My Mentorship Story - Nicole Le
Author : Nicole Le
In a world where navigating the complexities of a career path can be daunting. The Mentorship Program offered through CPHR Alberta provided a beacon of guidance and support. The question is, how can such a program truly make a difference in one's journey? Let me take you through my own experiences as a mentee and shed light on the impact it has had on my personal and professional development.
The journey began when I was matched with an experienced mentor whose expertise aligned seamlessly with my aspirations. From the start, the mentorship program established a structured framework that facilitated regular interactions, goal-setting sessions, and opportunities for skill development. Soon, they turned into more personable interactions, and I found myself asking questions about my mentor’s path to success. This program not only ensures a professional relationship but a long-lasting friendship, knowing you can continuously reach out even after the program ends.
Has the question "Am I on the right path?" ever crossed your mind? This pivotal query has continuously ventured into my mind. Uncertainties about career choices lead most young professionals to a program promising a guiding light in the professional journey. As a mentee, having someone believe in my potential and provide encouragement during setbacks has been a powerful confidence booster, allowing me to take on new responsibilities and embrace opportunities with greater self-assurance.
The structured nature of the program provided a safe space for interactions, ensuring that each session was purposeful and focused on different aspects of my professional development. Regular check-ins based on each other’s schedules and goal-setting sessions allowed me to set myself up for success.
My mentor, drawing from years of experience, offered invaluable insights tailored to my specific needs and challenges. The personalized guidance ranged from refining technical skills to honing soft skills such as effective communication and leadership. One of the key aspects that significantly impacted my growth was the personalized feedback I received. An example was when my mentor challenged my thoughts on the different paths in Human Resources. The question that changed my career was, "How do you feel about pursuing recruitment?" This allowed me to capitalize on my strengths, fostering a new approach to my professional development.
The mentorship program isn’t the only networking opportunity that extends beyond the mentor-mentee relationship. The question here is, "How does networking contribute to a mentee's overall growth?" CPHR Alberta has organized networking events, workshops, and seminars, creating avenues for me to connect with other mentees and professionals in the industry. My mentor has continuously pushed me to go to these events to allow me to build up my connections, opening doors to new perspectives, potential collaborations, and a broader understanding of the industry landscape. The mentorship program, therefore, fostered a supportive community that extended the benefits of mentorship beyond the immediate partnership.
In conclusion, my journey as a mentee in the Mentorship program has been nothing short of enriching. The structured framework, personalized guidance, confidence-building opportunities, and networking avenues have collectively contributed to my professional growth and self-assurance. Suppose you're contemplating the value of mentorship programs. In that case, the question to ask yourself is not whether they make a difference, but rather, how soon you can embark on a journey that has the potential to reshape your professional trajectory. The Mentorship program is not just about acquiring skills; they are about gaining a friend, an advocate, and a guide who empowers you to become the best version of yourself.
To my mentor who guided me through my ups and downs, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have brought me confidence and memories I won’t forget. Although our time together was short, I will always remember how much you have impacted me.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong soley to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the original author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of CPHR Alberta.
Over the past month, I spoke with three professionals who had recently been laid off. April , a former schoolmate, has over 20 years of experience and has held management roles at several organizations. Most recently, she led a team at a large oil and gas company, where she was instrumental in building out a new service area. Despite her accomplishments, a combination of economic challenges and a lack of connection with her new boss led to her dismissal. Having been involved in layoffs before, she understood the process, but when she called me, she admitted it was much harder to be on the receiving end. She felt overwhelmed by a mix of emotions: denial, anger, betrayal, and a deep sense of failure. Carol , once a mentee of mine, built a strong foundation in the finance sector, and her persistence earned her a team lead role at a competitive mid-sized firm. Therefore, her call caught me off guard; she was trying to make sense of being included in a round of layoffs that affected 12 others. Having just been promoted, she struggled to understand why she had been chosen. She reached out for support as she navigated both the practical and emotional aftermath. Joe had been a student in one of my classes. With a master’s degree and excellent communication skills, he established a respected career in the regional non-profit sector. We maintained contact and often crossed paths through work. Joe was frequently involved in launching new initiatives and was recognized by both his boss and the board for his contributions. However, when the sector faced financial strain, he and his manager were among the 15% let go. He contacted me a month after the layoff; he had taken time to process everything and was now reflecting on what direction to take next. These stories are not uncommon. In fact, with ongoing economic uncertainty, many professionals, regardless of their experience or performance, are facing unexpected career changes. While layoffs are always challenging, the way they are handled can significantly impact both the individuals affected and the organization. This highlights a critical challenge for organizations: how can companies manage necessary workforce changes with both strategic foresight and genuine care? In addition to engaging the Human Resources department early in the planning and execution process, many businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of utilizing third-party outplacement services. Outplacement services are employer-sponsored programs designed to support both the business and departing employees during layoffs or organizational restructuring. Typically included as part of a severance package, these services offer more than just logistical support; they help individuals navigate a difficult transition with confidence. Outplacement services can be customized based on the needs and budget of the employer. Offerings often include planning for workforce reductions in collaboration with the business, delivering termination messages, and providing one-on-one career transition coaching and emotional support to affected staff. More importantly, these services help affected employees regain focus by offering practical job search guidance, resume coaching, and career direction tailored to their experience and industry. For employers, outplacement services can deliver a clear return on investment. Companies that provide structured transition support often experience fewer legal disputes and benefit from a stronger employer brand, which can positively influence talent attraction and retention. Showing care during a difficult time speaks volumes to internal teams, affected employees, clients, and the broader market. Having worked closely with businesses and professionals throughout this process, I’ve witnessed the significant difference that experienced, neutral third-party support can make. In fact, a 2023 CBIZ report, referencing Bureau of Labor Statistics data, noted that individuals who received outplacement assistance secured new roles 40% faster than those who did not receive support (CBIZ, 2023). Just imagine if April had access to a coach experienced in private sector transitions, or if Carol had received immediate help with processing her layoff and planning her next steps; the positive impact would have been immediate. In today’s environment, outplacement isn’t merely a nice option; it is a strategic necessity. How will your organization ensure a respectful and supportive transition for its workforce? When selecting an outplacement partner, consider factors such as industry experience, the ability to customize services, the quality of career coaches, and the integration of digital tools for job seekers. Not all providers offer the same level of support or results, so thorough vetting is essential.
The countdown to the CPHR Alberta 2025 Conference has officially begun!
As the governing voice of CPHR Alberta, the Board of Directors meet quarterly to provide oversight and guidance in several key areas. The Board, alongside CPHR Alberta operations, continues to deliver on the association's strategic priorities developed in the 2020 strategic plan. To ensure transparency between our Board of Directors, members and key stakeholders, we share post-meeting messages to inform the steps taken towards advancing our profession and ensuring a financially stable association. The Board of Directors met on June 24, 2025, and the Board’s key messages are as follows: Financial Update CPHR Alberta remains in a stable financial position with a forecasted break-even year-end as per the approved Budget. The Board reappointed Cascade Chartered Professional Accountants LLP as auditor for 2025–2027. Strategic Planning The Board held a focused one-day Strategic Refocus Workshop to explore how CPHR Alberta delivers value to its members. This work will guide the development of an updated three-year strategic plan, aligned with the evolving needs of the profession. Self-Regulation The Professional Governance Act received Royal Assent in May 2025 and Royal Proclamation expected for Spring 2026. CPHR Alberta anticipates review of its self-regulation application in Spring 2027. Ongoing work focuses on legislative alignment, internal readiness, and member communications. CPHR Alberta Conference Join us at the CPHR Alberta 2025 Conference, Human-Centric HR on September 23–24 in Edmonton. Be sure to stop by the CPHR Alberta booth to meet and connect with your Board of Directors. The next Board meeting will take place on September 22, 2025, after which we will share our key messages. If you have any questions regarding these key messages or the Board of Directors, please contact chair@cphrab.ca . We welcome your feedback!
