Papiya Chowdhury is a Product Manager with the CIBC Cards Product team. At the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership Impact Award 2025 co-hosted by CIBC, we were proud to recognize Papiya as a mentee turned mentor. In this blog, she reflects on her personal journey and shares insights that will resonate with many newcomers building their careers in Canada.
What challenges did you face when you first arrived in Canada, and how did mentorship help you overcome them?
My six-year journey in Canada has been filled with challenges and surprises. I remember a very cold January morning when I was still trying to learn the basics, like how to use pedestrian crossings. Everything changed in an instant when a car hit me. I found myself lying in the middle of the road, alone in a new country, with my little girl waiting for me at daycare. That was my first accident, and it felt like the whole world was on my shoulders.
When I tried to get back into the job market, it felt like I was facing a huge mountain. Like many newcomers, I faced many rejections, but I learned to see them as redirections instead of failures.
Just a week after the accident, I went to a TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) program event at RBC, where I met my mentor, a product manager at the bank. His guidance was instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of workplace culture and regain my confidence.
Why did you become a mentor?
This experience ignited my passion for me. It made me realize the importance of believing in others and opening doors, even if it’s just a crack. That’s why I choose to volunteer. I aspire to be a beacon of hope for someone else. I want you to know: you’re not alone. One conversation, one coffee chat, one moment of kindness can change everything.
How did mentoring help you land your first job in Canada?
Reflecting on my journey, mentorship played a pivotal role in helping me overcome the hurdles I faced upon arriving in Canada. It was through the support of mentors that I secured my first job in this beautiful country. Each time I met with my mentor, we prepared for mock interviews, discussed coffee chat questions, reviewed my resume, and analyzed job descriptions. Eventually, he referred me for a position that became my first job here. I’m still connected to him and his family, and we share a lot when we meet. I continue to seek his guidance even now.
Can you give an example of how you’ve applied your learnings from the TMP program?
As I look back, I can see how the lessons I learned from the TMP program have shaped my approach to challenges and opportunities in my career. The program equipped me with valuable skills and insights that I have applied in my professional life, enabling me to navigate complex situations with confidence.
What advice would you give to a new mentee?
To anyone who is new and feeling uncertain, I encourage you to embrace mentorship. Don’t hesitate to reach out; you have immense potential, and there are people ready to support you. Always ask the right questions and seek help and guidance. Being truthful and authentic has been crucial in helping me reach where I am today.
What does being a mentor now mean to you?
Now, as a mentor myself, I understand the profound impact I can have on someone else’s journey. It’s not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about being present for someone who may feel lost or uncertain.
What would you say to someone who’s unsure if they’re ready to become a mentor?
To those contemplating whether they’re ready to become a mentor, I say this: you don’t need to have all the answers. Just be willing to listen and share your experiences. You might be surprised at how much you can inspire someone else.
Being a mentor means everything to me. It’s an opportunity to give back and remind others that they are not alone in their struggles. Together, we can foster a community of support, resilience, and hope.
Want to make a meaningful impact in the lives of immigrant professionals? Become a mentor with the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) and help newcomers thrive in their careers. Empower the next generation — learn more: https://www.mentoringpartnership.ca/join-us/become-a-mentor/