A growth mindset in action
Bona Kim proves the value of professional development
When Bona Kim CPA, CMA received her designation in 2013, she wasted no time in diving into all that the profession has to offer. “Right after I received my designation, I met a couple of CPA Alberta staff who told me about an upcoming networking event, and I went and really enjoyed it. It gave me the opportunity to meet different people and gain insight into different industries,” she says.
After that one event, Bona was hooked, and she began to look for other ways to level up her engagement in the profession. Her pursuit of opportunities to expand her skills, knowledge, and perspective led her to discover her passion for mentorship.
“Helping students, specifically international students, is where my heart lies. When I was an international student from Korea, a lot of people helped me and touched my life, and I just want to give back,” she says.
Bona used her experience to guide her mentee through his accounting program, and she’s proud of the part she played in helping him obtain his designation. Surprisingly, Bona also discovered her mentee wasn’t the only one who benefited from the experience. “Mentoring him made me a better CPA,” says Bona. “At work, I have to mentor others to help our team grow, so being a mentor [for a candidate] helped me gain valuable experience.”
Immersing herself in the opportunities the CPA profession has to offer gave Bona valuable insight into other potential areas for growth that may not have immediately seemed relevant to the profession. “English is my second language, so even though I don’t have a shy personality, I felt language was a barrier,” she says.
Bona decided to jump into what many consider their top fear—public speaking. She joined Toastmasters and gained experience she could directly apply to her role as a CPA. “Even when it comes to managing projects at work, I have to facilitate and present issues in a way that my audience is convinced to accept my recommendations, Toastmasters helped me gain more confidence to convey my thoughts,” says Bona.
Bona believes everyone should get involved in their community to gain different experiences and become well-rounded professionals. She says, “Anything you do is helpful in your day-to-day work. You might not notice it right away, but you’ll think back and realize the confidence you’ve gained.”