Tushar Dutt is a Human Resources practitioner, specializing in business partnering. His professional background spans across various industries and global markets, including North America, Europe, Asia, Russia, and CIS. Throughout his career, Tushar has worked closely with internal functions such as Marketing, Sales, IT, Brand, Operations, Finance, and Shared Services, enabling organizations to drive their Human Capital Agenda effectively.
Tushar is a mentee turned mentor in the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) program. In this blog, he shares his journey and why he wanted to become a mentor and give back after participating in the program.
Why did you become a mentor?
When I first came to Canada, I joined TMP, and my mentor Nicolette, helped me acclimate. I had HR experience in different countries but breaking into the job market in Canada seemed to be the hardest challenge. I want to help fellow professionals because I am aware how tough it can be.
I became a mentor because I am deeply passionate about leveraging my HR experience to support others in their career progression for growth and development. I understand the importance of mentorship in fostering professional success and am committed to guiding individuals through their career challenges and aspirations.
How did mentoring help you in your job search, especially with finding your first job in Canada?
First and foremost, it helped me get introduced to fellow HR professionals. Furthermore, it gave me advice on how to navigate interviews, social norms here and most importantly, expanding my network. I am forever grateful to TMP.
Mentoring has been instrumental in my own career journey, particularly in navigating transitions across different industries and geographies. As a mentee, I benefited from valuable insights, networking opportunities, and tailored guidance that helped me secure opportunities aligned with my skills and aspirations. In turn, I strive to provide similar support to mentees in their job search endeavours, leveraging my diverse HR background and global perspective.
Can you give an example of how you’ve put your learning from the TMP program into practice?
TMP has provided me with a robust toolkit to support immigrant professionals in integrating into the Canadian workforce. Through TMP, I’ve gained insights into the unique challenges faced by newcomers to Canada, such as cultural adaptation and credential recognition barriers. Leveraging this understanding, I’ve collaborated with TRIEC and similar organizations to develop mentorship initiatives tailored to immigrant professionals. These programs focus on providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and skill-building workshops to help newcomers navigate the job market effectively. By applying TMP principles in partnership with TRIEC, I’ve facilitated successful mentorship matches, promoted diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and contributed to the economic integration of skilled immigrants into Canadian society.
Advice for a new mentee for making the most out of their partnership?
For new mentees, I advise approaching the mentoring partnership with a clear understanding of your career goals and aspirations. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help – we’ve all had to do it at some point or another. And really try to expand your network – you never know who can help you and when. Utilize the mentorship opportunity to seek guidance on specific challenges, explore new opportunities, and enhance your skills and capabilities. Be proactive in seeking feedback, leveraging the mentor’s expertise, and building a mutually beneficial relationship based on trust and respect.
After transitioning from a mentee to mentor, what does a mentor now mean to you?
Transitioning from a mentee to a mentor has reinforced the importance of giving back and supporting others in their career journey. As a mentor, I strive to empower mentees by sharing my HR journey, providing guidance tailored to their individual needs, and helping them navigate complex career decisions. Mentoring gives me so much gratification in ways I had not realized before. The reason I chose HR as a profession so that I can help people. TMP allows me to help without being constrained by any company parameters. Being a mentor means leveraging my experiences and insights to inspire and guide others towards achieving their professional goals.
Would you like to make a difference in the lives of immigrant professionals by helping them thrive in their careers? Become a mentor with TMP and help empower the next generation of newcomers. Learn more: https://www.mentoringpartnership.ca/join-us/become-a-mentor/