Written by Rina Roka Magar - Career Outreach Ambassador – Resource Development with the Student and Graduate Employment Team
My arrival in Canada last fall as an international student was a huge step for someone who had never been abroad. I landed here with dreams of learning, growing, and achieving great things. Yet, as exciting as it was, I found myself facing a mountain of unfamiliarity and uncertainty. Adjusting to a new lifestyle and college life was far from easy. I vividly remember waiting 20 minutes for a traffic light to turn green because I didn’t realize I needed to press the pedestrian button. Yes, that happened—and now, I can laugh about it.
On top of acculturating to Canadian culture, I was frantically searching for a part-time job without the slightest idea of how to be job-ready. The struggle to adapt to the Canadian work culture felt overwhelming, especially since many of us don’t know where or how to access help. Sound familiar? It’s a story that resonates with almost every new international student.
Fortunately, Mohawk College provides a wealth of resources and support through various departments, all focused toward students’ academic and professional success. Among these, the career workshops and events have had the most profound impact on my professional journey. Since my first semester, I’ve attended numerous career workshops and networking events that have transformed my perspective on job hunting in Canada. Here, job searching isn’t just about handing out a traditional resume—it’s about building your professional brand and fostering genuine relationships through networking.
These workshops have provided me with in-depth knowledge of the Canadian job market, strategies for resume and cover letter creation, interview preparation, and insights into effective job search strategies. Networking events, on the other hand, have given me the opportunity to build connections with industry professionals and apply what I’ve learned. Recent two events in particular—The Art of Career Networking and Professional Reputation & Relationships: Building a Personal Brand for Success—stood out and left a lasting impression. Here are a few key takeaways I’d like to share.
Overcoming Discomfort and Fear of Rejection
We often hesitate to approach people, fearing rejection and preferring to stay in our comfort zone. The struggle is especially real for introverts. One piece of advice that resonated with me was: “Start getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.” It’s about practicing over and over again, starting small—with small groups, small events, and small workshops. Being curious and willing to ask questions is a skill we need to cultivate until it becomes second nature.
Building Your Personal Brand and Digital Presence
People won’t know you unless you advocate for yourself. Building a personal brand that highlights your unique value is essential to professionalism. At the same time, curating your digital presence thoughtfully is just as important. Whether online or in person, be conscious and intentional about how you present and promote yourself.
Building Genuine Connections
Networking is not just about collecting business cards; it’s about building relationships. Approach people with genuine intentions and be a safe person to connect with. Kindness and helpfulness go a long way—after all, people are more likely to help those who help others. Networking is a two-way street, and every connection you make—whether in class, at an event, during volunteering, or at work—is valuable. As the famous saying goes, “Your network is your net worth.”
Beyond these, the workshops offered countless practical tips and insights that are hard to summarize in a single blog. Mohawk College’s Student and Graduate Employment team organizes a wide range of events throughout the semester and provides personalized support to students.
Take full advantage of these opportunities. Attend workshops, step out of your comfort zone, and invest in your personal and professional growth. It’s a decision you won’t regret. As I’ve discovered, these resources are more than just tools—they’re stepping stones to confidence and success in a new country.
