Thursday, January 13, 2011

Becoming 'More Canadian' Is an Important Key to Success - IEP Conference

Internationally Educated Professionals - 8th Annual IEP Conference, January 14th, 2011,  Metro Toronto Convention Centre8th Annual IEP Conference
January 14th, 2011, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Credit: iep.ca

Internationally Educated Professionals Conference
The IEP Conference is a forum for Internationally Educated Professionals, Employers, Entrepreneurs, and Community Stakeholders

January 14th, 2011

Metro Toronto Convention Centre

"Working Together for Progress" PCPI
The IEP Conference


News Release

Key to Newcomer Success Is To Become “More Canadian”

Toronto, January 14, 2011 – Internationally Educated Professionals (IEPs) are more likely to successfully integrate into the local workforce if they focus on becoming "more Canadian." That’s the finding of a new study commissioned by the Progress Career Planning Institute (PCPI).

"We’re seeing more internationally trained professionals doing well in their chosen fields," said Silma H Roddau, President of PCPI. "They’re successful because they know how important it is to understand the Canadian culture to effectively communicate."

While most research studies focus on the experience of Internationally Educated Professionals entering the Canadian workforce, the study "Winning Strategies for IEPs Success in the Workplace: Employers’ and IEPs’ Perspectives" goes beyond this phase by exploring the integration of Internationally Educated Professionals into the Canadian workforce.

The study, which surveyed 168 Internationally Educated Professionals and 20 Toronto region employers from small, medium and large organizations within the public, private and non-profit sectors, found that the following strategies have helped Internationally Educated Professionals succeed in the workplace:
  • Learning to become "more Canadian" by investing in improving language and communication skills
  • Mentoring and coaching by employers to help IEPs understand the workplace and Canadian culture
  • Networking with other professionals within and outside the workforce to better understand the workplace
The research is based on case studies of Internationally Educated Professionals including Dr. Nava Israel, a dietician and educator from Israel who has designed programs for Internationally Educated Professionals at Ryerson University.

"The Israeli style of communications is very blunt and simply did not work here," said Isreal. "I had to learn to become ‘more Canadian’ in the way I communicated, and it made all the difference." Israel, is one of several Internationally Educated Professionals who shared their stories of hard work, perseverance and success during the conference.

The study was released at the 8th Annual Internationally Educated Professionals Conference hosted by PCPI. The conference is designed to help Internationally Educated Professionals market themselves to prospective employers. This is the largest networking event of its kind in Canada – bringing together over 1,000 Internationally Educated Professionals, employers from over 100 countries and employment experts to share their successes and strategies in integrating Internationally Educated Professionals into Canada’s workforce.

In Toronto, roughly half of the city’s residents were born outside Canada.

"Toronto is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world," said Michael Williams, General Manager, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, for the City of Toronto. "That’s a huge advantage for Toronto, allowing local businesses to connect with every part of the world."

About Progress Career Planning Institute (PCPI): PCPI is a business-focused, not-for-profit organization that offers career development services for people to realize their full potential. The Annual Internationally Educated Professionals Conference is a key component of its work.

To learn more about the IEP Conference or for a copy of the study, please visit http://www.iep.ca

Funded by / Financé par
Citizenship and Immigration Canada / Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada
Ask Questions. Be inspired. Get connected for professional success in Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Amanda Galbraith, Playbook Communications, amanda@playbookcommunications.com
Cell: (416) 710-3211

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