Giving back to the community

Adapting to life in a new country can be challenging. Language barriers, culture shock, cold winters, and even a sense of isolation might hinder internationally trained professionals from immediately
pursuing their goals in Canada. Seeking out and connecting with a volunteer mentor can ease the transition.

Will Christensen CPA, CA has been using his personal experiences as an immigrant to mentor new Canadian CPAs for the past six years. When Will transferred from Deloitte’s office in Brisbane, Australia to Calgary, Canada in 2001, he didn’t anticipate many of the challenges he encountered. Although the two countries have many similarities, the culture shock was intense. Even small talk was completely different. “I had to ask people to explain to me what they just said,” recalls Will.

Now a Manager in Counterparty Risk Reporting at TC Energy Corporation, Will still remembers the challenges he faced as a newcomer without a professional network. This awareness is what inspired him to start volunteering as a mentor. Will helps mentees work through career decisions and grow their personal networks—and sometimes, he simply gives them a shoulder to cry on. He helps mentees figure out how to get the most out of their jobs, even if they aren’t currently working in their ideal role.

Will highly recommends mentorship, especially for internationally trained professionals

Will recalls a mentee who was considering switching to the not-for-profit sector but didn’t know if this was the right move. Will’s coaching and guidance helped the mentee find success in his career. “He felt like it was a great decision, and it was rewarding for me to watch him take on new challenges,” says Will. Along with the satisfaction of seeing mentees succeed, Will learns from his mentees and is often humbled and inspired by their perseverance through any challenge.

Will wants his mentees to know that they’re not alone and that others have gone through similar experiences. He recommends new immigrants take advantage of the services available to them, including mentorship opportunities.