Mentor and Mentee Profile: Yulia and Paul
The IIA-Australia Mentoring Program connects experienced practitioners with members looking to grow. Yulia and Paul's experience from the 2025 program illustrates what that connection can produce: sharper professional judgement, broader perspective, and, in Paul's case, a significant career step forward.
Applications for the 2026 program close on 22 March : Mentoring - Institute of Internal Auditors Australia
Yulia | Mentor
Why I Chose to Mentor
Yulia joined the program with a clear purpose: to give back to the profession that had supported and shaped her development.
"I have had a couple of amazing mentors myself earlier in my career who have had a significant impact on where I am now. Participating in the IIA Mentoring Program as a mentor was my opportunity to give back to the profession."
What Mentoring Gave Back
Many first-time mentors are surprised to find that learning flows both ways. Yulia experienced her relationship with Paul as a genuine professional exchange, rather than a one-way transfer of knowledge.
"People often underestimate how much a mentor can learn from their mentee. I have learnt a lot from Paul; some more technical ideas stemming from his legal background, some more personal discoveries made in the course of our conversations. One can really improve their own work by mentoring others through doing it. Paul has even taught me how to use AI to fine-tune my own CV."
Broadening Professional Perspective
The program also expanded Yulia's connection to the profession, providing insight into internal audit practice across different sectors and states.
"The program gave me an opportunity to connect with other mentors and reflect on our common experiences. It has also given me an opportunity to explore the practice of internal auditing across state and industry boundaries."
The Relationship That Made It Worthwhile
"The relationship that my mentee and I have developed over the course of the year, our casual yet deep and reflective conversations. That is what I found most rewarding."
Paul | Mentee
Joining the Program
Paul had been an IIA-Australia member for about a year when he discovered the Mentoring Program. New to internal audit and without IIA-affiliated colleagues, he sought a stronger professional connection.
"The mentoring program provided a valuable opportunity to connect with the profession more meaningfully. My mentor, Yulia, was generous with her advice, empathetic to professional challenges, and offered insightful perspectives and practical solutions."
Building Confidence and Professional Judgement
A key outcome for Paul was greater confidence in applying professional judgement, supported by access to an independent perspective he had not previously had.
"Having the opportunity to engage in open discussions, receive transparent feedback, and test ideas with an independent and trusted professional was invaluable. It provided a space to refine aspects of my professional judgement that I previously did not have an outlet to explore."
A Career Step Forward
After eight years in the health and social services sector, Paul used the program as a sounding board to navigate a significant career transition into the defence sector.
"Through the mentoring program, I came to realise that it was the right time to embrace change and take the next step. With my mentor's clarity and encouragement, I was able to confidently articulate my transferable skills and successfully secure a role in the defence sector."
On What the Program Requires of You
"I learned that meaningful growth often requires stepping outside of comfort zones and being open to vulnerability. The program reinforced the importance of actively applying advice, reflecting on outcomes, and committing to learning throughout the process."
Advice to Future Mentees
"Lean into the opportunity to grow and elevate your perspective as an assurance professional. You will gain as much as you are willing to invest."
Ready to Advance Your Career?
Secure your place in the 2026 IIA-Australia Mentoring Program. Applications close 22 March.
Apply at Mentoring - Institute of Internal Auditors Australia