The CMA Launches Mentorship Program to Support Newcomers to Canada Pursuing Careers in Marketing
TORONTO – August 16, 2024 – The Canadian Marketing Association (CMA) has announced the launch of its first-ever mentorship program for newcomers to Canada. Intended for marketers that are new to the country and seeking full-time employment, this free mentorship program will match newcomers with marketing leaders from a variety of companies and marketing disciplines. Mentees and mentors will be matched based on field of work, seniority level, and personal interests to increase the chances of creating a solid, long-lasting connection. Mentors will guide and direct mentees through the 6-month program designed to support newcomers pursuing a marketing career who are unemployed, underemployed or have part-time employment.
“Newcomers are an engine of growth, talent, and new ideas for the marketing industry in Canada. But many are experiencing barriers entering the profession in Canada due to bias, microaggressions and lack of access to a network,” said Barry Alexander, Chief Marketing and Diversity Officer, CMA. “With our mentorship program, we’re hoping to create a platform that provides newcomer marketers with the network and support system that helps them contribute to their full potential.”
This new program, developed in response to findings regarding the newcomer experience in the CMA’s annual report on diversity and inclusion, is part of the Association’s pledge to combat racism, discrimination and systemic barriers to inclusion in the marketing profession. Founding partners of the CMA Mentorship Program for Newcomers to Canadainclude RBC, Scotiabank, BMO, Canadian Tire, Dentsu, Kaiser and Partners and OLG.
By pairing new-to-Canada marketers with established Canadian marketing professionals, the CMA is aiming to equip newcomers with the tools and support for a smoother integration into the marketing industry. In addition to being assigned a mentor, selected mentees will also have access to professional development programming, networking events, and thought leadership on trends impacting the Canadian marketing landscape.
To qualify for the program and potentially be matched with a mentor, mentee applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Newcomer to Canada who has moved in the last five years,
- Underemployed, unemployed or part-time employed marketers,
- Minimum of five years progressive marketing experience required, and
- Canadian resident with a valid work permit in Canada.
For mentees: To apply to for the CMA Mentorship Program for Newcomers to Canada, applicants are invited to visit our mentorship website to complete a form.
For mentors: If you are marketing professional that is interested in being a mentor in the program, find out more and submit your details here.
About the Canadian Marketing Association
The CMA is the voice of marketing in Canada and our purpose is to champion marketing’s powerful impact. We are the catalyst to help Canada’s marketers thrive today, while building the marketing mindset and environment of tomorrow. We provide opportunities for our members from coast to coast to develop professionally, to contribute to marketing thought leadership, to build strong networks, and to strengthen the regulatory climate for business success. Our Chartered Marketer (CM) designation signifies that recipients are highly qualified and up to date with best practices, as reflected in the Canadian Marketing Code of Ethics and Standards. We represent virtually all of Canada’s major business sectors, and all marketing disciplines, channels and technologies. Our Consumer Centre helps Canadians better understand their rights and obligations. For more information, visit thecma.ca.
