10/06/2026
A résumé gets read once. A handshake gets remembered.
Last Thursday evening, internationally educated professionals met face to face with members and those conversations will matter long after the event ended.
When you're new to a country, an online application is often your only way in. A real conversation with someone already working in your field changes that. Now there's a name, a face, and someone who can point you in the right direction.
The night opened with a panel that took on the questions newcomers ask most, and some they don't think to ask.
What they tackled:
How to stand out to employers, choose the right path to certification, and use the supports that help newcomers land their first role in Canada, including support for permanent residence.
When qualifications look equal on paper, the edge goes to the candidate who can show clear proof. A recognized credential, relevant experience explained well, and someone who can vouch for them. The rest of the evening was about building that proof.
After the panel, the networking began with one-on-one conversations with certified technicians and technologists working across Ontario and mentorship from members, some of whom have walked the same path as newcomers
Paired with the virtual workshops earlier that day, participants left with both halves of the equation. The knowledge to get certified, and the connections to build a career here.
A huge thank you to our panellists Rosalie Salamone, Dedita Recruitment Consultants Inc., Jeff Lazenby, President and CEO, Career Edge Organization, Farrah Rostami, RCIC-IRB, Founder and Director, Bird of Paradise Immigration Services Ltd. and Dr. Rakesh Kantaria, C.E.T., Fellow OACETT, Professor, Seneca Polytechnic for their time and insight, to the OACETT members who gave their evening to mentor and connect and to everyone who showed up ready to learn.
Thank you to Cheryl Farrow, MBA, CAE, for moderating and President, Christopher van Dop, C.E.T. and President-Elect, Stephanie Nuttall-Pesheau, C.E.T., CAPM, CLC, Design IALD, for bringing greetings and helping to run the mentorship and networking event.
