Tahir Iqbal’s career is a testament to dedication, expertise, and a commitment to empowering others. With a professional background in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in nuclear engineering, Tahir has built an impressive 28-year career, particularly in power plant engineering. His expertise spans thermal, nuclear, and combined cycle power plants, and for the last 12 years, he’s served as the Engineering Manager for Performance Engineering at Pickering & Darlington used fuel facilities. 

But beyond his technical expertise, Tahir has generously volunteered as a mentor in the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) program—an experience that has not only shaped the careers of newcomers to Canada but has also transformed his own. 

Tahir shares his experience as a 10-time mentor in TMP, his expert tips for new mentors, and how this experience has enriched his own career journey. 

What motivates you to keep coming back as a mentor? 

What motivates me to continually return as a mentor is the profound sense of fulfillment. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone, especially a newcomer, grow and succeed. Seeing them navigate their career journey, unlock their potential, and achieve their goals brings me immense joy. Knowing that I’ve played a role in their success keeps me coming back, year after year. It’s a constant reminder that mentorship has the power to create lasting, transformative change.  

What would be your top tip for a new volunteer mentor? 

My advice to new mentors is simple: lead with empathy and patience. Recognize that each mentee’s journey is unique, so it’s important to listen actively and approach each relationship with an open mind. Encourage them to pursue continuous learning and skill development, while providing unwavering support and guidance every step of the way. By fostering a nurturing environment, you’ll not only help them succeed but also inspire them to reach for greatness.  

What has been your top aha mentoring moment?  

One of my most rewarding mentoring moments was with a mentee who had extensive work experience in my field. His resume was outstanding, with qualifications in high demand in Canada. After working together to refine his resume and coaching him on how to target the right employers, he secured interviews within just a couple of weeks. It was incredibly exciting to see his efforts pay off with such tangible success, knowing that my guidance had helped him move in the right direction.  

Has becoming a mentor also helped you succeed in your own career? If so, how?  

Absolutely! Embracing the role of mentorship has been a transformative journey that has profoundly impacted my own career trajectory. By guiding and supporting others on their path to success, I’ve honed essential leadership and communication skills, deepened my understanding of diverse perspectives, and cultivated a strong sense of empathy and teamwork. Serving as a mentor has not only enriched my professional growth but has also provided me with invaluable insights and fresh perspectives that have directly contributed to my own success. By teaching and guiding others, I’ve gained fresh insights and refined my own skills—making me more effective in my own career. 

In one sentence, describe the importance of mentoring for newcomers starting their career in Canada?  

Mentoring provides the essential foundation for newcomers to grow personally and professionally, helping them navigate the Canadian job market and realize their career aspirations in a new environment.   

Inspired by Tahir’s story?  Interested in mentoring newcomers to Canada? Find out more about how you can empower newcomers and shape the future of Canada’s workforce by becoming a mentor here. 

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