Adriana's (UBS Mentor) Insights into the e-Mentoring program
e-Mentoring program is one of our key impact pillars and contributors of our organization. Our goal is to enable young talents across the globe to have an exchange program with experienced managers from international companies.
Please meet Adriana, one of the mentors of the program, who works at UBS Investment Bank in Switzerland. She is a mentor to Rae Kayla, one of our talents from the Philippines.
Read below for more insights from Adriana about her relationship with Rae and her experience with the e-Mentoring program.
Adriana and Rae during Rae’s visit to Switzerland in October/November 2022
How did you come to be involved in the mentoring programme?
Over the last few years, I have had a chance to take part in another mentoring programme as a mentee and at the time it really made a difference for me. The fact of being able to provide support to someone else really gives me a sense of fulfilment. It is a sharing experience where both of us can learn something from each other and considering the different backgrounds the exchange is even more rewarding.
What was the first meeting like?
The first meeting was more like an ice-breaking session. We didn't know much about each other, so it was more about figuring out who we are, what we like to do and why we joined this programme. It was key for me to start identifying the main needs and how to start building up the right connection.
What has surprised you most about your mentoring relationship? We both think that we are very much alike. No matter the topic of discussion we would both have similar impressions or thoughts. When I look at Rae I can see a reflection of myself back when I was her age. I can see her ambition and willingness to become a better version of herself. I was eager to explore all the paths I would come across and find my own way just like she does.
What lessons have you learnt that could be useful to any future partnerships? Sometimes there is no scheduled plan needed, the most efficient mentoring session takes place when you start listening carefully and try to observe the real needs.
Then you will build up a strong relationship that would give you great inputs for your sessions.
Have you been able to take anything you have learned back into your organisation? Definitely, I am learning how to be a good listener. This is so important considering my job requires a high quality and tailor-made service. If you have a good processing of the information you receive, you will be able to create more meaningful conversations with your clients.
Once your year is up, what are the plans for the future? This is just the start of a long journey. I hope to stay close to Rae and see how far she gets on her achievements. I am confident there is much more to come from her side.
Anything else you would like to mention? Big thank you to the entire team behind the scenes at Aiducation. I am very grateful for being part of your purpose. I admire the job you put in and how dedicated you are to your students. And to you Rae…thank you for bringing in so much positive energy; your kindness and spontaneity are admirable.
Written by Adriana, e-Mentoring programme mentor from UBS