My Mentorship Story - Seun A.

Author :  Seun A

I landed in Canada in March of 2019. I had worked over 10 years in Human Resources and left a senior role in HR to move here.

My first full time HR role started in August 2020 and I quickly realized that while I had broad experience in human resources, I would need to learn how things are done in Canada as there were marked differences between what I knew and what I was now working with.

I started my CPHR certification journey almost immediately which is where I learned about the mentorship program. I signed up because as I mentioned earlier, I realized I would need practical guidance if I were to succeed. I was matched with my mentor - Laura following my second  application and we  agreed to meet once a month.

Laura became my mentor, sounding board and personal think tank. I could go to her with issues I faced at work and she would help me think through them. She gave me resources and learning materials that helped me navigate the world of HR in Canada. We soon began meeting once a week as opposed to the initial once a month.

Mentoring with her has really helped me grow personally and in my career. She helped me  see things from  different perspectives and taught me to think of innovative solutions. At the end of the initial 6-month internship period, we agreed  to continue our conversations because it was beneficial. Laura and I still talk weekly whenever we have the time.

I cannot recommend the mentorship program enough for anyone who is starting a career in HR or trying to navigate a new position. It is highly beneficial to have a sounding board and someone who helps you think things through without necessarily telling you what to do. This is what I gained from the mentorship program. Despite how much I have learned from the program, it is interesting to note that I have never met Laura face to face.