Finding the right fit with the ACFE Mentoring Program

With more than 95,000 members, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) has a vast network of anti-fraud experts in almost every country. It’s the ideal situation for a fraud fighter seeking a mentor who can help them grow professionally.

But when there are thousands of prospective experts to connect with, finding the right mentor can be challenging. The ACFE’s Mentoring Program streamlines the process for connecting mentors to mentees who match well with fraud-fighting career goals.

One ACFE member who successfully found their match through the program explains, “I looked for someone whose background aligned with where I want to go professionally. The platform made it easy to filter by area of expertise.” 

The mentoring program officially launched in 2020. In ACFE Membership satisfaction surveys over the years, members noted the challenges they faced in connecting with fellow professionals and requested a mentoring program, ACFE Member Benefits Specialist Kirsten Hayward tells Fraud Magazine. Many ACFE chapters already had their own mentoring programs in place, but those programs were limited to members of those chapters. It was important to launch a benefit that would allow members to connect regardless of location and accomplish their professional goals through ACFE’s global network, Hayward explains.

The ACFE’s mentoring program is a free member benefit for all ACFE members looking to grow their careers and connect with others in the field to share resources, advice, support and guidance.

The ACFE Membership team recently surveyed participants about the mentoring program. When asked what searching for and choosing a mentor through the program was like, a member commented, “I filtered by specialty, then read profiles carefully to see who had experience in the sectors I was curious about. Before reaching out, I’d suggest jotting down two-to-three goals for the mentorship. That clarity helps a lot.” (Survey participants were told that their responses might be used in ACFE publications.)

The program guidelines outline how members ready to take the next steps in their career can best connect with mentors willing to commit to their mentees’ professional growth. Mentors must be Certified Fraud Examiners (CFEs), but any ACFE member who’s in good standing can enroll as a mentee. Although the ACFE recommends a minimum mentorship length of one month, this timeline may vary according to a mentee’s goals.

The program operates as an online tool that facilitates finding and establishing mentoring relationships. Interested ACFE members must enroll as a mentor or mentee with a complete profile, showcasing a clear description of who they are, what they’ve accomplished and what they hope to achieve. Mentees then search the Mentor Directory to find their match by clicking the names of potential mentors to view their profiles and send mentoring requests.

“Don’t overthink your message. Just be respectful, clear and curious,” advises one survey respondent.

Hayward says that since the ACFE Mentoring Program is mentee-led, it’s important for mentees to be prepared before reaching out to potential mentors. They should take time to consider their career goals and what they hope to get out of the experience. According to Hayward, clarity will make the first conversation between a mentor and mentee, known as the “discovery call,” focused and productive. Mentors also receive a discussion guide to help prepare for the first exchange that will determine whether the relationship is a good fit.

“The best matches come down to three things: Your schedules align, your expectations are realistic, and your communication styles work well together,” Hayward tells Fraud Magazine. “If those basics are in place, the rest can grow from there.”

I filtered by specialty, then read profiles carefully to see who had experience in the sectors I was curious about. Before reaching out, I’d suggest jotting down two-to-three goals for the mentorship. That clarity helps a lot.

I joined the program to give back. I had mentors who made a real difference for me, and I wanted to offer that to someone else.

Hayward explains that an effective mentor is an active listener who genuinely tries to understand a mentee’s goals and challenges. They should build trust by being consistent and offer support when it’s most needed. Strong mentors help mentees set clear, realistic goals and provide honest, constructive feedback. “A key part of the role is making connections and creating opportunities, while also encouraging the mentee’s independence and growth,” says Hayward. “Ultimately, good mentorship is about guiding, not directing.”

One CFE mentor commented in the recent ACFE Membership Services survey about the mentoring program that a rewarding aspect of participating in the ACFE Mentoring Program is, “helping new professionals enter the profession and find key resources to be successful in navigating their career.”

When asked why they wanted to join the program, another CFE mentor commented, “I joined the program to give back. I had mentors who made a real difference for me, and I wanted to offer that to someone else.”

Some best practices for being a good mentee include showing initiative. According to Hayward, mentees should come into a mentorship prepared to share what they want to learn and be open about their career goals. They should ask questions, be proactive in their professional development and remain curious. “Mentorship is a two-way dynamic,” says Hayward. “The more engaged and self-aware you are, the more meaningful and productive the experience will be.”

It’s also important for mentees to respect a mentor’s time by following through with commitments and being receptive to feedback, even if it’s challenging to hear.

Hayward advises mentees to be patient. “Not every mentor request will get a response, and not every match will be the right fit. Some goals may take longer to reach or may shift over time,” she says. “That’s part of the process. The important thing is to stick with it. Every conversation, even the ones that don’t lead to a long-term connection, helps you learn what works for you and brings you one step closer to the right fit.”

Anna Brahce is an assistant editor for Fraud Magazine. Contact her at abrahce@acfe.com.