Mentees’ testimonials
Software Developer - Marketing Analyst – Process Engineer – Workshop Facilitator – CMA Auditor
Mentor’s testimonials
Employment Consultant
Software Developer – India
Mentee Software Developer
This is the best program because of its strategy as it deals with people skills and interests. It taught me how to network, present myself and how to be professional. Most importantly it gave me a positive attitude towards my life, tremendous amounts of confidence and a big “HOPE”. Lastly, lots of good “FRIENDS” and all time, support from “Bruce Switzer”. He has been by far the best part of the program. He is the most wonderful person I have ever met in my life and I don’t think I will find anyone like him again. He changed my world upside down. This program changed my perception, the way I speak, write and listen and it’s still changing day by day. A totally awesome experience. I also like to thank YMCA for its services for newcomers to Canada
She landed work as a software developer position at one of the biggest energy company.
Marketing Strategist - Japan
Mentee Marketing Strategist
I am truly glad that I joined the mentoring program, collaboratively delivered by Integration Resources Canada of Ottawa and the YMCA of Wood Buffalo. This program has completely changed my life style and given me great possibilities and prospects.
When I first immigrated to Canada, my major roadblock to a job was “Canadian certifications” and “Canadian experience”. I had no friends, felt lonely and hopeless. After much disappointment, I took on a survival job. Soon after I started my survival job, I heard about IRCI’s mentoring program and read this statement:
“Our program is empowering as it coaches international professionals to gain the skills and experience necessary to compete on an equal footing with Canadians in the job market. “
I took a month off (!) from work to join it– It was the best decision I have ever made.
This program taught me a lot. Our mentoring coach Mr. Bruce Switzer gave us tips and strategies to achieve “a path to dream jobs”. Throughout the program, I kept discovering what I really wanted to do, and how to address possible opportunities. It opened the doors to my dream career. This program is truly wonderful as it gives you practical skills to find out the critical information necessary to lead you to your dream job. Every internationally educated professional is capable of getting the right job for them. You don’t have to sacrifice your dignity anymore!
The biggest asset I have gotten from the program is “strategic research”. Sending hundreds of resumes through the internet doesn’t work. Strategic research brings you face to face with the most appropriate sources of information. The more information you obtain, the more job possibilities appear, which are mostly not posted anywhere yet!
All new international professional immigrants should learn the strategy and skills of this program. It also has the potential to greatly impact the communities and the economy here in Canada.
I cannot thank Bruce, Naomi, and Eliana enough for their dedication to helping us out. They were always there for us. Their great empathy and willingness to lead us to success is just amazing.
She started her own business as a web marketing strategist, and also landed a job as a marketing specialist at a promotion company.
Process Engineer – Hungary
Mentee Process Engineer
I was between two jobs, and though I sent our scores of resumes, I received no response from potential employers at the time I started the program.
It helped me rebuild my self confidence which I had lost since I arrived in Canada and started to look for a job. The total indifference from potential employers in my field made me feel discriminated on the job market shattering my self confidence. Since I participated in the course I regained much of my self confidence and am not afraid to talk to people who might be willing to help me find a job. The program also provided an excellent job search strategy, based on extensive industry research and building up networks, so that as more people know me the probability of getting employed in the industry I am targeting is enhanced.
The research has also helped me find out about the industry, understand the Canadian working culture and management style, and practice a job search strategy that will stay with me throughout my life time.
Thank you for your hard work, and I wish you success with many more Internationally Educated Professionals who are looking for avenues in Canada
Through our strategic approach, he was offered and accepted an engineer position at one of the largest energy companies.
Workshop Facilitator – India
Mentee Workshop Facilitator, Writer
“The influx of skilled professionals from other countries has led to problems of recruitment and underemployment. Bruce took the stage to create a win-win environment for immigrants and employers.
He has been a leader and mentor to me and others like me through our initial roadblocks. He is a star because he makes you feel like a star. His attitude and approachability have helped us ride the wave of getting on the dream job bandwagon. As a master networker, he truly enjoys meeting immigrants and understanding them, making him a constant inspiration. His spirit, integrity, and creativity are boundless.
He is a pleasure to know, a catalyst for building community and the kind of person anyone would want on their team. Bruce stands out for his dedication and energizes everyone to attain a common goal – inclusion. His energy is genuine, focus unparalleled, and his ability to relate on any level makes him an asset to any organization. I happily recommend him and look forward to working with him in the future.”
After only 1 month of the program, she landed her ideal job as an instructor at a well known college.
CMA/Auditor - China
Mentee CMA/ Auditor
I met Bruce at an immigration-related conference held in Ottawa. I was invited to give a speech regarding my experience as a new immigrant and answer some questions from the audience. .Bruce came to me and told me that he’d like to help me to find a job. I started to meet with Bruce who voluntarily provided me ongoing help and trainings in my job search.
Job searching can be a discouraging, difficult and time-consuming task, especially for new immigrants. Sometimes you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. Bruce has given me great encouragements and constructive suggestions throughout the process, including revising my resume, cover letter, coaching me on new job search strategies in great detail, and so on. He advised me to give up the low efficient ways of job searching. He helped me to figure out what my career objective is, where my competencies are, what my accomplishments were as well as what my dream job is and where my passion is. Bruce emphasized industry trend and company culture investigation by setting up meeting with professional people in their fields. Bruce asked me to figure out the top companies I’d like to work for and conduct investigations on these companies. Bruce helped me to write introduction letter to the directors within these companies. Bruce was tireless in connecting me with professionals and companies.
Bruce referred me to join his mentorship training program at OCCSC and trained me in behavioral interviewing skills. I also met many good mentors there who encouraged and helped me along my way through this mentorship program. The strategies I have learned from Bruce have been very beneficial to me in my short and long term goals. It has provided me with clear career objectives, research methodologies, interview skills, mentor training, and insights into Canadian culture. His advice significantly improved my understanding of the dynamics of job search and the interview process. I succeeded in an interview immediately by applying the skills Bruce taught me.
Bruce is a very knowledgeable, considerate, patient, open-minded and professional consultant. Bruce always encouraged me during the job searching process. He helped me to identify what my weakness are and what my strengths are. Bruce was very efficient and always responded to my requests promptly. I felt very comfortable while talking to him each time, and really enjoyed his coaching. I have learned a lot from Bruce which goes beyond mere job search skills. Bruce has become my Mentor and my friend for life
From Mentors
Employment Consultant, India
I was introduced to my mentee last week. (We will be deciding on meeting times as my mentee has some family commitments)
My Learning:
- These sessions were very informative and the discussions and methodology used really got people involved. (Mentees & Mentors)
- I was amazed at the level of education – qualifications/credentials and professionalism around the room.
- As a career coach I learned a few new strategies myself and some of the information was a refresher.
- The struggles and success stories of some of the past mentees were enriching and gave other new Mentees hope. (Moved me to tears and the sudden surge to reach out to everyone and help them with their job search – that is the BLUE in me!)
- Some of the confidence building exercises were very beneficial to the mentees (especially those struggling with the English language)
- I did gain insight into Canada’s changing workforce
- Information is never enough – the more we can read and build our knowledge – the better we can equip ourselves to assist our clients in their employment, goals, job search and job maintenance.
Mentee – Mentor role:
- The onus of participating, planning, researching and making contact with other professionals lies with the Mentees.
- My role as a Mentor will only be as a guide to give direction and acknowledge efforts put in by the Mentee.
I really enjoyed being part of this fantastic and well planned program. The experience was rewarding and I will commit to the program again the next time around!
