Foundation Program

Cybersecurity & IT Professional

With extensive experience in IT, network systems, and cybersecurity, Husam Yasin arrived in Canada eager to continue his career. However, like many internationally educated professionals, he faced challenges in understanding local hiring processes, adapting to workplace culture, and building a professional network from scratch.

“I knew I had the technical skills, but I needed to learn how to present my experience effectively, tailor my resume for Canadian employers, and gain confidence in interviews. The program provided me with valuable mentorship, career workshops, and networking opportunities that helped me overcome these challenges.”

Understanding Canadian Workplace Culture and Life

Beyond career guidance, the Foundation Program gave Husam deeper insights into the culture in Canada.

“The Foundation Program was incredibly helpful in understanding both the professional and cultural aspects of life in Canada. It provided insights into the Canadian workplace culture, communication styles, and professional expectations, which were different from what I was used to,” he explains.

In addition to workplace insights, Husam says the program helped him integrate into daily life, giving him confidence both professionally and personally.

Refining Communication Skills for Career Success

While Husam was already fluent in English, he recognized he needed opportunities to refine his professional communication for a Canadian workplace. 

“The Foundation Program played a crucial role in enhancing my language and communication skills, especially in a professional Canadian setting,” he says.   

Through the program, he stated that he learned how to: 

• “Use clear and professional language in emails, meetings, and presentations.
• Improve my active listening skills to better understand colleagues and clients.
• Build confidence in public speaking and professional conversations.
• Adapt to Canadian workplace communication styles, such as small talk, direct vs. indirect communication, and workplace etiquette. ”

Additionally, he explained, “interacting with peers from different backgrounds helped me practice and refine my communication skills in real-world scenarios. This has made a huge difference in how I express myself professionally and connect with others in my field”.

Building a Strong Professional Network

One of the biggest challenges Husam faced was starting over without an established professional network in Canada. The Foundation Program provided him with mentorship, industry connections, and structured networking events to help him grow. 

Some examples he shared of how these opportunities helped him included:

• Introducing me to mentors, industry professionals, and fellow internationally trained professionals.
• Providing networking workshops taught me how to approach professionals, engage in meaningful conversations, and follow up effectively.
• Giving me access to career fairs, industry panels, and networking events, where I connected with people in my field.
• Encouraging peer-to-peer learning, where I exchanged knowledge and experiences with others who had similar challenges.

Mastering the Canadian Job Market

Even with years of IT and cybersecurity experience, adapting job search strategies to Canadian hiring practices was essential.

Husam grew his job search strategies and attended workshops, learning how to tailor his resume “to meet Canadian employer expectations and highlighting skills in a way that stands out” 

Engaging in interview preparation activities, he says he was able to practice answering common interview questions, learn the STAR method for behavioral interviews and this, he says, “improved my confidence in virtual and in-person interviews”.

In addition, the program helped him learn about labour laws and gain an “understanding about my rights and responsibilities as an employee in Canada, which gave me confidence in workplace interactions.”

Achieving Career Milestones

Husam set clear goals when he joined the Foundation Program, and he’s proud of the results he achieved.

“The program truly transformed my perspective, skills, and career opportunities, making it a valuable experience for any internationally educated professional,” he says.

Advice to Newcomers

Husam encourages newcomers to embrace learning, networking, and perseverance to succeed in Canada.

“My Advice:

• Be Open to Learning – Take the time to understand resume formats, interview techniques, and workplace culture. Programs like the IEP Foundation Program can be a great help.
• Network, Network, Network! – Attend networking events, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and join industry groups. Many job opportunities come through referrals, not just online applications.
• Gain Canadian Experience – Volunteer roles, internships, or contract positions can help you build local experience and expand your network.
• Customize Your Job Applications – Avoid sending the same resume to every job. Tailor your resume and cover letter for each role.
• Leverage Mentorship Programs – Seek out mentors who can guide you through the job search process and introduce you to valuable connections.
• Stay Positive & Persistent – The job search process takes time, but don’t get discouraged. Keep upgrading your skills and applying for opportunities—every interview is a learning experience.”

“Joining the Foundation Program was more than just a career step; it was the bridge that connected my past experience with my future success in Canada. It taught me that adaptability, networking, and continuous learning are key to thriving in a new environment. The journey may be challenging, but with the right tools and mindset, the opportunities are limitless.”