English Language Programs
Internationally Educated IT Professionals (IEITP) Program
2010/2011 Participant Quotes (continued)
"The (bridge) program gave me a lot of knowledge about Canadian workplace culture, academic writing, meeting with potential new employers, and so many other kinds of knowledge which is necessary to get and sustain a job in Canada. I found it a very different experience from my studies. It's very imperative and useful. I would encourage anyone who has an IT career goal to apply for this type of program or else choose to go to University which will help you achieve new accomplishments and new enhancements to settle down in Canada."
Tarlika (IT Project Manager)
"Armed and equipped with skills, credentials, years of work experience and high hopes, my wife and I immigrated to Winnipeg Canada in July 2009. Prior to immigrating to Canada, I had been in the IT industry for 10 years back in the Philippines. Finding a job in Winnipeg was really a struggle. I applied and sent my resume to numerous companies that were looking for web or software developers but only a few asked me for an interview and unfortunately, none them accepted and hired me. I strongly believe that with the help of the bridge program and after completing all the components my fervent hope to be part of the Manitoba IT industry will soon be a reality. And after more than 13 years since the last time I attended school, I could say that studying is still as exciting and as enjoyable as before."
Mike (Software and Web Development)
"I am a permanent resident from Africa (Ethiopia). I came to Canada on March 31st, 2010. When I arrived everything look simple. People were very friendly and I was encouraged but after three months all hope was almost gone. There was a language barrier but I did not give up. I was accepted in the bridge program and took a language class in the beginning of the program. I have really learned a lot and improved my communication skills. Now I am taking courses in the Internet Systems Specialist Diploma program. I would like to thank the provincial government, Employment Manitoba, The University of Winnipeg, ICTAM, and others who made this possible."
Belay (Internet Systems Specialist)
"My family moved to Winnipeg three years ago, same as every newcomer, the first year I experienced the adjustment both physically and mentally. I expected to find a professional job in Winnipeg because I have five years work experience as a software developer in Tokyo, and also I have a master degree with a focus in computer application. Even though I got one interview opportunity, the result was negative. Currently I am enrolled in the Internationally Educated IT Professional (IEITP) Program and full time studies at The University of Winnipeg. I feel very fortunate to be accepted by the program and have this valuable opportunity to return back to The University of Winnipeg and update my knowledge."
Qiaojing "Jing" (Software Developer)
"Luckily I was given an opportunity to be included in the Bridge Program for IT Professionals. My objective was clear, I have to take and finish this program to be more competitive in finding a job in Information Technology, plus the fact that it's a rare opportunity for us immigrants in getting such privilege. Being a student at The University of Winnipeg is really helpful since I have learned a lot in my courses, met other people, heard their stories, and learned about their obstacles and insights. It makes me realize I am lucky that I was given a chance to study in a prestigious university and eventually this will help to find a job that will result in a better life."
JC (Internet Systems Specialist)
"I applied for many positions when I arrived in Winnipeg but in the interviews I was asked about Canadian experience. I could not answer that I had any. At first I thought that it is very difficult here to get a job and later I learnt that soft skills are very important along with the technical skills. I wanted to go back to school but due to my resources and family I could not. At last I got a job at Mac's Convenient Store which was a survival job but helped me to raise my family. This was not my profession. I am an IT professional. After studying in the IEITP program for 5 months I got a professional term job and continued my school in the evening. Now I am feeling that many doors are opening for me to be well settled and successful in my life."
Zaheer (Network Administrator)
"My experience as an adult learner was another part of my training to be more responsible, I ended up motivated because I knew I'm not the only one who was facing a great challenge. I gained confidence to communicate with people and learned different principles from my colleagues. I understand a lot better about culture which I consider to be a foundation. Thanks a lot for those people who put a lot of work into helping us be successful."
Romeo (Systems Specialist- programming, development, security)
"I have a bachelor of science in Computer Engineering from Iran and over five years experience working the IT field. My goal is to incorporate my previous professional experience with my more recently acquired English language skills and successfully graduate from my coursework to establish myself as an IT professional. I want to work as a Network administrator and oversee network access, maintain hardware and software, and provide technical support and training for all users when needed. The IT Bridge program provides the perfect opportunity to transition smoothly and quickly into the workforce."
Elham (Network Administrator)
"When I became a permanent resident of Canada, I started working and going to night classes to continue improving my English. When I heard about the IEITP program at the UofW, I did not wait. I gathered my documents and applied for this program. I was chosen among 15 other lucky people from different countries. The first two months of intense English learning improved my English significantly. The cultural mixture of students in our group taught me about other cultures. My program will finish in June, but I am not sure that this will be the end of my student life. I am really enjoying being a student at this great intelligent and friendly university."
Nailia (Software Developer)
"Like most immigrants who came before my family, the immediate thinking was to get a job. I soon found out that isn't the case. I spent months unemployed since my arrival and was trying to learn my new home, for a long time. I learned the Canadian way of doing a resume and that in a city like Winnipeg that networking is the most important tool of job hunting. A lot of hard work had been put in since the start of the program and I am hoping... that at the end of this program, that I and the rest of my colleagues may reach the summit of our success."
Harris (Internet Systems Specialist)
"I found myself requiring a degree in Canada to get accepted in some positions. Before I moved to Canada, I was unable to finish my degree due to moving from one country to another. I lived in 23 countries and the traveling caused me to lose some years of my studies. Currently, I'm studying Internet Systems Specialist diploma at The University of Winnipeg and I'm learning a lot of technical and soft skills through the bridge program."
Absan (Internet Systems Specialist)
Vicky has over 15 years experience with system analysis, programming, reconfiguration, installation, and maintenance of telecommunication equipment in the Philippines. Her formal education from the Philippines included a five year Bachelor Degree in Computer Engineering. This past year in the bridge program she completed project management courses and now has her Canadian credential as a Project Manager. Her hopes were that the bridge program would help her reach her goal through the various components including; language training, coursework, and the work placement. Vicky has been successful in all areas of the program and is confident and hopeful about her future career in Canada.
(IT Project Manager)