Having a mentor can be beneficial for anyone, and especially helpful for newcomers. But, how do you go about finding one?
“A mentor can equip newcomers with resources and guidance to prepare them for life in a new country,” says Tieming Wang, a former newcomer and current mentor who’s an Atlantic newcomer specialist at Royal Bank of Canada. “Mentors can provide guidance on certifications or educational requirements, help build your confidence and open the door to networking opportunities to transition more smoothly to living in Canada.”
Finding the right mentor can seem daunting, but Wang offers these tips to help you start:
- Reach out to organizations
Proactively seek out mentor organizations and communities that can connect you with experienced people who are open to providing you with guidance and support. Newcomer support organizations (which exist in all provinces across Canada) and newcomer specialist teams, such as Wang’s, are dedicated to matching newcomers with mentors who work in the same industry, share similar backgrounds or have gone through similar experiences.
- Network within and outside your community
While it’s important to connect with people from your own cultural background, it’s equally crucial to expand your network beyond your community. Seek opportunities to meet people from different cultures, backgrounds and professions. Attend community events, join clubs or organizations and engage in activities where you can interact with a diverse range of people. This will broaden your perspective, expose you to new opportunities and help you build a more extensive support network.
- Use social media and online platforms
Social media and online platforms such as LinkedIn can be powerful tools for connecting with potential mentors or support organizations. Just about everything has an online presence now, so you can take advantage of that to find relevant groups, potential mentors or make connections virtually. Be sure to customize your connection requests when you reach out to potential mentors.
With the guidance and support of a mentor, newcomers can navigate the challenges of language learning, job searching and finances with more confidence.
Find more information for anyone new to Canada at rbc.com/newcomers
