Ashwathy Krishna Kumar is an Account Executive at TELUS. She participated as a mentee in TRIEC Mentoring Partnership through Achēv. Ashwathy shares her mentoring experience and the transition from a mentee to a mentor.
Why did you become a mentor?
Being a newcomer myself, I have undergone the same challenges that most newcomers face. From settling into a new country with barely any friends or family and searching for a relevant job in a new market. Hence, I wanted to become a mentor because I have had some great mentors to help me on my journey so far and I wanted to pay it forward.
How did receiving mentoring help you in your job search, especially with finding your first job in Canada?
It definitely helped me in the interview preparation as my mentor also worked at TELUS.
Can you give an example of how you’ve put your learning from TRIEC Mentoring Partnership into practice?
As a mentor, I have learnt to listen and understand better. I have also learnt that there is no right or wrong way, everyone is on their own journey and you just help in whatever way possible.
Advice for a new mentee for making the most out of their partnership?
Be open to learning and trying out new things. Be persistent and creative.
After transitioning from a mentee to mentor, what does being a mentor now mean to you?
The journey has been beautiful. Being a mentor has been one of the most rewarding experiences so far. I feel immense happiness when someone I mentored has cracked an interview, landed their first job or even just settled in. In return, I learn about so many different cultures and backgrounds and it helps me evolve as a better human being.