ITFA Martin Ashurst Mentoring Scheme 2023

It is that time of the year again – we are calling on all prospective mentors and mentees to join the 2023 cohort of the ITFA Martin Ashurst Trade Finance Mentoring Scheme. Expressions of interest from prospective mentors and mentees should be submitted by 20^th January 2023.

Building on top of the developments achieved in 2022, the Emerging Leaders Committee worked hard again on making the scheme ever more attractive for both mentors and mentees. As such, the 2023 cohort will also benefit from the initiatives we introduced in 2022 to increase the added value for those participating, such as:

• Kick-off webinar / live event to meet everyone and talk through best practices of mentoring and personal development – a new segment in this year’s session
• Regular best practices sessions to guide the ongoing mentoring relationship
• One-to-one support for mentors and mentees
• Cross-mentoring opportunities for mentees (having access to more than one mentor for different skill sets – upon request)
• Dedicated online / presential networking opportunities within the community
• Closed LinkedIn group connecting mentors and mentees
• Selected community members to feature in the ITFA Newsletter and / or tradexplain.com
• Access to selected ITFA education materials to support the mentoring process and career positioning
• Full access to ITFA Emerging Leaders event

Along with access to several new initiatives to be announced throughout next year’s program period!
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Who are we looking for?

• Mentors: relevant experience in trade finance, regardless of the specialist background, combined with a sense of fulfilment for empowering others with knowledge about the industry. No requirement for mentors to be ITFA members provided that they are referred by one if they are not.
• Mentees: students, existing professionals in other industries or other areas of banking, existing professionals in trade finance, all with a desire to get to know about trade finance as an exciting career path. Mentees are naturally also not required to be employed by an ITFA member. Please express your interest only if you really want to participate (we have had instances in the past where mentees applied and then did not follow through, which was an unpleasant experience for their mentors). Also, if you have 10 or more years of trade finance experience please clearly outline the rationale for your participation as a mentee and what you aspire to achieve.

How is the mentoring process and how long should it last? (more details will be provided during the initial kick-off event)

• Programme will run until the end of the year to allow mentors and mentees to develop a solid relationship
• Format is extremely flexible and can be agreed between mentors and mentees to suit their schedules and preferences
• Discussions should revolve around trade finance and opportunities in trade finance but experience tells us that mentoring often empowers participants much beyond careers
• No maximum number of meetings but we recommend a minimum of two

What happens next?

• Send an email to Nigel.Atta-Mensah@crownagentsbank.com and MasumizY@ebrd.com to register your interest and clearly state: whether you are participating as a mentor or as a mentee and any particular area(s) you would like to focus on; the deadline to apply is 20^th January 2023
• We will collate all the information received and match mentors and mentees
• Emails introducing mentors and mentees will be sent on or around 27^th January 2023
• The process begins straight after the introductory emails have been shared and we will schedule the kick off webinar

Please do let us know whether you want to participate as a mentor or as a mentee and the area(s) you would like to focus on. This is critical to enable a logical and relevant matching process.

This programme has impacted over 140 people since its creation and helped shape many trade finance careers. More than that, it has created lifelong friendships between mentors and mentees, which is at the heart of what ITFA represents.

We look forward to welcoming you as members of our 2023 mentor-mentee community!