mentors with established careers different perspectives and insights from mentees who are about to step into the working world,\u201d Izabela said. \u201cIt\u2019s a two-way street, even when it comes to topics not necessarily related to business. There is always an opportunity to learn from each other\u2019s strengths and interests.\u201d\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n A great mentor-mentee experience comes down to building trust between two individuals. If that is done right, then both parties can benefit from a lifelong opportunity for growth, connection, and learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anna was able to adopt a new approach to leadership within the organization they were leading at York thanks in part to the mentorship experience she received in the Advancing YU program. Anna learned how leadership meant \u201cpassing the torch and providing opportunities\u201d to others around you, and giving them the tools to succeed on their own. Anna was able to become more comfortable as a leader and learn how to \u201clead with kindness\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA good mentor wants nothing from you other than for you to succeed,\u201d Anna said. The mentor-mentee relationship can be a safe space for serious discussion, reflection, and contemplation, allowing both parties to, according to Anna, \u201cexplore together, which cuts down on the time it takes to get you where you want to go.\u201d\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this way, mentorship provides new leaders with valuable first-hand experience, then challenges them to meet and exceed that experience with their unique perspectives. At Interac, we are committed to excellent corporate citizenship and community investment that is rooted in helping Canadians get more out of life. Through our CSR partnerships with organizations like ACCES Employment, job seekers receive support in building new professional networks and integrating into the Canadian job market.<\/a> This can be a vital stepping stone for those seeking mentorship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mentorship can help participants improve their confidence and discover new perspectives. Moreover, mentorship\u2019s reciprocal nature helps to create more equitable and respectful spaces for these diverse voices to be heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n1. Mentorship happens at all different stages through one’s journey\u202f<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Mentorship is a reciprocal relationship\u202f<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Mentorship inspires confidence and provides a safe space <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Embracing Canada\u2019s diversity with the Interac Youth Council<\/h2>\n\n\n\n