Siham arrived in Canada with over 5 years of experience and skills. She has a Bachelor in Environmental Engineering from the University of Windsor. Her professional career began in Bangladesh in the Health and Safety sector. Siham heard about ANCWT program in a networking event and it immediately caught her attention as it met the 2 important categories; newcomers and STEM.
She was proactively applying and building networks but she felt she needed the catered guidance that ANCWT was offering. “Job searching is a very stressful and challenging process. Dr. Sawsan Abdul-Majid was very involved in our progression, emotional well-being and provided constant support and encouragement during the time” says Siham.
She found that the employers’ panel organized during the last day of ANCWT 2019 was instrumental in bringing providing the cohort with an opportunity to make an impression and develop connections.
Siham was able to connect with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans at the ANCWT closing session, took place at the University of Ottawa campus last April 2019. This ultimately prepared her in securing a job placement where Siham is now working as Analyst in the Planning and Governance Division.
When asked about which was her favourite session from the program, Siham found that the resume clinics and life coaching sessions provided by Dr. Ahmed Ali were the most inspirational. She said “Not only he was extremely helpful in perfecting resumes and cover letters, but he also provided realistic facts about the stress of job hunting and tips on how to address them and maintain positivity throughout the whole process. His talks are not only applicable in job searching, but for life in general. He was truly motivational and inspirational.”
