Posts Tagged ‘immigrant’
Written by Jericho Bundac on 11 August 2011
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]
Written by Jericho Bundac on 01 June 2011
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]
Written by Catherine Rana on 26 May 2011
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]
Written by Jericho Bundac on 12 May 2011
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]
Written by Catherine Rana on 03 April 2011
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]
Written by Jericho Bundac on 31 March 2011
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]
Written by Jericho Bundac on 20 January 2011
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]
Written by Catherine Rana on 14 January 2011
"I think everyone who is coming to Canada needs to be given a chance to put their skills to use so the country can develop. I feel good now that I have my professional job. I feel now that I’m somebody; I can pursue my career...I am very thankful to this program, my mentor and the staff." [Continue]
Written by Jericho Bundac on 07 December 2010
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]
Written by Catherine Rana on 23 November 2010
"Personally, I believe the main gaps are a lack of understanding of Canada-specific communication styles, the Canadian taxation system, as well as the industries that are unique in Canada," says Vishwa. Vishwa Mootooveeren obtained his MBA, majoring in Finance from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. He also holds Diplomas in HR and Export Management and is a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) from Canada. [Continue]
