Foundation Program

Talent Development Specialist
WildBrain

Iuliia Sliusar came to Canada with a decade of HR experience in Dubai’s multicultural business environment, but she quickly realized that the Canadian job market required a different approach.

“When I arrived in Canada, I quickly realized that this country has its own unique flavor and mentality, different from anywhere else I had lived before,” she explains.

Despite her extensive experience, she recognized that securing employment in Canada meant learning new strategies.

“That’s why I decided to join the IEP program. I believed the best way to succeed was to rely on professionals who had already guided thousands of newcomers like me.”

Understanding Life and Work in Canada

The Foundation Program helped Iuliia gain a deeper understanding of professional life in Canada beyond just job search tactics.

“The Foundation Program did more than just help me navigate the Canadian job market—it introduced me to the essence of Canadian life and professional culture,” she says.

Through the program, she learned about networking, workplace communication, and how to integrate successfully into Canada’s professional landscape.

“The program added a layer of joy and comfort to my transition. It created a supportive space where I could learn, adapt, and connect with people who shared the same values and aspirations for a better future.”

Mastering Communication in Canada

Iuliia’s biggest revelation came from understanding the subtle cultural differences in communication.

“The Foundation Program helped me uncover and navigate the nuances of Canadian communication, which often go beyond the basics of language and dives into cultural context, I quickly learned that some subtleties of Canadian interactions required a fresh perspective.” she explains. For example, she recalls learning that the phrase “It’s a long story” doesn’t invite further conversation in Canada, unlike in other cultures where it signals an opportunity to connect.

“The Foundation Program created a unique environment where I could explore and learn these cultural subtleties in a supportive and constructive setting. This kind of guidance saved me years of trial and error.”

Building Connections

Iuliia found that the program’s greatest strength was the sense of community it fostered. “The IEP Foundation Program provides countless opportunities to connect, explore, and find ‘your people,’ as well as the right employer you’ll have the joy of working for,” she shares.

Through networking events, workshops, and collaborative activities, she built both professional relationships and meaningful friendships.

“These interactions didn’t just help me professionally; they also added a layer of comfort and belonging to my personal journey in Canada.”

Achieving Career Goals

The Foundation Program provided Iuliia with practical career tools, from resume writing to interview techniques.

“With this guidance, I felt empowered to explore opportunities and grow both personally and professionally.”

The program’s insights helped her secure a job that aligned with her skills and career goals.

“I was able to identify where I could contribute the most and create a positive impact within a Canadian company, aligning my strengths with the needs of the Canadian economy.”

Advice to Newcomers

Iuliia urges newcomers to embrace learning and personal growth. “Relentlessly polish your communication skills to connect with people from all walks of life. Be curious and approach your journey in this new country as if you're creating a masterpiece on a blank canvas—every step is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build something remarkable.”

Iuliia’s Takeaway

“Joining the Foundation Program turned my transition to Canada into a journey of growth—helping me embrace new challenges, build connections, and discover where my skills can make the greatest impact.”