As part of CPA Alberta’s commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the accounting profession, we are pleased to announce exciting new changes to our Career Development Mentorship Program!
These changes will further support Alberta CPAs in achieving their career aspirations and help strengthen the profession.
Program changes: new preferences and training resources
A goal of Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives is to create organizational cultures that are welcoming and inclusive of all people and focused on building equitable environments.
One way to promote DE&I is by providing mentorship opportunities that recognize and celebrate diversity.
With this in mind, we have expanded the mentorship pairing preferences that mentees and mentors can provide in their program application. In addition to preferences regarding experience and technical knowledge, new preference options include:
- BIPOC
- geography or place origin
- gender
- sexual orientation
- age (young worker/mature worker)
- parental leave/return to work
- ability (invisible disability/visible disability)
We recognize that individuals may prefer to pair with others who have similar or different experiences than themselves and having these options available can help create professional and personal growth opportunities for both mentors and mentees.
In addition to the new preferences, we are also in the process of adding facilitated training on DE&I to the program’s resources platform.
What are the benefits of mentorship?
CPA Alberta’s Career Development Mentorship Program has paired Alberta CPAs and CPA candidates in formal mentorship relationships for the past eight years. This peer-to-peer mentorship program is specifically designed for participants to share relevant knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. With the new changes, the program can now support development opportunities in additional ways.
Benefits for mentees:
- Explore different ways to bring your authentic self to the workplace
- Improve your knowledge and skills to build relationships, resolve conflicts, and engage with leaders
- Gain professional insights and advice
- Develop a goal-oriented career plan with the support of an experienced CPA mentor
92% of former mentors and mentees are still connected and meet regularly (even meeting online during the pandemic).
Benefits for mentors:
- Gain confidence from providing meaningful support to mentees with diverse backgrounds
- Develop your leadership skills
- Improve your communication and relationship building skills
88% of former mentors and mentees are satisfied with their professional and person growth as a result of the mentoring relationship.
Other benefits for both mentors and mentees include:
- Be paired based on your preferences and personal priorities
- Explore career advancement tools
- Access support and resources, including mentorship training from CPA Alberta
How can I apply to become a CPA mentor or mentee?
The Career Development Mentorship Program starts in November of each year. Mentor and mentee applications are now open for the 2021 intake! Applications close on October 15.
To learn more about the program and to apply, visit the Career Development Mentorship Program.
