In communications, we spend our days helping others find clarity.
But what about finding it in our own careers? That often takes someone who’s walked the path before us.
That’s exactly what the IABC Calgary Mentorship Program offered Heather McCartney and Rebecca Varghese, whose partnership became a meaningful learning experience for both of them.
Two Journeys, One Purpose
When Rebecca Varghese joined the program, she had already built nearly a decade of experience as a journalist in India and earned a master’s in communications. But transitioning into the Canadian corporate communications world brought new challenges.
“The theory is the same everywhere, but how things work here is different,” Rebecca explains. “I wanted to understand the landscape and how to articulate the experience I already had.”
Now a Communications Advisor with the Alberta Securities Commission, Rebecca was looking for guidance, clarity and someone who understood both the profession and the nuances of navigating a new workplace culture.
Enter Heather McCartney; a seasoned communications leader with deep experience in internal communications, media relations, issues management, and sustainability reporting. Heather joined the mentorship program simply wanting to give back. What she didn’t expect was how much she would gain in return.
“You’ll learn more than you think, especially as a mentor,” Heather says. “You learn about yourself, and you’re inspired by the mentees you work with.”
Listening, Insight and Real Talk
From their very first conversation, Heather noticed Rebecca’s determination and strong instincts. Each meeting became a space where Rebecca could bring a scenario, challenge, or career question, and Heather could offer perspective and validation.
“Sometimes,” says Rebecca, “You just need someone in the same profession to say, ‘You’re on the right track.’”
Their sessions often took place over lunch or coffee downtown, creating a rhythm that was both structured and flexible. Together, they explored topics such as:
- Navigating Canadian workplace dynamics
- Differentiating internal vs. external communications roles
- Showcasing international experience in a Canadian context
- Career progression and personal branding
- Strengthening soft skills as an introvert in a fast-paced industry
Heather didn’t bring templates or checklists either. She brought insight.
“I meet people where they’re at,” she says. “My role is to listen and reflect back what I hear. What lights them up, and what doesn’t.”
That reflective approach helped Rebecca identify her strengths, refine her goals, and build confidence in her expertise.
Promotion: A pivot point
The timing of the mentorship couldn’t have been better. Midway through the program, Rebecca was promoted from Communications Coordinator to Advisor. She credits the mentorship for helping her articulate her skills, communicate her value, and gain clarity on where she wanted to specialize.
“Sometimes you’re doing all the right things, but you need someone experienced to help you see it.”
For Heather, seeing Rebecca’s growth reinforced why mentorship matters.
“Any connection you can make—especially one-on-one—is incredibly meaningful in our profession,” she says. “It’s one of the easiest ways to truly help someone.”
Mentorship Matters More Than Ever
Communications professionals can easily get stuck in silos—inside teams, companies, or even our own heads. Programs like this break that cycle.
For mentors, it’s a chance to practice leadership, support someone’s growth, and rediscover your own skills through fresh eyes.
For mentees, it’s you see things differently,” Rebecca says. “It gives you a perspective you didn’t even know you needed.”
“You’ll learn more than you expect,” Heather adds. “And you’ll be inspired by the next generation of communicators.”
Ready to Start Your Own Mentorship Story?
Whether you’re building your leadership capabilities, navigating career transitions, or simply wanting to feel more connected to Calgary’s communications community, the IABC Calgary Mentorship Program is a powerful place to start.
This year’s cohort is now accepting applications—for both mentors and mentees.
📩 Questions? Email the Mentorship Committee at calgary-info@iabc.com
Invest in your growth.
Invest in someone else’s.
Join the program that moves careers forward.
