Mentoring Myths
Mentoring programs are becoming more popular both inside organizations and through community programs like CanadaInfoNet.  The reason why is clear: mentoring is a rewarding and satisfying developmental experience for both mentors and protégés.  Despite the benefits, many people are afraid to take on the role of the mentor due to some myths that abound.  In her research on mentoring, Beverly L. Kaye debunked the following myths about mentors:

Mentors are superhuman and never make mistakes.  This is certainly not true.  The best mentors are people who have made mistakes and continue to learn from them.  A willingness to share mistakes can be educational and reaffirming for protégés who could be critical of their mistakes and struggles.

Mentors are mostly older men.  False.  Mentors can be from any age, culture, level or gender.

Mentors know the big picture.  Some mentors could, but mentors are most familiar with their industry.

Mentors have all the answers, are masters at what they do, and can weather any storm.  Although mentors have many significant ideas and experiences to share, they too are continually learning and developing.  Mentors are only human.  And, it is the human qualities, imperfections included, which enable them to truly share, empathize and support their protégé in a real and meaningful way.

Mentor Turns Personal Struggle into Positive Way to Help Others
Peter is a CanadaInfoNet mentor who knows what it’s like to struggle as a new Canadian.  A Mechanical and Industrial Engineer specializing in Sales & Marketing, he went through a lot of trial and error during his first five years in Canada.  I joined this program because I was once an immigrant and went through my share of problems - there was no one to help me then.  When I look back...I would have done things differently if I had some guidance available, Peter says.  He used the lessons learned from this struggle and applied them to helping his protégé Lamat: I helped with his cover letter, talked about following up consistently, how to use references and suggested some websites for research.  I feel he learned a few things and developed confidence for a more effective job search.  Lamat got another very important piece of advice:  I encouraged him to be more assertive in communicating with prospective employers.  Peter has found mentoring a very satisfying experience:  I signed up immediately when I heard about this program.

News & Views

CanadaInfoNet’s Manager Making Connections
Amanda Harris, Manager of CanadaInfoNet, will be presenting at the second national Mentoring Connections conference that will be held March 4, 5, and 6 at the Toronto Marriott Hotel. Amanda will be presenting Mentoring Across Borders.  For more information, go to http://www.mentorcanada.ca/.

McGuinty Government Commits to Creating Opportunities for Newcomers
The McGuinty government is expanding opportunities for internationally-trained professionals to practice in Ontario by investing more than $4 million over three years, Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Training, Colleges & Universities announced in January.  We are committed to real, positive change by removing barriers to employment for internationally-trained professionals and skilled trades people, Chambers said.  We are taking positive steps to help internationally-trained professionals work in their field of expertise.  To find out more information, click on opening doors at www.edu.gov.on.ca.

Ontario government ending 60 hour work week
Ontario Labour Minister Chris Bentley announced that the government is moving to end the 60-hour workweek that was implemented by the previous Conservative government.  Fair and balanced legislation will be introduced in the upcoming spring legislative session and would ensure employees cannot be forced to work more than 48 hours a week.

Happening Websites
Visit Top 100 Internet Sites for Learning and Employment on the web at www.jobboom.com.  All the best job and career sites are only a click away! The Association of Colleges and Universities of Canada have a simple and efficient search engine that will help you search for any Canadian University program in just about any field, www.aucc.ca.  Scholarships Canada allows you to search for hundreds of grants, bursaries and scholarships, www.scholarshipscanada.com.

Wise Words

Every problem has a gift for you in its hands -- Richard Bach