Friday, February 21, 2025 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Second Student Centre
This full-day conference will feature a variety of speakers, interactive workshops and networking opportunities aimed at supporting your development of professional and personal skills necessary to navigate the Canadian recruitment process and job market. Connect with hiring managers, learn from current international employees, meet successful international alumni and enter to win a Toronto Raptors prize pack valued at $1000, includes dinner and game tickets for two people.
Interactive Workshops and Sessions: Learn from industry experts in partnership with the Career Centre to help you land your next job or leadership role.
Inspiring Keynote Speaker: Gain insights to help you kickstart your career journey.
Networking Lunch and Career Fair: Connect with employers and expand your professional network.
Engaging Panel Discussion: Hear from professionals who’ve been in your shoes and get practical advice.
Professional Headshots: Get your professional headshot taken to use on LinkedIn!
Joshua Frimpong is a consultant within Deloitte’s Audit and Assurance practice in
Toronto. He moved to Canada in the summer of 2016 to pursue his undergraduate studies at York
University, where he majored in Economics. During his studies, Joshua served as a PASS leader
tutoring Economics to first-year students, served as a Vanier and York International orientation
leader, and finally served as a York University student ambassador. Upon graduating from York,
Joshua had a brief stint working in real estate before returning to the Schulich School of Business
to pursue his master’s in Management. Thereafter, Joshua has been working at Deloitte for over two
years specializing in Internal Audit. Within this role, he is tasked with leading sales reporting
compliance for multiple automotive companies, alongside other engagements.
Ridhima Malhotra (She/her)
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies: Commerce, specialization in HR
Ridhima Malhotra is a 2020 graduate and a certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) currently working as an HR Partner with Amazon Canada, where she supports over 500 employees. As an international student at York University, Ridhima embraced a wealth of opportunities that shaped her personal and professional journey.
One of the highlights of her time at York was participating in an academic exchange program in the Netherlands, which not only facilitated her personal development but also allowed her to travel extensively while in school. Ridhima also took on various leadership roles, serving as a peer mentor for her faculty, a President's Ambassador for York, and engaging in several work-study positions across the university.
Graduating during challenging and unprecedented times, Ridhima credits the diverse experiences and strong network she built at York for helping her transition seamlessly into the professional world. Today, she leverages the unique skill set developed through her international student journey in both her personal and professional life.
Shayan Das (He/him)
Faculty of Health- Health Studies: Health Management
Shayandeep Das is a proud 2021 York University alumnus and a Top 30 Under 30 awardee who serves as a Senior Consultant at Ernst & Young (EY). In his role, Shayandeep contributes to transformative healthcare projects, shaping better health systems in Alberta and Ontario.
Beyond his consulting work, Shayandeep is actively involved in impactful research at Toronto Grace Health Centre, where he focuses on improving care for frail older adults. His hands-on experiences at York University played a pivotal role in helping him secure his first professional role, setting the foundation for his career.
Shayandeep is deeply passionate about driving meaningful change in healthcare, blending practical expertise with innovative research to make a lasting difference in people’s lives.
Zeynep Celik (She/Her)
Faculty of Health- Health Studies: Health Management
Faculty of Science- Physics and Astronomy
Zeynep Celik is a Technical Solar Consultant at Solargis with a passion for renewable energy. After moving to Canada at the age of 16 and graduating from an international high school, Zeynep pursued an undergraduate degree in Physics and Astronomy at York University. Her career in solar energy began shortly after graduation when she joined a Canadian solar company, supported by the Youth Employment Programs (YEP).
This role sparked her enthusiasm for solar energy, leading to a dedicated career in the field. For the past three years, Zeynep has been contributing her expertise as a technical solar consultant while simultaneously completing a part-time Master’s degree in Energy Conversion Systems and Technologies.
Through her work in renewable energy, Zeynep is proud to make a meaningful contribution to society and promote sustainable solutions for a better future.
Ahmed Ga’al (He/Him)
Ahmed is a Strategist at Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), where he focuses on building strategic partnerships and helping global brands establish trust and credibility in the Canadian market. During his time at the Schulich School of Business, where he graduated in 2021, Ahmed was a member of JDCC and the York Sports Business Association. Outside of work, he enjoys watching movies and playing sports.
Agenda
Kick off the day with a warm welcome and an overview of the conference.
Choose between the following sessions for this timeslot:
Session Option #1: Getting Job Ready: Leveraging the Career Centre for Success
Are you an international student unsure of how to kickstart your career journey? Join us for an engaging, interactive workshop designed to introduce you to the Career Centre’s services at York University. Learn how to access support for job searches, résumé reviews, and interview prep, and discover how to connect with career counselors who can guide you in achieving your goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for specific resources, this workshop will help you take the first step toward career success in Canada. Let’s get you career-ready!
By the end of this workshop, students will:
Understand Career Centre Services: Gain a clear understanding of the range of services offered by York University’s Career Centre, including résumé reviews, job search assistance, and interview preparation.
Know How to Access Support: Learn how to book appointments with career counselors, attend career events, and access resources through the online portal.
Build Confidence in Seeking Help: Practice how to initiate conversations with career counselors and understand what to expect from a session.
Identify Personal Career Needs: Reflect on their own career goals and identify which Career Centre services will support them in achieving these
Session Option #2: Connect with Confidence: Networking Skills for the Global Job Market
As an international student, it is essential to build a professional network to support with your career goals. The network you build will open doors to various opportunities, including internships, mentorships and other working arrangements. In this session, we will provide you with practical tips and strategies to learn how to connect with anyone, anywhere and at any time.
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
Understand the value and importance in networking in various settings
Demonstrate how to make an effective personal introduction
Identify tools and resources available to build your network
Create an actionable plan to begin building your professional network
Choose between the following sessions for this timeslot:
Session Option #1: Work Opportunities While Studying: Understanding On and Off Campus Work Authorization, Co-op Work Permits, and Study Permit Conditions
Workshop content to be updated soon.
Session Option #2: Preparing for Graduation as an International Student: Navigating Immigration Pathways and Planning for Your Next Chapter
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.
By the end of today’s workshop, participants will:
Understand the steps to transition from a York International student to successful alumni
Identify various resources, services and supports available to support with your academic and career needs in your final year
Determine your eligibility for a post graduate work permit (PGWP) and the various pathways for choosing to stay in Canada after graduation
Identify how to request for documentation from York University to apply for a PGWP
Enjoy a sit-down lunch followed by a dynamic networking fair. Connect with campus partners, external organizations and industry professionals to explore opportunities.
Connect with York alumni from national and international organizations:
BMO
CIBS
EdgePoint Wealth Management
TD Bank
Bell
Metrolinx
Meet with on-campus hiring managers and co-op teams:
York University Career Centre
Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies - Co-op Program
Faculty of Health - Experiential Education
Faculty of Science Co-op and Experiential Education Team
Asian Business and Management Program
Choose between the following sessions for this timeslot:
Session Option #1: Future-Proof: Building the Skills You Need for Workplace Success
In this session, students will be able to understand the importance and value of developing certain soft skills to thrive in the workplace. Through a series of hands-on activities, students will enhance their communication, collaboration, problem solving and time management skills necessary for their career advancement.
By the end of today’s workshop, participants will:
Understand the importance of developing technical and soft skills necessary
Identify various work and volunteering opportunities to build and develop skills for their career advancement
Demonstrate various skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving and time management
Session Option #2: From Handshakes to Emails: Mastering Canadian Workplace Practices
As an international student, you may find the Canadian workplace culture new or different from that of your home country. Practices like shaking hands, dress codes, using personal names and communicating with supervisors and co-workers vary amongst cultures. In this session, you will learn about workplace norms and expectations to help you succeed in Canadian workplaces.
By the end of today’s workshop, participants will:
Understand the value in researching the culture of the company or organization you’re interested in working for
Create professional correspondence depending on the situation and the audience
Identify appropriate clothing to wear in various professional settings
Learn about important workplace etiquette
Join international alumni from various industries as they share valuable insights on recruitment cycles, networking strategies and showcasing international experience.
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