Building a Better Auditor: Why Join the Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program?

But it’s not just the receiver of counsel who benefits from the relationship. The beautiful thing about dedicating one’s time to train and support others is that the advisor inevitably grows and learns from the experiences and perspectives of the receiver. Likewise, professionals who practice the art of mentorship cannot escape this reality of receiving through giving because when a professional is dedicated to sharing their experiences to support a colleague, they contribute to their own growth and development.

The IIA’s Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program (ELMP)

The professional practice of internal auditing requires certain skills that cannot solely be obtained with academic training but must come from experience. Soft skills such as intuition, communication, tact, expertise, good judgment, conflict management, and empathy are strengthened as the professional is exposed to real work situations. Having the opportunity to receive or share that practical knowledge with other professionals and give or receive guidance on career decisions, certifications, and emerging issues creates a brilliant opportunity for the growth of any internal auditor.

The IIA’s Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program (ELMP) provides a space in which mentors and mentees from around the world can exchange experiences and knowledge about the internal auditing profession and their career goals. Aspiring mentors and mentees can apply for the program from now until Sept. 15. To be a mentor, you should have more than 10 years of experience in internal audit. To be a mentee, you should have less than 10 years of experience. Both must be IIA members.

As a university professor and a practitioner with more than 18 years of experience in audit, risk management, and governance, I decided to join the ELMP as a mentor because I like to teach and share my knowledge, knowing that I am contributing to someone's personal and professional growth. The ELMP also offers the possibility to connect with people of your same language and region.

My Mentoring Experience

My mentee was Hernan Contreras from Paraguay, a colleague who was willing and open to learn. His receptive attitude made it easy for us to exchange experiences, not only at a professional level, but also on a personal level.

We began our meetings by setting the goals that Hernan wanted to achieve at the end of the mentoring program. The goals covered topics such as risk management, cybersecurity, using Structured Query Language (SQL), and communicating results. My role consisted of sharing my own examples and encouraging Hernan to access further resources, readings, activities, and templates that would help him increase his knowledge and apply it to his work. Hernan was enthusiastic in each session, as we worked on the issues that concerned him.

The mentoring work provided both of us with a rewarding experience. Hernan benefitted from having someone to consult with outside the context of a supervisor-employee relationship, while addressing Hernan's workplace concerns and hearing his perspective complemented my knowledge and experience, contributing to my own growth.

The Importance of Mentors

Because I feel committed to the internal audit profession and to the training of auditors around the world, I feel it is my responsibility to share what I have received from such a beautiful profession. I invite all auditors in Latin America and around the world to join such a noble program that will surely impact many in their professional careers. If we have good professionals, we will have a better society and a better place to live.  As the proverb says, "For by wise guidance thou shalt make thy war." We all need guidance to pursue our careers, and this program is an excellent tool to chart the paths of both mentors and mentees.

 I encourage you to join and be a part of the IIA's Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program!

Sign up for the Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program, now through Sept. 15.