Mentoring Connections

Mentoring Connections is an ISSofBC community initiative that brings together Vancouver-based professionals (mentors) and skilled immigrants (mentees) from the same professional area.

The goal of our program is to ease the transition of skilled immigrants into the Canadian workforce with the help of an experienced mentor.

Volunteer mentors are not expected or required to find employment for their mentees, but rather to offer career-focused advice and encouragement.

Blog Authors

Ana Marie Caday
Ana Marie CadayContributor
Catherine Rana
Catherine Rana Contributor
Jericho Bundac
Jericho Bundac Contributor
Kristina Thongrivong
Kristina Thongrivong Mentoring Outreach Assistant
Laurie Sing
Laurie Sing Program Manager
Meri Ghazaryan
Meri Ghazaryan Mentoring Coordinator

Twitter Updates

    Posts Tagged ‘Mentoring Connections’

    Our newest mentoring partner: Mentoring Connections welcomes Deloitte

    Our newest mentoring partner: Mentoring Connections welcomes Deloitte

    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]

    Industry Insights with CH2M Hill

    Industry Insights with CH2M Hill

    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]

    Mentee Spotlight – Armi Bless-Pacis’ Success Story

    Mentee Spotlight – Armi Bless-Pacis’ Success Story

    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]

    60th Anniversary of the Refugee Convention- A Mentor’s Story

    60th Anniversary of the Refugee Convention- A Mentor’s Story

    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]

    Launching the Newcomers Mentorship Program

    Launching the Newcomers Mentorship Program

    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]

    Ask a Mentor: Accounting & Finance

    Ask a Mentor: Accounting & Finance

    "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]

    Our Green Economy, Part II: Unexpected Opportunities

    Our Green Economy, Part II: Unexpected Opportunities

    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]

    Our Green Economy, Part I: Think Outside the Box

    Our Green Economy, Part I: Think Outside the Box

    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]

    Guiding our steps

    Guiding our steps

    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]

    World Teachers’ Day- In Lokesh’s words

    World Teachers’ Day- In Lokesh’s words

    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]

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