Programme Overview | CFA Society Singapore

About the Mentorship Programme

Beginning in 2016, the Mentorship Programme is an annual, 10-months long initiative aimed at helping young professionals to develop professionally and personally through meaningful relationships with our senior members. To date, we have successfully connected over 350 pairs of mentors and mentees, many of whom remain connected.

Through this programme, mentees will benefit from the expert guidance of their mentors, while mentors can strengthen their leadership skills as they shape the future generation of investment professionals.

Mentorship Programme Timeline

JANUARY

Registration Opens

28 FEBRUARY

Registration Closes

MARCH

Pre-matching of Mentors and Mentees

Final Matching of Nominated Mentor and Mentees

Mentors and mentee will be matched based on mutual ranking of preferences, to the best of our efforts.

APRIL

Official Launch of the Mentorship Programme

APRIL - OCTOBER

1 to 1 Mentoring Sessions Begin

(Approximately 5 - 6 sessions)

MARCH - OCTOBER

Workshops for Mentors and Mentees

Workshops run by experts in the field to facilitate career development, along with networking opportunities for mentors and mentees

JULY

Mid-Point Check-in Session

NOVEMBER

Closing Ceremony

Begin Your Mentorship Journey

Be a Mentor

Be a Mentee

FAQ

Application

Members should possess at least 10 years of relevant experience in the banking and finance sector to qualify as a mentor. Mentors need not have supervisory experience, but it is recommended for mentors to have excellent communication skills, and a desire to contribute to the future of the investment profession.

Mentors would also need to be committed and set aside time to meet their mentees once a month for the duration of the programme.

All potential mentees will be considered for the programme on an equal basis. However, priority may be given to those who have not been matched in previous years, subject to meeting eligibility requirements.

Time Commitment

All participants are required to attend at least six 1-to-1 meeting sessions over a period of six months, at mutually-compatible timings. Each session is expected to last 1-1.5 hours, including the preparation time, meetings, and keeping track and review of the mentee’s progress. Additionally, participants are required to attend the launch of the Mentorship Programme, Closing Ceremony, and Mid-point Check-in.

It is important for mentees to take into account their mentor’s busy schedule when approaching them – some mentors may prefer to meet but others may prefer to call or message. It is thus important for mentors and mentees to establish the most effective way to communicate and take on this programme during the initial meetings. However, should you require any assistance regarding your mentorship, you may contact [email protected].

Career Opportunities

The Programme is not designed to be used as a job search opportunity for mentees or a recruiting platform for mentors. Mentors are encouraged to provide career guidance and recommend courses/workshops to assist their mentee’s development.

The mentor will not be taking on the role of a headhunter, career coach, or consultant as that is not their specialisation. Instead, mentees can have conversations to clarify their thoughts about their own career aspirations. Mentors can try to help by understanding the issues related to their career objectives and provide relevant advice. Mentees should have a good idea of their goals entering this programme, such as clarifying their thoughts about their career or a certain industry, rather than participating for the sole intention of having a career change.

For Mentees

Successfully matched mentees are required to pay a nominal fee of $50. This is to ensure mentees are committed to completing the mentorship programme.

Mentees may participate in the Programme more than once, subject to demand and approval by the Mentorship Committee.

Although every effort is made to match mentees with suitable mentors, there may be occasions where a match cannot be found. In such cases, we will defer mentee participation to the following year.

The CFA Society Singapore Mentorship Programme relies on volunteers and returning mentors. In fact, most of our current mentors have been active with the programme for multiple runs.

As the Mentorship Programme is a one-to-one mentorship, each mentor is paired with one mentee. If the mentor has the capacity, they can choose to mentor up to two mentees.

Mentors are required to be available to the mentee at least once a month. Should unforeseen circumstances prevent them from fulfilling this commitment, they should inform CFA Society Singapore to find a substitute mentor.

Mentorship Committee