Did you know பாலம் (Paalam) means bridge in Tamil?
Paalam is CTPA’s mentorship program that connects emerging Canadian professionals with the established in the Tamil community. Established in 2013, Paalam has been a driving force in empowering the Tamil community by fostering meaningful connections and providing mentorship opportunities that fuel professional growth and development for the next generation of leaders.
PROGRAMS
Tier 1 - Emerging Professionals
This tier program is designed for recent undergraduates or individuals with 1-2 years of experience, seeking to enhance their skills and connect with rising and established leaders
Tier 2 - Developing Professionals
This tier program is for individuals with limited experience (2-4 years), providing foundational skills and resources to launch their careers. This is a great way to get to the next level!
Tier 1: Emerging Professionals
This program is designed for recent graduates or individuals seeking to enhance their skills and connect with rising and established leaders in the Tamil community.
Mentee Eligibility
See below the required criteria for becoming a mentee for Paalam: Emerging Professionals
Currently in an undergraduate program
(college/university) OR a recent graduate (<1 year) from an undergraduate program
<1 year full-time job experience
Have an interest in stepping out of their comfort zone to meet new people and learn new skills
Able to commit a minimum of 5 hours/month
Must complete Mentee Goal Setting Orientation in Summer 2025
Must attend a minimum of 4 events, including Paalam Launch*
Mentor Eligibility
See below the required criteria for becoming a mentor for Paalam: Emerging Professionals
Completed undergraduate program ( college/university)
Minimum 2 years of professional experience
Showcase a passion for and the ability to share value with the community
Express a genuine interest in networking, connecting with mentors and mentees
A commitment to empowering and mentoring others
Able to commit a minimum of 2 hours/month
Must complete Mentor Leadership Orientation in Summer 2025
Tier 2: Developing Professional
This program is for individuals with limited experience, providing foundational skills and resources to launch their careers.
Mentee Eligibility
See below the required criteria for becoming a mentee for Paalam: Developping Professionals
Must attend a minimum of 4 events, including Paalam Launch*
Showcase an interest in developing
professional/technical skills
Express a genuine interest in networking, connecting with mentors
A verified LinkedIn profile
Able to commit a minimum of 5 hours/month
Must complete Mentee Goal Setting Orientation in Summer 2025
Must attend a minimum of 4 events, including Paalam Launch*
Mentor Eligibility
See below the required criteria for becoming a mentor for Paalam: Developping Professionals
Completed undergraduate program (college/university)
Minimum of 5+ years of professional experience
Showcase a passion for and the ability to share value with the community
Express a genuine interest in networking, connecting with mentors and mentees
A commitment to empowering and mentoring others
A verified LinkedIn profile
Able to commit a minimum of 2 hours/month
Must complete Mentor Leadership Orientation in Summer 2025
Paalam Timeline
Why Paalam?
Benefits of பாலம் (Paalam) Program
1-1 Coaching
Learn with real professionals
Workshops + Certification
Tailored workshops and certifications
Connections
Meet many different professionals
Exclusive Resources + Events
Come to many different and unique events
Networking
Come grow your network
Mentor Leadership Recognition
Be recognized for your mentorship contributions
The Candian Tamil Professionals Association acknowledges Indigenous Peoples throughout Canada. This includes Inuit, Métis and more than 900,000 people living in more than 630 First Nations communities, and in cities and towns across these lands.