Foundation Program

When Pavlo Trush moved to Canada, he quickly realized that securing a job as a newcomer came with challenges. Despite his strong background in software development, he faced two major hurdles: the demand for Canadian experience and the local IT market’s technology preferences.

“Most employers prefer people who have some experience or education in Canada. The IEP program gives a great opportunity to obtain courses needed to settle into a job and adapt your skills to the local market,” he explains.

Another significant barrier was building a professional network from scratch.

“As a newcomer, it was challenging for me to find networking opportunities because I didn’t know anyone in Canada,” he shares.

Additionally, Pavlo discovered that his technology stack was not in high demand in Canada. To improve his career prospects, he needed to learn a new programming language—a challenge that the IEP Foundation Program helped him overcome.

“Thankfully, through the IEP program, I was able to switch to another programming language,” he says.

Boosting Confidence in Communication & Workplace English

For Pavlo, one of the most valuable aspects of the Foundation Program was the opportunity to improve his English language skills, professional communication, and confidence in workplace interactions.

“I became more confident in expressing myself in English since I joined this program. They have amazing teachers who helped us to enhance our business vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation,” he explains.

Through structured lessons, he also learned how to write professional emails, conduct workplace correspondence, and communicate effectively in a business environment.

Expanding Professional and Personal Networks

Building a professional network in a new country can be intimidating, but through the Foundation Program, Pavlo connected with like-minded professionals and industry peers.

“I met amazing people who became not only my professional network but also some of them we are maintaining a friendship,” he shares.

These relationships have provided him with support, career insights, and opportunities for collaboration as he builds his career in Canada.

Preparing for the Canadian Labour Market

Understanding how to present himself to employers was key to Pavlo’s success. Through the Foundation Program, he gained valuable insights into the Canadian job market, hiring process, and workplace expectations.

“I learned a lot about the Canadian local market, the employment process, how I should present myself in front of employers, and acquired needed communication skills in a Canadian workplace,” he says.

This knowledge helped him navigate job applications, interviews, and networking events with greater confidence.

Achieving Career Milestones

Since joining the IEP Foundation Program, Pavlo has made significant progress toward his career goals. “Since I joined IEP, I have improved my English skills, grew my networking, managed to change my technology stack, and found a volunteering opportunity in my field that will help me to gain my first Canadian experience,” he says.

With this foundation in place, Pavlo is now on track to securing his first full-time role in Canada.

Advice to Newcomers

Pavlo encourages newcomers to invest in career development programs and focus on adapting to the Canadian market.

Pavlo’s Takeaway

“The IEP Foundation Program gave me the opportunity to adapt my skills, grow my network, and gain confidence in a new country. It is a must for any newcomer looking to succeed in Canada.”