Connect Circle is a dynamic community and network built on the philosophy of Ubuntu-"I am because we are"
Mission: To create a network and circle where storytelling, open conversations and lived experiences can help navigate the challenges and rewards of the Chartered Accounting path.
To empower those on the CA journey but have no support system of mentors and role models to their immediate access.
Reciprocal Learning
FIexibility
Mutual Benefit
Primary School
-Planting a seed in the very early years.
-The aim being to inspire confidence and have an early introduction.
-Exposure is important!
High School
-Understanding what a CA is, how to get started and the interests that lay the foundation for a future in accounting.
-Grade 11 marks and Grade 12 marks.
-NBTs!
Varsity
-Navigating university applications, choosing the right accounting degree.
-Managing the academic pressure of the degree.
-Managing other pressures that manifest in the journey.
-How to position oneself for maximum benefit.
CTA, ITC/IAC,APC
-Preparing for CTA/PGDA/Honours.
-Preparing for ITC/IAC and APC.
-What it takes.
-Stories from those that have gone through it.
-Conversations around it.
Articles
-How to maximize the opportunity.
-Skills and competencies.
-Professional development.
-Challenges and rewards.
-Story telling.
Connect Circle aims to expand its network beyond CAs, encompassing other professions in the future to create a broader mentorship community.
To deliver support and help to build meaningful careers by providing mentorship, guidance and resources tailored to the specific career paths.
Ultimately to have a future where individuals, no matter their background or circumstances, have access to a network of support that helps them succeed, an opportunity to reach their full potential knowing that they are never alone on their journey.
What can you expect?
Flexibility and Dynamism
Connections are not fixed. As life is dynamic, so are relationships. You may connect with someone for a specific phase and then the connection naturally concludes, while others may lead to lasting models.
Two Models:
1. Circumstantial Connections
-Formed to address specific, time sensitive issues.
2.Timeless Connections
-Other relationships grow further, where guidance extends beyond a single phase and develops into a more enduring relationship.
Guide:
You act as a guide, offering wisdom, support and experience. You are not perfect or all knowing but an individual with valuable life experiences to share and facilitate growth and learning in others.
You understand that learning is a two way street, and open to grow alongside the explorer.
Explorer:
You are eager to engage with the guide to gain insights, grow and navigate through the different phases of life.
You are an active participant in your own development, understanding that the guidance you receive is part of a dynamic, evolving process.
Connector:
The facilitator and the linker-you are a bridge builder of the community. You facilitate the connections between the guides and explorers.
You understand the importance of genuine relationships and help foster a spirit of Ubuntu by bringing people together.
Connect Circle is a mentorship network that connects aspiring CA's with seasoned people along the journey. Our goal is to guide and support student and early career professionals through various stages of the CA journey, from high school to completing their articles and beyond
Connect Circle is open to anyone interested in pursuing a career as a CA. We also welcome qualified CAs who are interested in becoming guides.
The mentorship program is structured into different tracks based on where the mentee is in their CA journey(e.g high school, university, CTA,articles etc). Each mentorship cycle lasts for six months, with options for mentees to re-enroll or transition to the next stage as needed.
We offer one-to-one mentorship, group mentorship sessions, and peer-to-peer support. Mentees can choose the format that best suits their needs, whether its personalized guidance or group discussions on specific themes.
Mentors are expected to commit to bi-weekly or monthly session( about an hour long) and provide additional support through emails or chats as needed.
Mentees are expected to actively participate in sessions and show dedication to their personal and professional development.
No there are no costs for joining Connect Circle as a mentee or a mentor. Our goal is to create a community where everyone can benefit from shared knowledge and experiences.