For Potential Mentors

Potential Mentors & Partners

Who is eligible to become a mentor?

A host mentor is someone who is passionate about their profession and enjoys sharing their knowledge and expertise. Additional requirements include:

Generally, 3 or more years recent Canadian work experience in a profession or trade (some exceptions may apply);
A flexible, friendly, empathetic, and patient personality;
A positive attitude toward his/her occupation;
An understanding of the workplace culture of the field of mentorship;
A willingness to share experiences and to listen to others sharing their experiences;
Experience working in a cross-cultural setting and/or is committed to learning about other cultures; and
Links to professional organizations and business, trade, or other networks.
Available to meet with mentee at least twice a month.

Speaking another language in addition to English is also an asset but by no means a requirement.

How does a mentor benefit from the match?

Host Mentoring Services aims to foster a mentoring relationship that is mutually beneficial and enjoyable. There are many reasons why professionals may want to become mentors, which may include.

To meet interesting, skilled professionals from around the world;
To improve and develop skills in the areas of leadership and communication;
To be challenged and gain a new energy about their profession;
To experience new ideas and techniques as well as to keep on the “cutting edge” of what is going on in the local and global labour market;
To experience a mutual sharing of professional knowledge;
To re-examine old ways of working through fresh eyes and engage in stimulating conversations;
To synthesize and reflect on career learning, allowing fresh thinking about future direction and possibilities;
To broaden cultural knowledge and awareness;
To learn about the issues facing new Canadians;
To meet more like-minded people and increase their networks;
To encourage and support skilled newcomers along their career path;
To contribute to the betterment of their trade or profession; and
To enrich their lives and their sense of community.

Will I be required to help my mentee find a job?

No. Host Mentoring Services is not a job placement or counseling service. The program is aimed at job-ready professionals who have an educational background and work experience in their career field and who want to continue working in the same or related field here in Canada. The role of the mentor is to help the newcomer build the networks, resources, information, and confidence necessary to be able to find a job more quickly and easily.

We are always accepting new mentors regardless of whether or not they are immediately needed, as we accept new clients on a regular basis with varying employment backgrounds and career goals. However, please see our most recent “Mentees Seeking Mentors” (link) list for current opportunities.

For more information about becoming a mentor, please contact Karolien Swaak at 250-388-4728 ext. 122 or kswaakicavictoria [dot] org

Potential Partners

Why does ICA need partners?

Partners play a key role in the recruitment of mentors for Host Mentoring Services. By providing information about mentorship opportunities to their employees/members and encouraging them to volunteer, partners help expand our pool of mentors and increase the likelihood of successful matches for our clients.
By partnering with the ICA, organizations can:

Demonstrate social responsibility and community involvement;
Build cross-cultural competency and cultural awareness;
Develop communication and leadership skills among their employees;
Enrich the lives of employees/members who participate and so increase job satisfaction, loyalty, and retention; and
Access a pool of talented and multilingual job-seekers.