Foundation Program

When Yong Cheol Kim arrived in Canada, he faced common challenges that many newcomers experience—a lack of Canadian work experience, communication barriers, and difficulty building a professional network. Determined to establish himself in the job market, he turned to the IEP Foundation Bridging Program at York University.

“The reason why I applied to the IEP program at York University is that I wanted to build a successful career and network with its good reputation for supporting newcomers. I was impressed by its strategic approach and passion for helping IEP students,” he shares.

Through the program, he gained the tools and support necessary to navigate the job search process with confidence.

Understanding Life and Business in Canada

York’s Foundation Program provided essential insights into Canadian business culture and helped Yong Cheol adapt to workplace communication expectations.

“The Foundation Program was instrumental in helping me understand Canadian business culture and communication in the Canadian context. It helped me navigate my daily life and made me more confident in new environments,” he explains.

This newfound confidence made it easier for him to approach opportunities and integrate into Canadian society.

Improving Communication Skills

Effective communication is key to career success, and for Yong Cheol, the Foundation program’s practical approach to language skills was invaluable.

“I believe that this program focused on practical communication skills for workplace and daily life. The program also provided good opportunities to improve our conversational English by focusing on clarity, pronunciation, and useful idioms,” he shares.

One of the most impactful aspects was the Saturday language drop-in classes on Zoom, which helped him develop fluency and improve pronunciation, making professional interactions much smoother.

Building a Strong Professional Network

Networking was one of the biggest challenges Yong Cheol faced upon arriving in Canada. The Foundation Bridging Program gave him structured opportunities to connect with industry professionals and fellow newcomers.

“The Foundation Program provided me with great opportunities to connect with other newcomers from different countries. We understood one another because we were going through similar challenges and experiences,” he says.

Through coffee chats, workshops, and career fairs, he built valuable relationships. He also attended career mentoring and networking sessions with RBC and TD Insurance, which introduced him to potential employers and insights into different career paths.

“These connections have been invaluable. In addition, we’re going to have fun at a hockey game social meet-up,” he adds.

Gaining Marketable Skills for Employment

To succeed in the Canadian job market, Yong Cheol knew he needed both technical skills and interview preparation.

“This program provided practical, job-specific training that was important to navigate the Canadian culture and job market,” he explains.

Through skill IT workshops in Advanced Excel, QuickBooks, and MS Power BI delivered in partnership with Seneca, as well as mock interviews, the program helped him build confidence and prepare for real-world job opportunities.

Achieving Career and Personal Growth

Yong Cheol’s primary goal was to gain confidence in communication and adapt to life in Canada. Thanks to the IEP program, he has made tremendous progress in both areas.

“My goal was to learn communication skills and gain confidence in getting used to Canada. Thanks to the IEP, I have improved my communication skills and gained confidence in expressing my professional knowledge,” he shares.

He also recognizes the value of networking and community-building in achieving long-term success.  “This program has helped me build my network and become a part of the Canadian community.”

Advice to Newcomers

For others looking to establish themselves in Canada, Yong Cheol stresses the importance of networking and self-belief.

“I'd like to recommend to you to have connections with classmates, alumni, and mentors because networking is crucial, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Last but not least, I hope you believe in yourself all the time.”

Yong Cheol’s Takeaway

“I would like to thank the IEP team for your dedication and support, and let you know that this program is a great help to newcomers and their families in becoming part of Canada. Also, the opportunities and connections I gained through this program have been invaluable to me.”