My Mentorship Story
I became a member of CPHR even before moving to Canada in July 2023. It was my way of getting a head start, learning how HR works here, connecting with professionals in the field, and preparing myself to step into the workforce with more confidence. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I made!
With over 18 years of HR experience and a Master’s in Management from Fiji, a small island nation that is just a dot on the map compared to Canada, the second largest country in the world, I knew that growing professionally here would take courage and adaptability. To strengthen my strategic HR capabilities and better align with Alberta’s project driven work culture, I enrolled in a postgraduate course in Project Management. It was a bold move, but one I fully embraced. I was ready to step outside my comfort zone and build new skills that would support my evolving HR journey.
I also understood how important it was to learn what employers here expect and how things really work on the ground. That is exactly what I found through CPHR. Since joining, I have taken part in almost every event I could. I have been a Protégé in both the CPHR Mentoring Program and Walk & Talk Program (twice!). I am currently in my second round of the Mentoring Program.
One of the biggest blessings came when I was matched with a mentor who has been absolutely amazing. We clicked right away. It was not just about professional advice, it was the little pushes, the encouragement, and the real talk when I needed it most. Thanks to the confidence and direction I gained through the mentoring program, I started working part-time as a Teaching Assistant at a top Canadian university while studying full-time as an international student. It was an exciting and meaningful experience that opened new doors, especially in the learning and development space, an area I’ve grown to love even more.
For me, CPHR has been more than just a professional body, it has been my rock. It has supported me, cheered me on, and opened doors when I needed it most. I am now actively exploring HR opportunities as I work toward completing my postgraduate Project Management course and achieving my CPHR designation by year end. I am super proud to be part of this incredible community and excited for what is ahead!
Thank your CPHR AB!
Sweetika Kumar
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.
