Home » Mentor stories » Eva Omes – Mentor to 10 or more skilled immigrants

“Mentoring has taught me to be more open-minded when meeting people for the first time and pushed me to develop my own skill set. I have taken new courses in communication and conflict resolution, and applied those learnings at work, when coaching soccer and even at home with my teenagers. Mentoring has helped me grow as a person.”

Why I started mentoring

I faced the same challenges when I came from Poland. I also know that immigrants don’t want everything to be handed to them; they just need the right information and insight.

Why I have mentored so many times

I think I gain as much from the whole program as the skilled immigrants I’m helping. I’ve gained a few amazing friends. Mentoring keeps me humble.

What I have learned

Everything is really different from how it appears on the outside. While immigrants’ language skills may not be on par with someone who was born in Canada, their professional skills are outstanding.

My first rule for mentoring

Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Ask questions and listen. Don’t assume that what worked for you or another mentee will work for each job seeker.

On the importance of networking

Networking is critical to a successful job search now. I bring all my mentees to training sessions offered at the City, as well as launches of new programs. I try to help mentees make connections – to move them from being an outsider to an insider.

Mentee Princia Porto on how mentor Eva Omes made a difference to her

Eva is a big advocate of networking and I now understand why. I came from Brazil with 20 years of experience, but couldn’t land job interviews. After meeting Eva I learned about how to present myself, to get off the computer and meet people face-to-face. I’ve volunteered and been recommended for two job interviews as a result. Currently I’m doing some part-time, freelance work for someone I met through my church. I continue to push myself to attend events and network as much as I can.

More on mentor Eva Omes
  • Furniture and Move Management Supervisor, City of Toronto.
  • Mentor to 10 or more skilled immigrants through The Mentoring Partnership.
  • Heard about The Mentoring Partnership through the City of Toronto.

 

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