The AMA Career Accelerator Program has helped countless junior marketing professionals take the next step in their careers. With 35 mentor/mentee pairs matched in 2024, this program was designed to provide guidance, support, and valuable insights from experienced marketers to those navigating the early stages of their careers. Mentorship has long been a powerful tool for professional development, offering unique perspectives and actionable advice that can shape careers in meaningful ways.
We surveyed mentees to understand the most impactful aspects of their experience, and the feedback was overwhelming—here are some key takeaways.
What was the most important thing you got from this mentorship?
For many mentees, the most important takeaway was personalized guidance on how to position themselves for the next big step in their careers. Several mentees mentioned the tremendous value of constructive feedback on essential career tools like their cover letter and resume. One mentee reflected on the importance of mock interviews, which helped them refine their pitch and better prepare for future opportunities.
“I received a lot of constructive feedback on positioning myself for the right jobs. My mentor helped me perfect my cover letter and resume, opened my profile up to his network, and prepped me for interviews with mock interviews.” – Ria Paul
Others mentioned learning how to evaluate the value of their work, gaining insight into how they could contribute more meaningfully in their current roles. Having an external perspective was particularly helpful for those in situations with new managers or uncertain career paths.
What originally drew you to the AMA Toronto Career Accelerator program?
When asked what motivated them to join the program, several mentees highlighted a career pivot as their primary reason for seeking mentorship. Whether transitioning into a corporate role from an agency or needing support in navigating new work dynamics, mentees recognized that the expert guidance of a mentor could help them reset and align their career goals.
One mentee shared how they were seeking an external career mentor—someone outside of their employer who could provide unbiased advice and support in a field as fast-paced and ever-evolving as marketing.
How has your Career Accelerator mentor helped you achieve your professional goals over the past year?
The impact of mentorship was felt deeply by mentees. In some cases, the mentor-mentee relationship led to tangible career outcomes. One mentee shared that their mentor had also become their hiring manager by the end of the year, offering guidance throughout the hiring process, including prepping for an interview. While a hiring freeze prevented them from landing the role they initially applied for, a new position opened up, and their mentor championed them in the recruitment process, resulting in a successful outcome for both.
Other mentees appreciated their mentor’s guidance in focusing on long-term career growth and learning how to navigate marketing roles for the first time. Whether it was through offering support during onboarding or discussing future career paths, the relationship was a key element of mentees’ growth over the past year.
Key Takeaways from the Program
For many mentees, the program offered more than just career advice—it provided valuable perspective shifts. Some key takeaways included:
- The power of concise communication: One mentee learned to refine their interview responses to be more impactful, which was crucial in showcasing their skills clearly and effectively.
- How to pivot and adapt: Several mentees learned the importance of pivoting quickly, especially early in their careers when the landscape is constantly shifting.
- Improved resume and interview strategies: Mentees were taught how to look at their resumes from a new perspective, helping them sell their achievements and experience better.
- Problem-solving and data-driven thinking: A common thread throughout the mentorship was the emphasis on taking a data-driven approach to marketing challenges and refining problem-solving skills.
“His guidance was crucial in my reflection in (both past and future focus points), and shaping my positioning for the next role.” – Taylor Wohlschutz
Why Would You Recommend Career Accelerator to Someone Else?
Mentees had no shortage of reasons for recommending the AMA Career Accelerator Program to others:
- The matching process: One of the most appreciated aspects of the program was how well mentees were matched with mentors who were perfectly suited to help them reach their goals.
- Diverse perspectives: Mentees found immense value in hearing from someone with a similar career trajectory, which helped them feel understood and supported.
- Fast-tracked growth: Several mentees noted that the program helped them accelerate their career trajectory much faster than they could have on their own.
- Mentor impact: The relationships formed during the program often went beyond just professional advice, offering personal growth and lasting connections.
Ready to Accelerate Your Career?
If you’re a junior marketing professional looking to take your career to the next level, the AMA Career Accelerator Program is an invaluable resource. Don’t miss the opportunity to be paired with a seasoned marketing professional who can help you achieve your goals and guide you toward success.