Breaking down barriers: York U celebrates internationally educated professionals
TORONTO, March 30, 2017 — After arriving in Canada more than four years ago, marketing professional Olha Shmanko sent out many unsuccessful job applications. She couldn’t land a job in her own field because she either did not have Canadian experience or was over qualified. Today, she is well employed as a planning analyst in part thanks to the help of York University’s Bridge Training Program for Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs). The Ukrainian immigrant was among the graduates at a celebratory event, Monday, March 27.
For immigrants like Shmanko, the certificate helps them bridge the gap between the professional skills and experience they obtained in their respective countries, and employability in Canada.
“At York, much like Canada, our diversity is our strength,” said Mamdouh Shoukri, President and Vice-Chancellor, York University. “Newcomers to Canada bring with them incredible skills and experience needed to be successful, and we are proud to help them bridge gaps, earn professional designations, and expand their professional networks toward fulfilling careers in Ontario.
Ananya Mukherjee-Reed, dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, shared her experience and offered advice to the students. “I clearly remember what it is like to be newly arrived, with all the anxiety, uncertainties and unknowns,” said Mukherjee-Reed. "I’m proof that Canada is a land of stunning opportunities. And York gave me the ground under my feet. I have every confidence that adding your York experience to your already impressive credentials will lead you to those worlds that may be difficult to imagine today.”
The Ontario Government funds the Bridge Training Program offered by York University that provides IEPs with a solid foundation and understanding of Canadian business culture and professional context.
“Skilled workers from around the world are welcomed in Ontario. They are important to build today's workforce and strengthen our economy,” said the Hon. Laura Albanese, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. “Ontario’s bridge training fills the critical gap for newcomers who have good skills but need licensing and certification to be able to use those skills in their chosen professions.”
Graduate Farhad Pourimohammad, speaking at the event about his new found career success said, “This new position is a perfect match for me – aligning both my educational and work experience backgrounds.” The senior business analyst acknowledges the value of York’s bridging program, “This program had a key role in helping me secure employment in my own profession and getting a promotion.”
Many of the program participants recognized at the event have overcome common barriers by participating in the certificate program offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, which helps IEPs transition into employment that matches their education, skills and work experience.
The 2016-17 graduating class of 63 IEPs included citizens and permanent residents originally from Africa, China, Europe, Central and South Americas, South Asia and the Middle East.
NOTE: Graduates of York IEP Bridging Program are available for media interviews upon request.
York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 295,000 alumni. York U's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.
Media contact:
Gloria Suhasini, Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca
