Business - Marketing Stream

Customer Relations Associate
Winters Instruments

After arriving in Canada, Edosa Tamene faced challenges succeeding in the job market despite his experience as a Senior Manager, “I often felt disheartened as my job applications were met with silence”.  “I joined the IEP program to gain Canadian experience through education, hoping it would open doors that previously seemed closed”.

As a newcomer to Canada, Edosa faced the challenge of establishing a network in an unfamiliar country, ”…the sense of isolation and the challenges of navigating a new environment were overwhelming, when I heard about the IEP program from a friend of a friend.. I was drawn to the possibility of professional growth and a sense of belonging.”

Describing the knowledge and relationships he gained from the IEP program as enriching his life in Canada he shared, “This program has been a lifeline, helping me turn a challenging transition into a rewarding journey”.   ”Everything changed when I joined the IEP program; the sense of support and community I found there was invaluable,” he explained.

Speaking about the impact, he explained,  “I gained invaluable knowledge about the Canadian business environment and culture. The program also helped me improve my language skills, making everyday interactions smoother and more confident”. In addition, “the certificate program gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to succeed in the Canadian labor market,” and “the coursework and training provided a clear understanding of how the Canadian business world operates, from industry standards to workplace culture”, he said.

York University’s Certificate program had a quick impact on his career; Edosa explains that “shortly after starting the IEP program, I landed my first job in Canada, a milestone that felt like a dream come true.” In addition, he described, “Having York University on my resume gave me a newfound confidence, and almost immediately, I started getting responses from employers … it opened doors that were previously closed, allowing me to connect with potential employers and colleagues more easily”.

“ The program didn’t just help me find a job; it gave me hope and a sense of belonging in a new country”, said Edosa.  "What made the program stand out was its practical approach. We worked on real-world case studies and collaborated with industry professionals, which allowed me to apply what I was learning in a hands-on way. This experience was invaluable, giving me both the confidence and competence to navigate the job market successfully. Overall, the certificate program didn’t just teach me about the Canadian labor market; it prepared me to thrive in it." He describes the certificate program as profoundly impacting his ability to make new connections and grow my personal and professional networks.

Edosa also participated in career development workshops and events where he “met industry professionals and fellow students ..these interactions provided me with a deeper understanding of the Canadian business environment and culture, making me feel more integrated and confident”.  “We had workshops that were incredibly helpful, focusing on things like effective communication and understanding the nuances of the Canadian job market. Additionally, the program offered numerous networking events and free access to the American Marketing Association in Canada, which were game-changers for me. These opportunities helped me connect with industry professionals and broaden my network, making me feel more confident in presenting myself to employers”.

“Joining the IEP program was a life-changing experience for me. It not only equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the Canadian job market but also gave me a sense of belonging in a new country. The supportive community and the friendships I made helped me overcome the challenges of starting fresh. Thanks to the program, I found my first job in Canada and felt truly at home”.

Reflecting on his journey and offering advice to fellow newcomers, Edosa suggested:

• Network: networking introduced me to people who opened doors to job opportunities that I wouldn’t have found on my own.
• Gain Local Experience: through volunteering or interning locally, it shows employers you can adapt to the Canadian work environment and gives you the confidence.
• Get Canadian Education: You can do this by enrolling in a program like IEP bridging program. It helped me immensely by boosting my resume and teaching me about the Canadian job market.
• Be Persistent: The job search was tough, and there were moments I felt discouraged, but staying positive and continuously improving my skills eventually paid off.

“Remember, you are not alone in this journey. Many of us have faced these challenges and found success. Stay determined, and you can too!”