“Mentorship is good guidance, but don’t forget your role”: Combining Guidance and Initiative for Professional Growth in Québec
An interview with Circonflexe participant Anna Khimonenko
Continuing our Mentee Spotlight series, we sat down with Circonflexe mentee Anna to learn what inspired her to join the program and how mentorship has supported her next steps toward a career in Québec.
Anna chose to join the Circonflexe Mentorship Program to build connections, strengthen her French, and better understand Québec’s workplace culture.
What have you found most valuable from your mentor?
“First, I gained a general understanding of Québec’s work culture. Since [my mentor] was also European, he helped me make sense of things as an outsider, finding my way. He was very supportive — giving me confidence, which was important.”
One exchange with her mentor stood out in particular.
“I asked him: ‘Do you think I’ll be able to work in a francophone environment? Am I ready?’ And he said: ‘Absolutely, I have no doubts about this.’ That gave me a lot of confidence, especially because he also works in the IT industry, so it meant a lot to me.”
As she transitions from working remotely with her former company in Europe to pursuing opportunities in Québec’s IT industry, Anna reflects on the value of mentorship in supporting that shift.
“It’s reassuring. And it’s great because it’s free, and you have access to people who work locally and have local networks. That’s very useful for people like me.”
What advice would you give to future mentees?
“Have your goals clear. Be consistent. Follow the recommendations. Mentorship is good guidance, but don’t forget your role: It’s a two-way street. You need to be proactive in your work and studies and not expect mentorship to solve all your problems. You have to rely on yourself first.”
Anna’s story highlights how mentorship is not just a one-way transfer of advice but a shared commitment. By equipping mentees with guidance, confidence, and perspective, the Circonflexe Mentorship Program complements their own initiative and effort, helping them move forward with the tools and self-belief to thrive in Québec’s professional community.
