Celebrating International Mentoring Day

Salem’s first time on skates – he has been in Canada for just 2 years

January 17th, 2018 – Calgary, AB- Preliminary findings from a new study being conducted at Mount Royal University in partnership with the CRIEC-Bow Valley College mentorship program indicates that as a result of their mentoring experience new Canadians build a stronger sense of belonging, as well as increased professional skills such as networking and job-search skills.

“These preliminary findings show that mentoring relationships provide newcomers to Canada with tremendous value as they integrate into Calgary, both professionally and personally” says Leah Hamilton, Associate Professor at Mount Royal University.

Professional outcomes that were highlighted in the findings were: 1. increased networking skills, 2. a better understanding of how and where to search for jobs in Calgary and, 3. setting realistic goals and expectations for the job search process.

The psychosocial outcomes highlighted in the findings were: 1. an increased sense of belonging to a new country and, 2. an increased level of confidence.

What does this mean?

“While we see the positive impacts of mentoring daily, what this study does is pin point quite clearly the exact skills and values that new Canadian professionals acquire after being mentored,” says Bruce Randall, Executive Director of CRIEC.

“Mentoring is one component of career path planning for new Canadians. With the support and guidance of a mentor, career coaching, and intercultural competency skills training, internationally trained professionals get the needed guidance to succeed and build strong careers in this country,” noted Laurel Madro, Program Coordinator with Bow Valley College.

This research was released today at CRIEC’s annual Mentor Skate event held at Olympic plaza in celebration of International Mentoring Day. New Canadian mentees joined their mentors for a very Canadian celebration – a skate, sandwich and hot chocolate!

CRIEC builds pathways and positive relationships between Calgary employers and internationally trained professionals (ITPs) that encourage hiring and retention. To date, more than 500 Calgarians have supported more than 1,500 internationally trained professionals through CRIEC’s mentoring and career path planning programs. Supporting new immigrants as they navigate and integrate into Canadian culture supports not only the individuals and their families, but also our city; internationally trained talent provides a new talent pool that can increase Calgary’s future economic prosperity.

Learn more at criec.ca

Media Contact:
Kate Smitko
Media Specialist, CRIEC
Katesmitko@gmail.com
(587) 585-0425