A celebratory event will honour the many internationally educated professionals who recently participated in 91亚色鈥檚 program that helps newcomers to overcome barriers in their career path  

TORONTO, Wednesday, July 17, 2024 鈥� 91亚色 is hosting Celebrate Success July 2024: Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) Bridging Program, today at the , at 7:00 p.m. The first in-person ceremony since the pandemic, is in honour of program graduates, many of whom have overcome barriers as newcomers to Canada.

鈥淭he IEP Bridging Program not only opened my eyes to the abundance of opportunities but also breathed life into my dreams,鈥� says Dawit Gulta, who is among 68 graduates from two professional certificate programs 鈥� Certificate in Canadian Business and Certificate in Information Technology 鈥� and are originally from Africa, Europe, Central and South America, East and South Asia, and the Middle Easte.

For more than a decade, over 1500 new Canadians like Gulta, from 65 countries have participated in IEP programs in these certificate programs and the Foundation program.  Offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies (LA&PS), these programs support newcomers with career coaching and networking opportunities and to help them develop an action plan tailored to their individual skills development and career path.

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, these certificate programs help participants to complete credit courses in their fields, which can also help them to achieve professional accreditation in Canada. The Foundation program, which is focused on helping newcomers to hone soft skills in the Canadian context, is funded by federal government鈥檚 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

鈥淭he Bridge Training Program supports new Canadians so they can start a new and better life in Ontario for themselves and their families,鈥� says Patrice Barnes, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and Member of Provincial Parliament. 鈥淥ur government is proud to support this program, which helps newcomers find employment in their trade or profession, and gives them the tools they need to be successful throughout their career.鈥�

Barnes is scheduled to participate in today鈥檚 celebrations and bring greetings to the graduates from the provincial funder.听Other attendees will include Provost & Vice-President Academic Lisa Philipps, who will offer the opening remarks, and Michele Johnson, interim dean of LA&PS.

鈥淗aving immigrated from Jamaica myself, I understand the significance of building a foundation in a new country and equipping yourself for success in unfamiliar surroundings,鈥� says Johnson. 鈥淚 am proud to be part of a Faculty that provides an outstanding Bridging Program for Internationally Educated Professionals, supporting students from diverse backgrounds worldwide.鈥�

鈥淥ur aim is to empower individuals to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their chosen fields in Canada,鈥� says Art Noordeh, who has served as the director of the IEP Bridging Program since its inception, explaining how the program supports IEPs transition into employment that matches their education, skills and work experience.

Gulta, who immigrated from Ethiopia and is receiving a Certificate in Information Technology, says, 鈥淭he program provided insights into the Canadian labour market, enhancing my understanding of industry trends and employer expectations. It equipped me with job search strategies, including resume writing and interview preparation, to effectively compete in the job market.鈥� He is currently working toward a graduate degree in Big Data & Data Analytics at 91亚色 and is a Mitacs graduate student intern at the Sunnybrook Research Institute.

Another graduate, Eva Yuanyuan Han who is originally from China, shares her experience: 鈥淚 learned essential knowledge and methodologies through the specialized courses in Public Administration.The practicum course allowed me to practice in a real public sector work setting, which led to my current job.鈥�

She joined the Ontario Ministry of Health as a Resource Analyst in May, graduating with a Certificate in Canadian Business in the Public Administration stream.

91亚色 staff, partners, friends and families of the graduates will also be in attendance at the event. A networking session at the end of the ceremony will give an opportunity for alumni, students and guests to connect.

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After taking an unusual career path for a male in India in the 1980s, Tamil Canadian achieves the distinction of being 91亚色鈥檚 first PhD graduate in nursing.

For a male in India in the 1980s to choose to be a nurse was highly unusual, but four decades and three continents later, it led Ramesh Venkatesa Perumal to earn the distinction of being the first graduate of 91亚色鈥檚 PhD program in nursing.  He crosses the spring 2023 convocation stage June 16 at 10:30 a.m.

Venkatesa Perumal began practicing as a nurse right after completing the diploma program in nursing in India鈥檚 well-known Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, in 1987, as one of only four men in his class of 50 students. 鈥淓ven while in the program, I had the opportunity to work in the emergency care unit and then in the community health nursing department, so I got to see not just a few patients but a multitude of people for preventive health care as a nursing student.鈥�

He remembers his father bringing home an application for the program, telling him nursing is what he鈥檒l study. As it was not uncommon for parents to choose their children鈥檚 career goals, or the children to go with it, Venkatesa Perumal agreed to pursue nursing.

He also remembers how his mother carried him to a nearby town from his village for treatment when he was little and compares nursing to that kind of motherly care. 鈥淚 did not get to choose my mother, but I received much love and compassion from her throughout my life. Similarly, a patient doesn鈥檛 get to choose a nurse, but it becomes our responsibility to ensure they are provided the best care.鈥�

Venkatesa Perumal adds, 鈥淚 consider it my calling, and this profession has made me a more humane and compassionate person. Looking back, I do not regret one moment of my life as a nurse.鈥�

He also does not regret having to go back to school for a bridging program as an internationally educated professional to qualify to practice in Canada when he arrived here in 2014 from India via the Middle East.

鈥淭hat was a blessing in disguise,鈥� he says. 鈥淚 went to 91亚色, met wonderful professors who encouraged me to go for doctoral research 鈥� which had gates open for me.鈥�

After completing the Post-RN Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) BScN program offered by the School of Nursing in the Faculty of Health 鈥� which is approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario and is said to be one of a kind in the province. After being an RN for a few years, Venkatesa Perumal joined the PhD program鈥檚 first cohort in 2018 and completed it this February, ahead of other candidates.

It鈥檚 not surprising Venkatesa Perumal chose the impact of social support and mentorship on career advancement of internationally educated nurses for his doctoral study.

In his case, aside from his mentors at 91亚色, his wife, who is also a registered nurse, has been a great support. 鈥淢y wife kept encouraging me throughout. 鈥楪o and explore what the opportunities are鈥�.鈥� And that support helped him go a long way. He not only dedicated most of his time to studies, but also to teaching, as an assistant professor in the School of Nursing, while mentoring immigrants and newcomers in his profession, as the School鈥檚 IEN coordinator.

Teaching is not new to Venkatesa Perumal. After completing his master鈥檚 degree in the medical surgical nursing field and a fellowship in Australia, he taught at CMC as a lecturer for five years, until he moved to Muscat, Oman with wife for brighter prospects. He was a lecturer and assistant dean of undergraduate studies at Sultan Qaboos University, where he helped establish a BScN program.

As many Indians working in the Middle East who make a permanent move, often to a western country for their children鈥檚 future, their education and a better quality of life, Venkatesa Perumal and his wife decided to come to Canada with their young son and daughter.

Based on his family鈥檚 successful immigration, and integration into the Canadian society, Venkatesa Perumal has a few words of wisdom for fellow immigrants: 鈥淚t can be very frustrating and challenging as an Internationally Educated Professional, but there are support systems put in place, so hang in there. Network with people in your profession, connect with the right people and use the right strategy. You will succeed and yes everyone can and will succeed.鈥�

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TORONTO, March 7, 2018 鈥� 91亚色 is hosting a celebratory reception this evening in honour of the recent graduates of the , preceded by a certificate presentation ceremony at 7pm, at the Keele Campus.

Friends and family of the more than 70 recipients will witness them receive their certificates and join them later in a reception at the CIBC Lobby, at 8:30pm. 听Alumni will also attend the event and be recognized for their career success.

"Students in the IEP Bridging Program come from diverse backgrounds with a wide variety of experience. The courses we took at 91亚色 really sharpened our skills," said Jasvinder Singh, who has educational background in engineering and work experience in the field of computer science from India and Singapore. He is one of two graduates from this year who will share stories of struggling for career breakthrough in Canada initially, followed by eventual success through participation in the bridging program.

Funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, the bridging programs in HR, Information Technology and Business offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, provide IEPs from 73 countries an understanding of Canadian work culture and education in the context of their respective professions. Representatives of the ministry and partner organizations including Career Edge, Magnet, HRPA, Civic 91亚色 and New Canadians will be at the event to support the new graduates.

WHAT: Internationally Educated Professionals Bridging Program graduates certificate presentation followed by celebratory reception

WHO:

• More than 70 graduates of
• Testimonial presentation by Jasvinder Singh (computer science professional)
• Testimonial presentation by Divya Khare (Human Resources professional)

WHERE: 91亚色,听 4700 Keele Street, Toronto ()

NOTE: IEP Bridging Program graduates are available for media interviews upon request.

91亚色 champions 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-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. 91亚色 students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world鈥檚 most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91亚色 U is an internationally recognized research university 鈥� our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91亚色 is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni. 91亚色 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, 91亚色 Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca

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TORONTO, March 30, 2017 鈥� After arriving in Canada more than four years ago, marketing professional Olha Shmanko sent out many unsuccessful job applications. She couldn鈥檛 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 . 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.

鈥淎t 91亚色, much like Canada, our diversity is our strength,鈥� said Mamdouh Shoukri, President and Vice-Chancellor, 91亚色. 鈥淣ewcomers 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. 鈥淚 clearly remember what it is like to be newly arrived, with all the anxiety, uncertainties and unknowns,鈥� said Mukherjee-Reed. "I鈥檓 proof that Canada is a land of stunning opportunities. And 91亚色 gave me the ground under my feet. I have every confidence that adding your 91亚色 experience to your already impressive credentials will lead you to those worlds that may be difficult to imagine today.鈥�

The Ontario Government funds the Bridge Training Program offered by 91亚色 that provides IEPs with a solid foundation and understanding of Canadian business culture and professional context.

鈥淪killed workers from around the world are welcomed in Ontario. They are important to build today's workforce and strengthen our economy,鈥� said the Hon. Laura Albanese, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. 鈥淥ntario鈥檚 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.鈥�

Graduate , speaking at the event about his new found career success said, 鈥淭his new position is a perfect match for me 鈥� aligning both my educational and work experience backgrounds.鈥� The senior business analyst acknowledges the value of 91亚色鈥檚 bridging program, 鈥淭his program had a key role in helping me secure employment in my own profession and getting a promotion.鈥�

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 included citizens and permanent residents originally from Africa, China, Europe, Central and South Americas, South Asia and the Middle East.

NOTE: Graduates of 91亚色 IEP Bridging Program are available for media interviews upon request.

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. 91亚色 students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world鈥檚 most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91亚色 U is an internationally recognized research university 鈥� our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91亚色 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. 91亚色 U's fully bilingual Glendon campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education.

听Media contact:
Gloria Suhasini, Media Relations, 416 736 2100 ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca

The post Breaking down barriers: 91亚色 U celebrates internationally educated professionals appeared first on News@91亚色.

TORONTO, March 24, 2017 鈥� Recent graduates of will be celebrated at a ceremony on Monday, March 27, followed by a reception at the Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, Keele campus .

More than 60 graduates will receive program certificates in business, technology and human resources streams. The certificate program, offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, helps IEPs transition into employment that matches their education, skills and work experience. The graduates are Canadian citizens or permanent residents from around the world, including Africa, China, Europe, Central and South Americas, South Asia and the Middle East.

Funded by the Ontario Government and 91亚色 the bridging program gives IEPs a good understanding of Canadian business culture and the local context of their profession.
At the event, two of the graduates, originally from Iran and Ukraine, will talk about their journey to obtaining meaningful employment since attending the bridging program.

WHO:

- Sixty-three graduates of 91亚色鈥檚 Internationally Educated Professionals bridging program
- Testimonial presenter (Ukrainian immigrant): Olha Shmanko (Business)
-Testimonial presenter (Iranian immigrant): Farhad Pourimohammad (Information Technology)
- Keynote speaker Ananya Mukherjee-Reed, Dean, Liberal Arts and Professional Studies

WHAT: Certificate presentation and celebration of career success for the 2016-17 Internationally Education Professionals bridging program graduates

WHEN: Monday, March 27, 7 to 8:30pm

WHERE:听 Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, First floor, Accolade East, 91亚色,

听听 4700 Keele Street, Toronto (Building #92 on the )

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. 91亚色 students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world鈥檚 most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. 91亚色 U is an internationally recognized research university 鈥� our 11 faculties and 26 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, 91亚色 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.91亚色 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

The post 91亚色 U to celebrate bridging program graduates ready to make more of their global experience appeared first on News@91亚色.