Is it better to treat everyone in the way in which you are accustomed to or are you better off being aware of these cultural differences? Sharing about each others cultures always brings liveliness to group discussions that I’ve been part of and what is apparent is, as much as there is a theme, individuals have different experiences of their own cultures. Here are some typical cultural observations you might have heard of... [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]
As I mentioned in Our Green Economy, Part 1, I encourage you to get out there and attend events that you are interested in. Even though the industries mentioned at this event were not my exact industry, the event allowed me to gain a broad perspective on what is happening in Vancouver. I met with a variety of professionals in a casual atmosphere... [Continue]
I admit, I don’t intentionally network, but I often do it without realizing and have therefore managed to build strong connections with a diverse group of people. How do I do this? Well, it’s quite simple really: I go to events that inspire me. Just the other week I attended a public dialogue event called “A Green Regional Economy?” hosted by Metro Vancouver as part of its Future of the Region Sustainability Dialogue Series. [Continue]
Each one of us has a childhood memory of a teacher who, in our young and precious minds, was our idol; our role model who we looked up to. Many of our actions were inspired by this person, and as we mature, we develop a greater respect and appreciation for our teachers. We see the benefits gained from their dedicated efforts in our lives, and that their encouragement has guided our steps as we move along the paths of our lives. [Continue]
Lokesh Chaudhry is an integral part of Ernst & Young's Tax Services practice, acting as both a partner in the Vancouver office and Western Canada's Fixed Asset Analysis Leader. Over the past two years, Lokesh has spent countless hours volunteering as a Mentoring Connections mentor. In Lokesh's own words... [Continue]
Pooja Ruprell has been a Mentoring Connections mentor since December 2009. Since she arrived in Canada in 2006, Pooja has built a successful career in Canada in management and client relationships. In Pooja's own words... [Continue]
Jason Min has been a Mentoring Connections mentor since March 2010 and has also been a Friendship Host volunteer with ISSofBC for several years. Jason graduated in pharmacy from UBC and is currently completing a post-graduate pharmacy residency. In Jason's own words... [Continue]
While flipping through Teacher Magazine, the monthly publication from the BC Teachers’ Federation, I learned of World Teachers’ Day, celebrated in over 100 countries every October 5. It seems only fitting that a program like ours, whose goal it is to help mentors and mentees grow professionally and personally, finds special meaning in World Teachers’ Day. Each day this week, we’ll turn the idea of mentor-mentee on its head, and explore the many valuable things new immigrants have taught local professionals at our program. [Continue]
In Meri's words: Mentoring Connections is giving many of us “newly arrived immigrants” the chance to use the talents that we possess. We all are pretty sure where we stand when we come to the Land of Opportunities, but we do not know in which direction we are moving or should be moving... [Continue]