Deepa Mittimani CPA returned as a mentor to CPA Alberta’s Mentorship program in 2023-24 because she recognizes the immense impact of mentorship. She describes mentorship as sharing wisdom, guidance, and support in a dynamic relationship where an experienced individual offers insights and encouragement to someone eager to learn.
For Deepa, the eager learner was Chelsea Graham CPA, CMA. Recognizing the power of mentorship, Chelsea signed up as a mentee in the 2023-24 cohort of CPA Alberta’s Mentorship Program and was paired with Deepa. Chelsea says, “Mentorship is crucial for career development. It provides guidance and wisdom from experienced individuals. It creates a safe learning space and promotes personal and professional growth by helping individuals navigate challenges and opportunities with increased confidence and resilience.”
Chelsea highlights the transformative potential of being matched with the right mentor for networking and career growth:
Who is Chelsea Graham?
“When I’m not busy bean counting to slay finance dragons, you can find me running after my two beautiful kids,” says Chelsea, describing her busy life. A native Calgarian with over 15 years of experience in finance and accounting, Chelsea earned her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and began her career at Shell Canada. She worked there for ten years, earning her CMA and CPA. Chelsea is now an entrepreneur and Finance & Business Operations Coordinator at an environmental consulting company and aspires to become the company’s first Controller and, eventually, CFO.
Why was getting a mentor the right move?
“I’m currently working remotely from a small town, so I have fewer opportunities to regularly engage with other CPAs, especially those in leadership roles. I participated in the program as a mentee because I was seeking out someone to develop a mentorship relationship with who was not only in my shoes but also someone I could look up to.”
Describe your mentorship experience
“Being paired with Deepa was beautiful! She has such a wealth of knowledge and provides great guidance and support. Deepa was friendly, approachable, and clearly business savvy—all attributes that made for a great rapport. I appreciated her professional understanding of where I was, where I wanted to be, and direction on how best to get there. We used our monthly sessions to discuss pertinent topics, provide updates, and share ideas. I admire Deepa’s tenacity, driven work ethic, and commitment to the mentorship program.”
How has mentorship benefited you?
“I’ve gained a better sense of confidence in myself and my future career plans. Deepa constantly encouraged me to look for process improvements and bring those ideas forward for tangible results. Mentorship reinstated my intrinsic value and helped remind me of what I have to offer.”
How did you work at developing a relationship with your mentor?
“Because we were in different cities, we knew remote meetings would be part of the course and agreed to meet once a month. The program stressed the importance of defining what you want to achieve from the mentorship program, so I took the time and effort to have specific, measurable and attainable objectives. We had a great connection, so it was easy to work together. I look forward to staying connected with Deepa for years to come!”
How has the mentorship relationship impacted your professional or personal life?
“I had a positive experience, so I’ve become a mentorship advocate at work and in my personal life. I’ve been encouraging others to prioritize their personal growth by aligning with someone they see themselves in. Everyone has something to offer and something to gain.”
What advice do you have for others unsure about the value of a mentor & mentorship?
“Mentorship is an absolute must in my career toolkit! The program is well-organized and well-run and genuinely aims to meet the needs of its participants. The program intake, onboarding, and training provide all the necessary tools and resources. If you’re ready to take your career, mindset, and overall professional approach to the next level, don’t hesitate to try mentorship! It’s a significant investment for yourself, and both mentor and mentee will gain much from the experience.”
If Chelsea’s mentorship journey inspires you, register as a mentee in CPA Alberta’s mentorship program or find more information at CPA Alberta Mentorship.
