Author Archive

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]

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]

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]

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]

Vancouver City Hall’s council chamber was the setting for the official launch of a new pilot program that matches new immigrants with city employees in career-focused mentorships. ISSofBC’s Mentoring Connections has been working diligently with SUCCESS, MOSAIC, the Immigrant Employment Council of BC, and the City of Vancouver to launch this pilot program.One of the program’s mentees, Karla Claros, was among the speakers at the event. In the presence of the Mayor and a handful of city councilors, she shared her personal experience and what she hopes to gain through the program. [Continue]

Once in a while I will get the question, “What do you remember about the Philippines?” I remember the walk from my grandparents’ house to the beach where the sand would get so hot that it burned my feet. I remember the fiestas and the great feast with enough food to feed the entire neighborhood. I remember waking up to the smell of freshly cooked bread in my great grandparents’ house which was attached to their bakery. [Continue]

“Who has done cold calling?” asked presenter, Yan Liang. The audience out of shyness did not put up their hands. All the way from the back of the room, the two previous presenters, Kai Mark and Paul Kernan raised their hands. Yan cited cold calling and personally going to companies to be effective alternatives to emailing dozens maybe hundreds of resumes to potential employers. From his experience, Yan finds that these methods allow people to get to know you and not just your resume. [Continue]

People often tell me I’m Canadian. They tell me that I don’t speak with an accent; therefore, I am Canadian. I’m told that because I was educated here, I am Canadian. When people learn that I have been in Canada for 18 years, they tell me that makes me Canadian. Am I? Is that what makes me Canadian? [Continue]

There are some memories that stand out when I look back on my first year in school in Canada. The people were nice, they understood what I was saying, the math was easy and California kickball was part of the school day. After a few weeks, I made the decision to stay. Canada was not so bad. [Continue]

About one month ago, I was speaking to my girlfriend’s aunt and uncle at her birthday party. They were asking me a couple of questions: “How old were you when you moved to Canada?” I was an impressionable eight-year-old who was coerced into going to Canada with the promise of Ninja Turtle toys. “Do you [Continue]