Foundation Program

Senior Data Scientist
Wayfair

When Ali Faisal moved to Canada in May 2024, he was eager to establish himself in his field as a data scientist and educator. With a Master’s degree in data science and years of experience as a data scientist and university-level instructor, Ali already had a solid technical foundation. However, like many newcomers, he faced the challenge of adapting to a new job market.

“I was between jobs when I arrived, and many companies had a hiring freeze. I wanted to maximize my networking opportunities, and what better way to do that than through universities and their networks?” Ali explains.

After being guided by Service Canada, Ali applied to the IEP Foundation Bridging Program at York University, which provided a pathway to build connections, gain local experience, and integrate into the Canadian job market.

Experiencing Life in Canada and Student Culture

The Foundation Program gave Ali the opportunity to experience Canadian university life, something he had always aspired to.

“I always wanted to study in Canada, but life had a different route for me. Instead of coming on a student visa, I came directly on a PR,” he shares.

Through hybrid classes, he not only expanded his academic knowledge but also immersed himself in Canadian culture, everyday life, and local interactions.

“Traveling from Mississauga to York, meeting classmates, and experiencing Canadian student life helped me understand the culture, daily routines, and even local jargon. It was also a great way to explore the city, try new food, and get out of the house while I was job hunting,” Ali recalls.

Enhancing Professional Communication Skills

While Ali’s spoken English was already strong, the program helped him refine his professional communication in a Canadian context.

“I learned that you don’t always need to be overly polite or descriptive in emails. You can be direct while still being polite,” he explains.

Through business communication classes, he gained valuable insights into writing professional emails, crafting clear messages, and improving workplace interactions.

Expanding Professional Networks and Industry Connections

One of Ali’s key goals was to build a professional network in Canada. Through the program, he connected with classmates, attended career fairs, and participated in networking events.

“Being in the IT course allowed me to meet peers who were also in tech. We discussed industry trends, shared experiences, and supported each other,” he says.

Ali also attended a career fair featuring companies like Bell, Rogers, and Home Depot. His conversations with recruiters led to follow-up contacts and expanded his opportunities.

Another standout event was the Scale Without Borders conference for immigrants in tech, which helped Ali connect with like-minded professionals in his field.

“These connections weren’t just for job hunting—they were about meeting people who understand your field and can provide advice, mentorship, and potential referrals,” Ali explains.

Preparing for the Canadian Job Market

For Ali, the program wasn’t just about academics—it was about learning how to strategically navigate the job market.

“Although the IT course was a refresher for me because of my background in data science, it helped me write better emails and be more direct in my communication with recruiters on LinkedIn and Indeed,” he shares.

Ali’s persistence paid off. Today, he works as a Senior Data Scientist at Wayfair and teaches as a Visiting Lecturer for Data Science at the Toronto School of Management.

Achieving Career and Personal Goals

Ali credits the program with helping him achieve several key milestones:

• Securing Employment Quickly – He landed a job within five months of arriving in Canada.
• Experiencing Canadian Student Life – A lifelong goal that York’s program helped fulfill.
• Expanding His Professional Network – Building meaningful connections that continue to support his career.
• Enhancing Communication Skills – Refining his professional writing and job application strategies.

“I’m a big fan of academics and plan to pursue a PhD in the future. York provided me with the stepping stone to do that,” Ali says.

Through the program, Ali was able to immerse himself in student culture, build friendships, and lay the groundwork for his next career goal: establishing his own consultancy and pursuing further academic achievements.

Advice to Newcomers: Busting Myths About the Job Market

Ali is passionate about helping other newcomers navigate their journey. He shares practical advice to help them succeed:

1. Don’t Fall for Myths – “People will tell you that you must have a Canadian education or multiple tailored resumes to land a job. That’s not always true. I had one general resume, and it worked for me.”
2. Apply Strategically – “Treat job hunting like a full-time job. I used LinkedIn filters to apply to jobs as soon as they were posted and aimed to be the first applicant.”
3. Build Your Network – “Your network is your net worth. Get out of the house, attend events, and connect with people. Programs like the IEP Bridging Program give you opportunities to meet industry professionals.”
4. Stay Busy and Keep Learning – “Whether it’s learning French or taking a short course, stay active and keep adding value to your resume.”

Ali’s Takeaway

“Per aspera ad astra—through adversity to the stars. This Latin phrase captures my journey. There will be difficult times, but if you stay determined, keep trying, and build connections, you’ll reach greater success. For me, York and the IEP program were the stepping stones that helped me achieve my goals and opened doors to even bigger opportunities.”