Zohaib Hayat is an Audit and Risk Management Professional who has worked in Banking for over 15 years. Zohaib is a Senior Manager Internal Audit at RBC and has previously worked with global banks such as CIBC and Barclays. He holds a master’s degree in international management from the University of Sunderland, UK.
What motivated you to join TRIEC Mentoring Partnership as a mentor?
As someone who has lived and worked in four countries and a new immigrant who now calls Canada home, I think I understand the difficulties and challenges new immigrants face. Also, as a professional banker I understand that even well-qualified and experienced professionals face many hurdles and difficulties when trying to integrate into the job market. Therefore, I want to help and share my experience to support others like me.
How have you supported your mentees throughout the partnerships?
I try to encourage my mentees by advising and sharing knowledge and personal experiences. I try to motivate them by boosting their confidence and pointing out their skills and qualities that would help them in this process and present themselves as a potentially suitable candidate.
What has been your top mentoring moment?
In a recent partnership, my mentee shared some positive feedback. I was really touched by the words that I was able to motivate her and give her the confidence to re-enter the job market after a break. I felt really honored.
How has becoming a mentor helped you succeed in your own career?
Before entering this program, I’ve been struggling with speaking up at work. Mentoring has provided me confidence to express myself and speak up more confidently at work during meetings and discussions with clients and executives etc. I’ve been able to develop leadership and communication skills that have benefited me a great deal and my recent performance review is an evidence of the positive impacts.
What advice would you give to someone considering mentoring newcomers?
Be positive. Most professionals coming to Canada already have technical knowledge and skills. As mentors we need to connect with them and bring out and harness their communication and presentation skills and provide them with local insights.
Are you a newcomer wanting to reconnect with your career in Canada? Consider joining TRIEC Mentoring Partnership.