A word of advice from a Canadian career college

From Recruitment and Selection to Education, Zihan Kassam has spent the last few years in Toronto guiding her clients in to the next phase of their careers. “I’m from Kenya and I’ve seen how difficult it is for a lot of internationals to have both their credentials and past work experience recognized here. It shouldn’t be that way and the circumstances can be challenging but it feels great for the both of us when that first stage of integration happens. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to connect with newcomers ready to take their first steps. We’re always laughing as we relate to the intricacies of converting to a new mode of life. Having a sense of humour and someone to support you can make a big difference.”

Believing in human potential and the ability to continually design and redesign our lives, Zihan will encourage and admire you as you take that leap of faith and recognize that your dreams are possible. “Working for a Career College, I’ve transitioned from helping you get the job to assisting you in selecting a new career path by enrolling in the right program. Everest College has over 100 campuses in North America. We offer prospective students advice on their financial options and once they enroll, they have the opportunity to connect with a network of employers within their industry of interest. Achieving an over 90% placement rate, we have Career Services advisors on board who work hard to help you with interview tips, resume writing and liaising with potential employers on your behalf. Working that career you’ve always wanted can be a reality. Come in and find out what your options are.”

Believing that the student experience is a privileged one, Zihan loves the idea of education and imparting knowledge. It’s what brought her to Education. “I look up to those teachers that inspired me. Whether it was Sociology, Psychology or Literature, my professors harboured a wealth of knowledge which, when combined with their passion, kept my attention, satisfied my desire to learn and brought a smile to my face. I was reminded of that feeling when I sat in an Addictions and Community Services class at our campus last week. We learned about autonomy and individuation, which delved into the details of the separation from one’s nuclear family during adulthood. I was so engrossed in the whole ordeal that it was hard to walk away mid-class and attend to other responsibilities. I’m reminded of an old Buddhist proverb – When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. I really believe that.”

Zihan believes that your career path is constantly evolving. She says that some people stay in one path feeling a strong sense of purpose while others may satisfy latent skill sets by changing industries and doing new things. Both approaches are commendable. If you are looking for a new track or perhaps the opportunity advance the one you’ve already started, contact Zihan at the Admissions Department at Everest College. Explore what your options are and what funding is available. You can email her at ZKassam@cci.edu or call her at (416)480-2164. She’ll be happy to help and you’ll be glad you called.

Zihan can be found at the Toronto Central Campus at Yonge & Eglinton.