Two Richmondites have launched a not-for-profit this spring to help newcomers with tools to thrive in the local job market.
When Richmondite Kaitlyn Wang began looking for internships this spring, she found that, even as a fourth year student at UBC Sauder School of Business, it was difficult to navigate the local job market.
After a couple months’ relentless effort, Wang finally got the internship she likes.
However, she had been hearing many stories about the challenges and failures newcomers and international students face through the job hunting process.
“Moving to a new country is one of the biggest decisions for many,” said Wang.
“It can be overwhelming for newcomers to navigate and adapt to the new environment and complete their education, and then they need to focus on finding a job.
“Some students experienced confusion and struggles during the whole process, and they don’t know where to seek help. They need a support system to connect and reboot themselves.”
These ideas encouraged her to collaborate with another Richmondite, Will Zhong, who is also a school alumni, to set up a not-for-profit organization, North American Professional Community, to empower more students and newcomers.
As a career consultant after graduating from UBC, Zhong has had many Asian-Canadian clients come to him to ask for the “key” to breaking through the glass ceiling in the local corporate world.
“After hearing those struggles, we are hoping to bridge the gaps and help more newcomers stay connected through sharing their resources, concerns and the most importantly - their successful journeys to cheer each other on,” said Wang.
International students, new immigrants, people who are already well-established in their careers and Chinese-speaking entrepreneurs are encouraged to join the group to share their journeys and thoughts.
Wang said they are planning to launch a few networking events next year.
