Career Ready: International Student Conference

Career Ready: International Student Conference

Your career journey starts here.

Saturday November 22, 2025   
10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.   
Schulich Executive Learning Centre

The 2025 Career Ready Conference is designed specifically for international students and features inspiring speakers, interactive workshops and networking opportunities aimed at supporting your professional development. This year’s conference offers a dynamic blend of virtual pre-conference sessions and an in-person conference experience, giving you the flexibility to engage in the way that works best for you. Gain the tools you need to succeed in today’s job market and Canadian recruitment processes. 

Register for the pre-conference sessions and full day conference at the link below. All pre-conference sessions are free and the full day conference costs $15 to attend. 

Conference Highlights

Meet Alumni from Top Companies at the Conference

Meet our Keynote Speaker and Panelists

Fatima Betty Niane, CSM

Fatima Betty Niane is a strategic and bilingual Program Manager with over a decade of experience leading enterprise technology implementations across government, banking, and corporate sectors in North America. Currently serving as a Senior Project Manager and Program Lead at Granicus, she oversees multimillion-dollar SaaS portfolios for federal agencies, aligning digital service delivery and software implementations with regulatory requirements and strategic goals. 

A certified Scrum Master, Fatima has a proven track record of driving large-scale digital transformations, mentoring project teams, and fostering collaboration across cross-functional and executive stakeholders. She has previously held leadership roles at Training Orchestra, TouchBistro, and the Ministry of the Attorney General, consistently recognized for her ability to deliver client-centered solutions, standardize processes, and champion operational excellence. 

Fatima is deeply committed to leadership, mentorship, and building pathways for underrepresented groups in technology and program management. She is an alumna of York University, where she earned her Specialized Honors BA in Economics and was recognized with multiple awards, including the inaugural Outstanding International Student Leadership & Volunteer Award. One of her highlights during her undergrad was her placement at Basic Need Trust Fund (Caribbean Development Bank) with York International Internship Program. 

Agenda

Kick off the day with a warm welcome and an overview of the conference.

Get inspired by our Keynote Speaker. More details to come.

Join us for interactive career workshops facilitated by international student leaders and international alumni. These workshops will help you navigate the job market in Canada. This is a unique opportunity to gain student perspectives combined with alumni experience to support your career readiness and confidence.

Join us for a networking lunch where you get to connect with successful international alumni and current student leaders. Learn more about their career journeys and gain insights into finding success as an international student.

Find out below about how you can gain professional conference experience by participating in the Showcase.

Join international alumni from various industries as they share valuable insights on recruitment cycles, networking strategies and showcasing international experience.  

Details on each panelist is shared above.

Wrap up the day with key takeaways and final thoughts.

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Career Ready Student Showcase

The Career Ready Student Showcase is a unique opportunity for international students attending the Career Ready Conference to share their career journeys in a supportive, peer-to-peer learning environment. Through poster board presentations, you will have the option to highlight personal experiences, insights, and lessons learned while navigating the Canadian job market.

Virtual Pre-Conference Sessions

Day 1: Tuesday, November 18

Are you a student navigating the complexities of work opportunities while studying in Canada? This session is designed to help you understand the key regulations surrounding on-campus and off-campus work authorization, co-op work permits, and the conditions attached to your study permit. Learn how to stay compliant with immigration rules, maximize your employment opportunities, and plan effectively for your academic and professional journey. 

This virtual panel is designed to support international undergraduate students at York University in navigating the Canadian job market. Students will hear directly from hiring professionals about what employers look for, how to stand out, and how to approach job searching as an international candidate. 

You'll get to hear from these incredible companies:

TELUS

Mursal Khyabani manages the Engineering, Technology and Business Co-op program and sits on the leadership team of the Graduate Technology Leadership Program at TELUS. Mursal is passionate about helping young people develop professionally by challenging their assumptions to become confident, self-aware leaders who know how to make an impact. Prior to joining TELUS, Mursal worked at the UBC Sauder School of Business, coordinated an employment program for a non-profit organization and was engaged in a number of community-based initiatives. Mursal has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UBC and has completed extensive coursework in EQ coaching, human resources and project management. 

RSM Canada

Laveen Jose is the Senior Campus Recruiter, Eastern Canada at RSM Canada. With over 8 years of experience - Early Talent Recruitment and Employer Branding is Laveen’s bread and butter. Being born in Malaysia, raised in Johannesburg and building a career in Canada- he has personally witnessed the power of education unlock career opportunities and transform lives. 
 
“Recruitment is making 100 rational decisions in search of one emotional decision.” 

Sanofi 

Taranum Khan is University Recruiter CA US at Sanofi. Taranum Khan, Ph.D., PMP®, CCS, is an award-winning career strategist, recruitment expert, and 360Reach Certified Personal Branding specialist. She empowers professionals to build confidence, optimize their networks, and shine on social media to stand out in competitive job markets. Taranum’s precedent-setting work in employment, equity, recruitment, and immigrant settlement in Canada has earned national recognition. A best-selling author, facilitator, and dynamic speaker, she is passionate about creating meaningful impact. With her #maketheway mindset, she challenges norms and inspires transformation in career, recruitment, and academic journeys locally and globally. Her insights on hiring trends, job search, and personal branding have been featured in numerous publications, podcasts, and interviews. Known for her uplifting presence, Taranum helps individuals uncover their inner strengths and lead with authenticity. Her leadership in recruitment, education, and human services continues to influence systems and empower diverse communities. Taranum’s mission is to connect people to purpose-driven careers and lasting success.

Day 2: Wednesday, November 19

Are you an international student graduating within the next year? Join us for this interactive workshop to learn how to prepare yourself for a successful transition to life after graduation. We will cover topics like working, taking another program, inviting family members to convocation, and timelines for everything you'll need to do.    

Day 3: Thursday, November 20

This interactive virtual session will introduce international undergraduate students to a wide range of experiential learning opportunities available at York University and beyond. Participants will gain insights into how these experiences can enhance their career readiness, build transferable skills, and expand their professional networks. 

The session will also feature a student panel where current international students will share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes in securing and thriving in experiential learning roles. Attendees will leave with practical tips, resources, and inspiration to take the next step in their own career development.

Raffle Prize Opportunity for Attendees!

How to Earn Raffle Entries

  • Students who attend the in-person Career Ready Conference are automatically eligible to win exciting raffle prizes!
  • Boost your chances of winning by participating in virtual pre-conference sessions.
 
Event Attended Raffle Entries Earned
In-Person Conference 1 entry (required for eligibility)
Each Pre-Conference Virtual Session +1 bonus entry (up to 4 total bonus entries)

What are the Raffle Draw Prizes?

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Raffle Prize #1

2 Raptors Game Tickets and Merch for 2

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Raffle Prize #2

$200 Yorkdale Gift card to purchase a professional work outfit

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Raffle Prize #3

Exclusive Networking Event Opportunity to meet professionals working for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), one of the world's premier sports and entertainment companies. Meet with industry professionals working in technology, business, communications, engineering and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

The Career Ready Conference is open to all international students at York.

Our Pre-Conference virtual sessions are offered to student at no cost.  
Our dynamic in-person Conference costs $15 per person to attend. Lunch and refreshments are provided. 
 
Students who attend the highest number of conference events (both virtual and in-person) will be entered into a raffle to win amazing prizes! 

STEP 1: To register for the Pre-Conference sessions and the full day in-person Conference, simply complete this registration form and follow the instructions.  

STEP 2: After you register, to pay your conference fee virtually, please purchase your ticket on this website and follow these steps: 

  1. Select 1 ticket and "add to cart". 
  2. View your shopping cart  
  3. Select the checkbox for "I agree with the terms of service..." 
  4. Select "checkout" 
  5. Register and create an account using your student information, including your YorkU email and student number. Please ensure your name is the same on both registration forms.
  6. Complete the payment and you're all set! 

Whether you want to register for just one or multiple virtual pre-conference sessions, all you have to do is register through the Conference Registration Form.

If you only want to attend the in-person conference day, all you have to do is register through the Conference Registration Form.

We love hearing from you!

Contact us

Ways to connect with Student Support & Advising

  • In-person
  • Phone
  • Email

Visit the Contact SSA page for more details on hours of operation.