Since 2019, EY and the Refugee Talent Hub have been working together to close the gap between employers and job seekers with a refugee background. The second mentor program started in January 2022 with an enthusiastic kick-off. In an interactive session, the participants (both mentors and mentees) are included, informed and trained.

Please note: this article was translated using a translator app

Contributing to the future

 That EY considers the mentor program important is immediately apparent from the introduction by Menno Bonninga (Partner at EY): “EY's purpose is building a better working world”. And what better way to do this than by supporting new talents and thereby contributing to the future? EY supports clients in areas such as climate change, ESG reporting (Environmental, Social and Governance, ed.), and financial and social inclusion. The Professional Excellence Program, in which EY develops talent for the future, fits in perfectly with this. It offers opportunities to connect people, cultures and networks. “We want to be an enabler.”

 After this introduction, all participants will start working on a few questions in Mentimeter. Enthusiastic responses to questions such as 'what are you most looking forward to' and 'what do you hope the mentor program will bring you' are pouring in. Both the mentees and mentors feel motivated, find it quite exciting but also very fun, look forward to comparing experiences and expect it to be enriching. And while the mentees look forward to learning more about the Dutch labor market and expanding their network, the mentors are unanimous about how nice it will be to help someone else move forward. But also to learn from the mentees themselves and grow as a result; for example, by learning more about other cultures and developing coaching skills.

 One of the participants puts it as follows: “Really amazing to be able to do something that's not for profit but for the community. We're all busy but it's so great that EY is giving us the chance to do this and do some good.” So you see – a mentor program cuts both ways.

Tangible

 A nice intro - but how does such a program actually work? The curiosity and enthusiasm of the participants was even palpable digitally. It was extra valuable that newcomer Adem Gökalp and his mentor Robert Jan Opschoor (Lead Architect at Nationale Nederlanden) were guests and took the participants through their experience.

Mentee Adem: “Don't stop chasing your goals!”

 Adem ended up with Robert Jan through the Azure Academy of the Refugee Talent Hub. Both technically skilled and broadly interested. And they both sought connection with each other.

 Adem immediately indicates the value of training and obtaining certificates in the Netherlands: “We all have experience in our previous lives, but it is difficult to translate that experience to the Dutch labor market. And people want to see how motivated you are.” The Azure Academy and Robert Jan helped me with this.” Meanwhile, Adem is employed by EY after a three-month internship. His most important tips? “Don't be ashamed of your (refugee) background, there is a really warm welcome and let's all try to look beyond the boundaries of cultures and languages. And: don't stop chasing your goals!”

 Basel Ghrewati (Account Manager at the Refugee Talent Hub) adds from his experience: “A refugee background does not mean you are pathetic. You have a lot to add to Dutch society with your own unique experience and skills. Look at yourself as someone who adds value to society.”

Mentor Robert Jan: “Learn from each other”

 As a manager, Robert Jan had coached colleagues before, but never before a newcomer. He also found it quite exciting, “because you don't know what to expect. But that's OK! And we formed a group with the other mentors at NN to exchange experiences and tips.” By listening carefully and getting to know Adem, Robert Jan came up with ideas that met Adem's needs. For example, Robert helped Jan with his CV, an elevator pitch and preparations for job interviews. His motivation? “We all have an obligation to contribute to society, and we don't necessarily do that in our work. So it's nice to be able to shape it in this way.”

Tips for new mentors

 One of the new mentors at EY asks whether Robert Jan has tips for other new mentors. He does have that:

 ●Make your network available

 ●Work together a lot

 ●Do a short weekly check-in with each other

 ●Try to understand someone's skills

 ●Also be aware of your own cultural bias

 ●Be open to learning a lot yourself

 ●And last but not least: enjoy!

 How does he look back on the mentoring process with Adem? “Extremely valuable,” says Robert Jan. “We learned a lot from each other, including about each other's culture! And now we are really friends.”