Raymond Ng has a background in banking IT solution architecture, with a focus on Insurance and Credit card domain. He served as the cutover lead for a global Banking acquisition project, and the data integration lead for global Insurance divestiture projects. He is also an all-round technical lead in delivering solutions and an IT training facilitator. Raymond is now a mentee turned mentor and shares why giving back through the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) program matters to him.
What challenges did you face when you first arrived in Canada, and how did mentorship help you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges for me was to understand the local Canadian job market and how to translate my international experience into the local workplace context. The working culture, hiring expectations, and people communication were quite different.
Mentorship through TRIEC played a critical role which gave me real insights of what Canadian employers look for, how to tailor my resume, and how to confidently showcase my value and shift my mindset of embracing the equal and multicultural environment here. More importantly, my last mentor walked with me in this challenging time and gave me support through regularly meeting up, I never walked alone!
Why did you become a mentor?
“One person gives freely yet gains even more”.
When I returned to Canada in 2020, I knew how overwhelming it could feel to leave my hometown and enter a new country to start over. My mentor at that time supported me to go through this journey together. One of the best examples was where my mentors prepared and conducted mock interviews with me, so that I could build my confidence with the real-case scenario in Canada.
Now, as a mentor myself, I really enjoying the mock interviews with the mentees to walkthrough the real-world cases, sharing my industry context, and helping them to build confidence with their own footing.
How did mentoring help you land your first job in Canada?
Through mentoring, I learned how to format and structure my resume for Canadian employers. I also practiced mock interviews with my mentor using both technical and behavioural questions (the STAR method) and re-defined my storytelling skills. My mentor also provided me with professional networking opportunities, opening doors to valuable connections.
Can you give an example of how you’ve applied your learnings from the TMP program?
One of the most powerful things I learned from TMP was how to navigate the workplace culture in Canada, especially in collaborating across different teams in Canada.
During a banking acquisition project, I had to work in a cross-functional team that included both local and international stakeholders, IT and business. I applied what I learned in TMP about communication skills and diversified cultural sensitivity and awareness, which helped me to engage different stakeholders in a diverse environment.
What advice would you give to a new mentee?
Take some time to reflect on your own story when sharing with others. This is very useful in the conservations and share your past in story-telling. When meeting with new job opportunities, be open-minded and creative.
What does being a mentor now mean to you?
Transitioning from a mentee to a mentor means another milestone of my personal growth. It is not just about gaining skills and knowledge but also boosts up my confidence– mentally and emotionally. TMP is a 2-way partnership, mentors and mentees both grow mutually.
What would you say to someone who’s unsure if they’re ready to become a mentor?
Show newcomers you understand the difficulties and challenges in their career journey. Support them by being willing to listen, support, care and build a stronger, more connected community!
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/