NY Metro Chapter: Inaugural Professional Mentoring Program Kick-Off & Speed Networking Event

Inaugural Professional Mentoring Program Kick-Off & Speed Networking Event

On June 28^th 2012, the Ascend Professional Metro NY Chapter successfully hosted 18 seasoned professionals, and 18 up-and-coming next generation professionals for the kick-off of the inaugural professional mentoring program, and rapid rounds of speed networking.

The Professional Mentoring Program is modeled after, and inspired by the success of the Ascend Student Mentoring Program. Both programs focus on one-on-one mentoring, and building relationships that are mutually beneficial. The mentors hail from the Big Fours, bulge bracket financial companies, and well established consulting firms, with an average experience of more than 15 years. At the kick-off event, Stanley Woo, a mentor, a KPMG partner, and a Metro NY Chapter board member, addressed the group on his perspectives on professional mentoring – what it is, and what it is not.

Irene Chan, the VP of Events, and the founder of both mentoring programs, gave a quick presentation on the goals, expectations, and her vision for the professional mentoring program. The highlight of the evening was the speed networking. At five minutes per round, each mentee moved around the room until they had spent some time with each of the mentor. This quick interaction allowed the mentors and mentees to rank one another to help facilitate the final pairing.

Serena Wong, one of the young professionals who participated in the program as a mentee provided her prospective of the event on that day:

"I was thrilled when I first heard of the launch of the Professional Mentoring Program and felt very fortunate to be a mentee in this program. The program kicked off with a speed networking event which was such a brilliant idea for mentors and mentees to identify their own mentees and mentors based on their interest and background. During the 90 minutes of the event, I was able to speak to all mentors who are successful role models in the accounting and finance industry. Thanks to Ascend for launching such a meaningful program which allows young professionals to learn from senior professionals and to sharpen their soft skills to become future leaders in the accounting and finance industry."

The evening concluded on a sense of anticipation and excitement for new meaningful relationships. We are grateful for all the mentors for their commitment to this program, KPMG for being a gracious host, and the volunteers for their invaluable assistance.