“Mentoring helps me continually grow my professional network. Relationship management is critical in the business world. Mentoring makes sense for me and newly arrived skilled immigrants. It’s definitely mutually beneficial.”
Why I started mentoring
I see there is a big need and I want to help. When I came here from India almost 40 years ago there was no help like this, but that doesn’t mean people have to struggle the same way.
The professional development opportunity for me
You always learn something from others. I teach several courses in project and product management, quality assurance and on product life cycles. Someone else with international engineering experience can provide a new perspective for me.
Why I have mentored so many times
I’m happy. I’m achieving my goals. I want to keep giving back without expectation.
What I have learned
Mentoring has taught me about the issues and challenges that recent newcomers are facing. It has taught me more about different cultures.
What feels good about mentoring
When somebody gets a job or license it makes me feel good. My goal is to influence the thought process.
What important messages I try to pass on to mentees
Sometimes immigrants can come with really high expectations about the job they will start with. I try to be realistic with them that may or may not happen right away, but they will find good work if they position themselves properly, stay positive and network. I also ask them to help other newcomers.
Mentee Nitin Ovid on how mentor Rishi Kumar made a difference to him
Rishi and I focused mostly on how to interview. He emphasized that relationships are what can get you in the door, but then you have to prove yourself. I learned how to present and market my experience.
More on mentor Rishi Kumar, P. Eng, PMP, CMC, GSC
- Founder Global Educational & Consulting Services.
- Mentor to 10 or more skilled immigrants through The Mentoring Partnership.
- Heard about The Mentoring Partnership through ACCES Employment Services.