Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program

The Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program provides guidance and mentoring to emerging professionals in the internal audit, risk management, and IT audit professions throughout the world, helping early-career professionals develop career goals and aspirations, advance leadership skills, and increase self-confidence.

Advance your internal audit career

The Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program is accepting applications August 1 - September 15, 2025. Motivated, self-directed early-career professionals interested in professional development and leadership, as well as, internal audit professionals with leadership experience and IIA volunteer experience, are encouraged to apply.

Download the Mentor Handbook Download the Mentee Handbook

Enrollment & eligibility

Accepting applications August 1 - September 15

IIA membership required.
- North America: View membership options.
- Outside North America: Contact your National Institute to obtain membership.
Mentees: 0-9 years of internal audit experience *
Mentors: 10 or more years of internal audit experience *
Applications are reviewed by the Emerging Leaders Mentoring Knowledge Group and The IIA
Mentor-mentee matches are based on: Experience level, industry focus, career goals and objectives

What to expect from the mentoring experience

Program kickoff: Occurs in mid-November, beginning with orientation to discuss program structure and expectation
First meeting: After orientation, mentors and mentees should plan to meet before the end of November
Program closeout: May 31, 2026
Time commitment: 1-2 hours per month with monthly meetings throughout the program (recommended) **
Check-ins: The IIA Mentoring Program program will check-in periodically to ensure connectivity and program satisfaction

Flexible mentoring for internal audit career growth

Use the Mentor and Mentee Handbooks to guide your discussions and strengthen your mentoring relationship
Set your own agendas and meeting cadence
Meet virtually or in person

Applications closed

2025-26 ELMP Applications closed 15 September 2025 and are currently being processed. Applicants will be notified of results no later than 31 October 2025.

Mentoring Program frequently asked questions

The Emerging Leaders Mentoring Program is facilitated by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) in partnership with the IIA Emerging Leaders Mentoring Knowledge Group (ELMKG).

Yes. Your participation in the mentoring program remains confidential. The IIA does not communicate with participants' employers.

For any questions or concerns, contact The IIA Mentoring Program team.

Program participants are encouraged to give feedback via periodic surveys.