Finding Success Through Connections

After more than a year since the inception of the Ignite Connector Program, Ignite is proudly hosting our inaugural Connector Appreciation & Networking meet-up on Nov 28. At this event, we will highlight the success stories of the program to date and pay tribute to the Connectors who have gone above and beyond to mentor the connectees they have been paired with. 

The Connector Program is a Canada-wide, intentional networking initiative for internationally educated professionals and recent graduates that originated in Halifax. In August 2022, Ignite joined this initiative, incorporating this program into its services. 

The Connector program aids international and local recent grads to integrate into the local job market by matching them with leaders in their industries, expanding their professional networks quickly, and creating ties to communities across the region.  

 The program and its current coordinators, the Workforce Development Coordinators Aman Chawla and Kratika Shinde, have helped several newcomers and recent graduates to establish themselves in their field of interest by achieving important connections, and as a result, meaningful employment. 

According to the coordinators, the program gained widespread popularity very quickly and they have been able to match over 150 connectees with connectors in their fields of interest. Even though the bottom line of the program is not employment but meaningful connections, a good number of connectees received employment offers as a result of networking with the right people.  

Aman Chawla said the participant’s success relies on the commitment of the Connectors, who have volunteered to help these new immigrants or recent graduates to navigate the Canadian workplace.  

“These Connectors are working professionals who carry an invaluable experience and possess a wide network of people. They are helping newcomers out from their hectic schedules, making them understand the Canadian workplace and the kind of industry relevant certifications and connections required to get a dream job,” said Chawla. 

The true impact of what this program means to our connectees comes from their personal stories. Here are some of their success stories. 

My Ha Cao 

My Ha Cao is a software developer located in Fredericton originally from Vietnam. Despite initially studying medicine in her home country, My Ha Cao fell in love with software development and decided to change her career path.  

Cao is currently working at J Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management and Entrepreneurship as a UI/UX developer. Cao said her goal is to become a skillful software engineer, and that she is grateful to the connectors introduced to her in the program.  

“Thanks to the support from my connectors, I can expand my professional network and navigate the software development industry as a newcomer in Fredericton,” said Cao.  

Ahmed Osman 

Ahmed Osman is a mechanical engineer with over nine years of experience in the maintenance, operation, installation, and troubleshooting of Diesel power stations.  

Osman is currently working for E.T Mechanical as an Install Helper.  

Osman said that the help and guidance from the team managing the program made a significant impact on his journey to secure a job.  

Mozhdeh Hedayatifard 

Mozdeh Hedayatifard is a Human Resources Professional with 11 years of experience in the development, implementation, and analysis of competency systems and the organizational training of employees.  

Hedayatifard started her relationship with Ignite with the Economic Empowerment Program, also coordinated by the Workforce Development Department. In this program, immigrant women learn the necessary soft skills to start their businesses or start a new career path in Canada. 

After finishing the Economic Empowerment Program, Hedayatifard continued her relationship with Ignite through the Connector Program, where she said she was able to establish strong professional connections.  

Hedayatifard is currently working for the Canadian Mental Health Association, and she said that without the Connector Program, and Ignite’s support this wouldn’t be possible.  

“[Ignite] Their commitment to the success of newcomers like me is truly remarkable and has made all the difference in my journey establishing a successful career in Canada,” said Hedayatifard. 

If you are a recent international graduate or an immigrant struggling to establish yourself in your desired industry and navigating the Canadian workplace: the Connector Program is a great opportunity to meet experts in your field and create meaningful connections that can help expand your professional network and can eventually lead to an employment offer.  

Contact one of the coordinators for more information!  

Aman Chawla: aman@myignite.ca  

Kratika Shinde: kratika@myignite.ca