Change – a word which conjures up many emotions and associations, everything from a prickling of an impatient anticipation to the churning dark feelings of dread at the pit of the stomach. Of course, intrinsically, change itself cannot be good or bad, everything depends on a perspective of an individual and the meaning that he [Continue]
Mentoring Connections' clients are talented designers, architects, analysts, accountants, engineers, marketing professionals, software engineers. Many are MBAs and PhDs with several years of experience managing large projects and dynamic teams. When our clients come to Canada they are advised to hide their phenomenal skills and outstanding experience so that they do not seem overqualified for the survival jobs that they require. I do not suggest an alternative, but a supplementary strategy. [Continue]
Three years ago, ISSofBC proposed the idea of a mentoring program that would connect skilled immigrants with Vancouver-area professionals, in career-focused mentorships. In June 2008, Mentoring Connections was born! Today, what is most exciting about our program is the number of high-profile corporate and community partners that are beginning to hop aboard. It is with great pleasure that we announce ISSofBC Mentoring Connections’ newest partner, Deloitte. [Continue]
After launching the a pilot mentoring program for skilled immigrants, the City of Vancouver and the Mayor’s Working Group on Immigration is opening discussion on a topic that sparks many passionate and personal opinions, Canada’s Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP). [Continue]
One thing our program has observed over the past few years is that engineers are a busy group of people. Luckily for us, we have engaged a core group of local engineers as volunteer mentors, many of whom have taken on multiple mentorships at our program, and who spread the word about Mentoring Connections to their colleagues. Long-time mentor and Professional Advisory Committee member Carlos Perez did just that, and last Tuesday our program welcomed Carlos and members of his CH2M Hill team to our office for an Industry Insights event for our engineer mentees. [Continue]
Through the mentoring program at ISSofBC, I learned about hiring practices in Canada, ways to upgrade my skills, and effective job search strategies. My mentor also provided input on my resume and practiced job interviews with me. One thing that I appreciated about my mentor was that he gave me honest feedback and let me know that I’m on the right track. [Continue]
Karim Makalai has been a career mentor with ISSofBC’s Mentoring Connections program since January 2010. Originally from Uganda, Karim and his family came to Vancouver as refugees in 1973. In honour of the 60th anniversary of the Refugee Convention, Karim kindly shares his story with us... [Continue]
Social media is a powerful tool and more people are embracing this technology every day. For many new immigrants, social media can be an intimidating space. However, if you keep a few things in mind, it doesn't have to be. [Continue]
Tuesday, February 8th marked our first healthcare-themed networking event! We would like to extend a huge thank you to Mentoring Connections mentors Anne Keeble and Arturo Pallares for sharing their stories and contributing to a very insightful and welcoming event. In case you missed it, Anne and Arturo provided insight on a variety of topics... [Continue]
Since teaching in the public school system is a regulated profession, it is only natural that many of our teacher-mentees have questions about the certification process in BC. To better serve these mentees, I attended the BC College of Teachers’ (BCCT) weekly info session last Tuesday, with the hope of picking up some tips. With the exception of myself, the room was full of immigrant teachers from all over the world. Because of this, I was able to gain some valuable info that I’ll share with you, here. [Continue]