Networking that Works
Networking that Works How ACCES Employment’s Speed Mentoring® program connects job seekers to successful careers Being a newcomer to Canada can be an exciting experience, with the prospect of new opportunities, new employment, and new adventures. But it comes with its challenges for all the same reasons: where are the opportunities, how to acquire new employment, and which new adventures are best for you? Along with the excitement, there can be confusion in a new job market with no familiar faces to provide the right information and key introductions. ACCES Employment offers a range of services to support job seekers in connecting with employers. Sector-specific training is offered through a series of bridge training programs that support internationally-trained professionals to integrate into the job market to find work that reflects their experience. As Judy Chang, a successful entrepreneur and ACCES alumni, says, “The professional knowledge and connections I made through ACCES Employment’s Entrepreneurship Connections program are invaluable assets for my future growth and success.” ACCES Employment clients are given the opportunity to participate in high-level, targeted networking events in their professional communities. Networking can take many forms: faceto-face forums or online chats, in-class or virtual training, and participation in professional associations and boards. While it’s beneficial for a new Canadian to maximize networking opportunities, it’s also increasingly important for professional boards and community-based organizations to show inclusivity, present perspectives that are representative of a diverse population, and develop competitive strategies. For newcomers eager to efficiently tap into their job market and make direct contact with prospective employers, Speed Mentoring® can be a great solution. ACCES Employment’s Speed Mentoring® program is simple and effective, providing a unique opportunity to a range of clients and organizations: quality time to meet and network with
potential employees and employers. The Speed Mentoring® sessions are carefully timed and allow participants to meet several contacts at a single event. For Majid Kazmi, relocating to Canada meant the opportunity to broaden his horizons and add international experience to his successful career portfolio. Majid was referred to ACCES Employment by a friend as a starting point to launch his career here. He was accepted into the Leadership Connections program where he had access to a supportive community of fellow international professionals. The program allowed Majid to fast-track his career goals. After just a few months in Canada, he succeeded in pursuing a role that utilized his many years of experience in the banking industry. “Leadership Connections exceeded my expectations in terms of bringing out my true leadership potential and helping me create and cultivate my critical first connections,” Majid recalls. It was through a Speed Mentoring® event at ACCES Employment that he was introduced to his current employer. In a one-on-one session with one of the mentors, Majid had the opportunity to showcase his skills. Reflecting on his experience, he says, “ACCES Employment not only connected me with my employer, they also prepared me to put my best foot forward.” Majid is now a Senior Product Manager of Consumer Deposits at CIBC. It was a tough decision for Maha Al Amin to leave a successful career back in Qatar and come to Canada. But she knew what was waiting for her: a place where she would feel welcomed. “Canada is one of the few places in the world where you are seen as a new Canadian, not an immigrant,” notes Maha. Maha came to ACCES Employment to seek help with achieving her professional goals in Canada. When she completed the Human Resources Connections program, Maha had the opportunity to attend Speed Mentoring® sessions with several of the major banks in Canada. With a background in both finance and HR, Maha was interested in connecting with HR professionals in the financial industry in Canada. “I had several opportunities to attend Speed Mentoring® events through which I received several job offers to choose from,” says Maha, who is now a Human Resources Business Partner at BMO Financial Group. With BMO, Maha participates in volunteer projects with ACCES Employment. Much like many other program alumni, Maha now sits on the other side of the table and participates as a mentor, offering insight and advice to newcomers. As an added bonus, alumni continue to meet and network with new people in their fields as well as fellow mentors at ACCES Employment. For more information about the Speed Mentoring® program, please visit www.accesemployment.ca
Speed Mentoring® is funded by the Government of Canada and is sponsored by BMO Financial Group:
potential employees and employers. The Speed Mentoring® sessions are carefully timed and allow participants to meet several contacts at a single event. For Majid Kazmi, relocating to Canada meant the opportunity to broaden his horizons and add international experience to his successful career portfolio. Majid was referred to ACCES Employment by a friend as a starting point to launch his career here. He was accepted into the Leadership Connections program where he had access to a supportive community of fellow international professionals. The program allowed Majid to fast-track his career goals. After just a few months in Canada, he succeeded in pursuing a role that utilized his many years of experience in the banking industry. “Leadership Connections exceeded my expectations in terms of bringing out my true leadership potential and helping me create and cultivate my critical first connections,” Majid recalls. It was through a Speed Mentoring® event at ACCES Employment that he was introduced to his current employer. In a one-on-one session with one of the mentors, Majid had the opportunity to showcase his skills. Reflecting on his experience, he says, “ACCES Employment not only connected me with my employer, they also prepared me to put my best foot forward.” Majid is now a Senior Product Manager of Consumer Deposits at CIBC. It was a tough decision for Maha Al Amin to leave a successful career back in Qatar and come to Canada. But she knew what was waiting for her: a place where she would feel welcomed. “Canada is one of the few places in the world where you are seen as a new Canadian, not an immigrant,” notes Maha. Maha came to ACCES Employment to seek help with achieving her professional goals in Canada. When she completed the Human Resources Connections program, Maha had the opportunity to attend Speed Mentoring® sessions with several of the major banks in Canada. With a background in both finance and HR, Maha was interested in connecting with HR professionals in the financial industry in Canada. “I had several opportunities to attend Speed Mentoring® events through which I received several job offers to choose from,” says Maha, who is now a Human Resources Business Partner at BMO Financial Group. With BMO, Maha participates in volunteer projects with ACCES Employment. Much like many other program alumni, Maha now sits on the other side of the table and participates as a mentor, offering insight and advice to newcomers. As an added bonus, alumni continue to meet and network with new people in their fields as well as fellow mentors at ACCES Employment. For more information about the Speed Mentoring® program, please visit www.accesemployment.ca
Speed Mentoring® is funded by the Government of Canada and is sponsored by BMO Financial Group:
