Accounting

Accountant
MG Consulting Services Inc.

Julie Varghese moved to Canada with her family, full of aspirations and hopes for a bright future. However, like many newcomers, after arriving she faced challenges in transitioning to the Canadian job market.

“My family and I moved to Canada with great aspirations, knowing that the country offers promising opportunities for international professionals. As a new mother, I initially chose to focus on my child, believing I could gradually transition into the job market after a few months. However, the job hunt proved to be more challenging than I expected, and I found myself feeling devastated.” Julie explains.

Bridging the Gap
Despite her impressive background in accounting and notable accomplishments in India, Julie was unsure of how to advance her career in Canada. This led her to take her first step toward reestablishing her professional journey by joining the IEP program.

“With a strong background in accounting and notable accomplishments in India, I had always aspired to pursue the CPA designation in Canada. Yet, I found myself at a crossroads, feeling that I wasn’t doing enough to advance my personal and professional goals. This realization motivated me to take action. While securing a job might take time, I decided to invest my time more meaningfully by pursuing a program that aligned with my career aspirations—marking my first step toward reestablishing my professional journey in Canada,” she shares.

Gaining Knowledge for Success
“The foundation program significantly improved my language and business communication skills, equipping me to navigate professional interactions with confidence. Recognizing the need to strengthen my accounting knowledge and gain a solid understanding of Canadian taxation, the program provided me with the tools necessary for a smooth transition and efficient onboarding at my first job in Canada,” Julie says.

Connecting and Building Skills
Julie leveraged the program’s resources to build her professional network and establish meaningful connections.

“This program provided me with valuable opportunities to connect with experienced professionals from diverse backgrounds. Through career fairs and networking sessions, I was able to engage with peers who share similar professional interests. Additionally, building connections with alumni, who acted as mentors and are in successful roles at leading companies, has significantly boosted my confidence and given me a more optimistic perspective on the job market in Canada,” she explains.

A Career Boost
Equipped with new knowledge, enhanced skills, and a strong professional network, Julie secured a role as an Accountant at MG Consulting Services Inc. in April 2024.

“I truly believe that my current role is a result of the connections I made during the program, especially a teammate from one of the courses who unexpectedly became a key link in relaunching my career in this country. I’m so grateful for choosing this program, as it not only enhanced my skills but also opened doors to a role I genuinely enjoy, where I am constantly learning and growing. A heartfelt thanks to the IEP team for their unwavering support and to the alumni and peers who generously extend their help, understanding the challenges newcomers face,” Julie shares.

Advice for Newcomers
Julie offers words of encouragement to fellow newcomers: “I believe newcomers possess a spirit of optimism and a willingness to take risks. While finding the right job may feel daunting at first, trust in your abilities and remain patient—unexpected opportunities often come when you least expect them. Focus on building connections, enhancing your skills, and staying prepared for the opportunity that’s waiting for someone just like you.”