Top Three: “A” grades and lessons from York U’s IEP Bridging Program
Opportunities are everywhere, we just have to find them and know which ones to take.
And if we take them, we make the most out of it.
Together with more than 50 other Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) who participated in the fall/winter cohort of York University’s IEP Bridging Program in Business and Information Technology, I celebrated what I would call a “small,” but meaningful, victory.
Searching for that bridge
I lost my job in February last year during the pandemic. It was a job that I was able to have right after I volunteered for a non-profit organization that hired me as soon as I received my permanent residency. I worked as an administrative assistant, but I was determined to learn and be the best that I can at my job so that I can hopefully rise up the ranks if I worked long enough with the organization.
But that was short-lived, and after 4 months, I was jobless right when the pandemic hit us hard.
Not everyone is fortunate to have enough resources and support to buy them time to take on the rigorous “job” of searching for a job. I gave myself six months to do whatever I can to land a job in my professional field or a job that would get my foot in the door of something better in the future. Otherwise, I will have to take a survival job.
I looked for services that were available to newcomers from several Immigrant Serving Organizations and actively participated especially in employment counseling and mentoring. It was my employment counselor who informed me that there are bridging programs available in Ontario for newcomer IEPs that I can apply to. Inspired that this will help me better understand the organizational culture in Canada and that this would widen my connections, I immediately searched for these bridging programs. I looked forward to learning more from those who came before me and find empathy from those who are going through the same journey as me.
“I looked forward to learning more from those who came before me and find empathy from those who are going through the same journey as me.”
I attended several information sessions, but I was purposely looking for a bridging program that was offered by a university. The best one I found that matched my profession was at York University. Coming from a long history of a career in the academic sector, I wanted to interact with Toronto’s universities. I believe most IEPs would feel the same, especially those who have pursued graduate studies. In fact, when I posted on LinkedIn that I was starting the IEP Bridging Program at York University, one of my would-be classmates reached out to me and asked how to apply. I felt ecstatic when we both finished the program together.
More than the courses, York University offered services to support the career search and exploration specifically designed for the program students.
Learning and interacting virtually
As early as May, the IEP Bridging Program organizers under the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies opened invitations to information sessions on the program. The program had to adopt new procedures for the applications since their requirements included transcripts of records and academic equivalencies. This was challenging to most applicants because almost all universities were closed — more than that — borders were closed.
Everything had to be done online, including the mode of learning. What used to be a twice a week in-person classes were held online. As a former educator myself, I acknowledge the challenges of both the instructor and student in virtual platforms that required new skill sets.
After four months of engaging online classes, a Completion Ceremony was held. I was invited to share my insights on how the program has guided me in my career. I was able to land a job in my field of expertise right at the start of the program. Surprisingly, I made it to the Top Three. Being the only one of Filipino descent in the program and knowing how competitive my classmates are, I take pride in this achievement.
I can surmise three valuable lessons that I learned from the program:
1. Communication is an important skill
It is not enough to know the correct grammar and the right way of saying things. It is more important to not just know, but be aware of context. As in any communication situation, develop the ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely.
2. Canadian culture invites empathy
The Canadian cultural diversity asks us to be more empathic towards each other. This breaks rigid top-down and very hierarchical organizational culture that many IEPs may be accustomed to from career experiences in different countries of origin. I definitely learned this at the start of classes with my professors, Jerry Carson and Eytan Larsy.
Speak up and let your voice be heard, especially when you have a great idea to share. Create the space and make use of opportunities to let others know of your presence. Engage in conversations, learn and contribute.
3. Extend the connections beyond the classroom
While the pandemic has resulted in a number of restrictions, it has also opened new avenues for connecting and communicating. The first point of connection is with the program organizers. Having conversations with them gives insights into university operations and services. Moreover, keeping connections with fellow IEPs is inspiring and supportive in the journey of integrating into Canadian society.
I came out of the program with a new and better understanding of how to position myself and articulate my thoughts in an organization. The learning continues as I meet new people and relate with them. There will be cultural shifts stemming from acquiring new knowledge of communication dynamics in a new country - and lessons might be learned the hard way. However, finding avenues to formally be introduced to these concepts will give better preparation. An IEP bridging program is one.
Research and lived experiences of IEPs validate that structural barriers, such as underemployment, exist in relation to the employability of IEPs. Advocating for meaningful change will come from a stronger understanding of organizational culture, communication, and management.
Find the courage to take opportunities to learn, make the most out of them, and use it to influence change.
