A civil engineer by trade, Saunjay Duggal is a senior structural engineer at Tetra Tech, a leading provider of consulting, engineering, and technical services worldwide. Having more the 20 years’ experience in the USA, India, and Canada, Saunjay has completed more than 10 mentoring partnerships as a mentor bringing a wealth of invaluable international and local business practices and perspectives to newcomers in the Greater Toronto Area.
Why did you want to start mentoring?
There was a TRIEC Mentoring Partnership information session at my workplace and they asked for mentor volunteers. I decided to try it out.
What does being a mentor mean to you?
I was in a similar position with the newcomers that I mentored, and it is very satisfying to help them. Mentoring is also easy to do and it is an opportunity to socialize with people from all walks of life. It is a win-win model for everyone involved.
What has inspired you to continue as a mentor?
The joy of making a difference in the lives of people by sharing my experience. The experience of sharing my work experiences in Canada and abroad. My experience can be valuable to others that are now going through a similar situation that I once experienced and overcame as a newcomer.
What has been your top mentoring moment?
The sincere thanks of mentees.
What has being a mentor taught you?
It has taught me to me open-minded about different cultures and work environments, and that every experience of life can be valuable. I learned how to understand the Canadian job market better. I learned from the candidates and from their experiences, even technical knowledge that I didn’t know that existed. Mentoring helped me with my career, and continues to help me to stay on top of things that are happening in the rest of the world. It offers me a different perspective.
What would be your top tip for a new mentor?
Be patient, optimistic and encouraging to the mentee!
And lastly, could you please complete the following sentence…
“The future of mentoring is…rewarding!”