The Starting Point
My family and I moved to Canada in December 2018, but finding a job proved difficult in my first year. After eight months of searching, I landed a part-time contract job, which eventually ended, leaving me struggling once again to find a permanent position. I stumbled upon the Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) online while searching for project management courses. I was immediately impressed by the program's Project Management component from Schulich Business School. I had managed several projects in the past, but lacked formal training. This presented a wonderful opportunity to gain the skills and direction I needed.
MARTINA’s ALP Experience
The entire program was incredibly beneficial to me, including the course content structure. The key thing that stood out for me was the facilitators and partnership with Schulich School of Business. The facilitators knew their onions and were very supportive. In addition, the NEW team demonstrated professionalism with us participants throughout the program.
Furthermore, my cohort peers were wonderful, cooperative, non-judgmental, open and ready to help. I must say, the program exceeded my expectations, and I am pleased to share that I got awarded two certificates – one from Schulich School of Business (Sis2Sis) and Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto!
The icing on the cake was securing employment before completing the program. It was no longer required of me to complete the provided internship that was woven into ALP. How cool is that!
Career Post-Completing ALP
Before I completed the ALP in March 2023, I secured a job with Christie Refugee Welcome Centre as the Employment and Settlement Worker. The ALP Program Lead really helped me with my resume, cover letter and also conducted a mock interview session with me. This added support significantly boosted my confidence level. I am pleased to share that I have been working in my new role since February 2023. “I am very confident in my abilities; ALP really helped me to conduct some self-assessment and make decisions that have positively impacted my career path” says Martina.
The Surprise Bonus
I secured a job with Christie Refugee Welcome Centre as the Employment and Settlement Worker before the program ended. The ALP program reminded me that I am more assertive than I thought. I just needed to create boundaries and advocate for myself more.
What’s Next for MARTINA?
After being in Canada for four years, I am more fulfilled in my new role as the Employment and Settlement Worker. I feel more driven to fulfill my passion with my combined acquired skill sets acquired from the Advanced Leadership Program.
We thank Martina again for sharing her journey with the ALP Alumni network. To learn more about Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW) and the Sister2Sister Advanced Leadership program, you can read about it here.