IRSHAD
“Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.”
- John C. Crosby
Irshad is a mentorship program that facilitates the exchange of knowledge and perspective from an experienced professional in any given field, to professionally empower and develop graduating, or recent graduate students, as well as internationally trained professionals who recently arrived to Canada.
The program aims at providing insight and opportunities to expand one’s knowledge of career options, develop or improve upon work-related soft-skills for career launch and/or achieving confidence and meaningful career progression goals.
What is Mentoring?
Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order to maximize their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be."
- Eric Parsloe, The Oxford School of Coaching & Mentoring
CAI’s IRSHAD mentoring program is a suggested 4-month mentoring commitment between the mentor and mentee. The program encompasses an orientation, networking sessions and about 20 hours of face-to-face meetings (online and/or in person) between the mentor and mentee.
Why IRSHAD?
A recent study released by Western University of Indigenous students suggests that those mentored by a member of their same community had better better mental health, higher academic success and increased cultural awareness and pride. [Source:Radio Canada International, Nov 2016]
In a report released by CAI, 2011 census data indicated that 74% of the Canadian Arab population in Canada aged 25 to 64 years have completed post secondary education. This number compares with 64% among the Canadian general population, however, unemployment in the Canadian Arab community is significantly higher than that of the Canadian population, coming in at 13% in comparison to the national rate of 8%. [Source: CAI 2014 report series, A Highly Educated, Yet Under-employed Canadian Arab Community]
Become a Mentor
Why become a mentor?
Mentoring exposes the mentor to new ideas and opportunities to develop their own communication and leadership skills. No doubt you will also be recognized for your grave personal efforts in the positive development of youth. Ultimately, as a professional, will be influencing the lives of new Canadians and young aspiring professional which in turn will strengthen the future of our diverse communities in Canada.
Eligibility/criteria
To participate in the program as a mentor:
You must be a professional in any given field with 3+ years of experience
Able to commit 16 to 20 hours within a period of 4 months
Willing to share knowledge, skills and expertise
Willing to arrange for one to two informational interviews within your network to meet with your matched mentee as an opportunity to practice new acquired networking skills
Willing to inspire and capable of motivating others
You are empathetic and value the opinion of others
Able to attend a few workshops and networking sessions whenever possible
Share CAI’s vision for an empowered and engaged community in an inclusive and respectful society
Become a Mentee
Why become a mentee?
Mentoring provides an expansion of knowledge, skills and confidence. You gain the opportunity to discuss your professional goals, concerns and challenges with a trusted adviser who will provide non-judgmental advice, constructive feedback, as well as ongoing support and encouragement. Finally, with the help of your mentor, you will be able to make connections with professionals in your field of interest.
Eligibility/criteria
To participate in the program as a mentee:
You must be a graduating or recent university graduate, a young professional (under 30 years) or a skilled professional newcomer*
You are required to commit 16 to 20 hours within a period of 4 months to complete the program
You are required to attend program development and feedback workshops and able to attend networking sessions organized to enhance your mentoring experience
You are coachable, curious and willing to step out of comfort zone
* Qualifying newcomer skilled professional would have lived in Canada for less than three years, have limited or no Canadian work experience in their profession OR have re-engaged with their profession through academic training or bridging within the past 2 years. You have the English skills required to perform effectively in the workplace, at least three years of international work experience in their area of expertise, achieved at least a bachelor’s degree – or equivalent post-secondary education – from outside of Canada.
