Internationally Trained Engineers – Interview with Engineering Connections
In my last post, Internationally Educated Engineers: Get Canadian Work Experience, I listed bridging programs that help internationally trained engineers (ITEs) get the Canadian work experience they need.
But I kept thinking, maybe it's time to leave the virtual world for a while? So I went to a real-life expert for some down-to-earth advice on how to get Canadian job experience.
Habib Ullah is the Project Co-ordinator for the ACCES Employment Engineering Connections Program. Mr. Ullah works every day to help internationally trained Engineers find meaningful work. He has very kindly agreed to share some of his considerable experience with us.
First a brief description of the Engineering Connections Program
Engineering Connections "is comprehensive six-week program provides internationally trained engineers with essential knowledge and skills to help them to connect with employers. Participants learn and practice effective job search strategies, develop an understanding of workplace communication and employer expectations, learn about the engineering labour market in the province and the country at large, and gain important insights on professional engineering standards and professional licensing in Ontario. They also enhance their professional skills through workshops on project management, software for engineers and Canadian engineering codes and standards delivered by the Humber Institute of Technology andAdvanced Learning."
Library: Mr. Ullah, what would be the best way for an internationally trained engineer to get work experience in Canada?
Mr. Ullah: Although it's hard to determine the "one best way," the following tips for internationally trained engineers(ITES) may help:
- Identify the relevant industries for your engineering specialty. For example, road construction projects for civil/ transportation engineers.
- Try to get an information interview with a line manager. An information interview is not a job interview but a meeting with a line manager to obtain information about the company, industry and future trends. It’s an opportunity to ask some intelligent questions about the company/organization, products/services offered, work methods etc. Later explain to the interviewee what you can offer to the organization if any vacancy arises.
- Show initiative by asking for volunteering opportunities. There are many examples of receiving job offers after working as volunteer.
- Be open to various positions in the organization, such as technician/technologist jobs. For example, AutoCAD drafters, Manufacturing Technologists, Civil Engineering Technicians and Electrical Designers are some entry level positions that can get your foot in the door and give you experience in the Canadian workplace.
Library: You know, once an ITE has identified his/her industry as you suggest, the Library can help them to get lists of companies within that industry. We have many company directories such as the Scott's Online Business Directories that list companies by industry in the GTA. Scott's is available inside any Toronto Public Library branch.
Library: I've heard that networking is one of the most effective job search techniques. How would you go about developing a network in your industry that might lead to a job?
Mr. Ullah: A good way to develop your network is by connecting with a mentor in the industry. ACCES Employment can help ITEs gain a mentor. It is also important to attend events arranged by professional associations and organizations like ACCES. For example, ACCES regularly organizes Speed Mentoring®, recruitment events and job fairs for internationally educated professionals, which help job seekers network with industry professionals, and eventually lead them to a meaningful job. ACCES also offers various workshops that provide professionals with networking and job search strategies.
Library: The Library has a resource called Associations Canada. ITE's can search this directory to find the professional associations within their industry. Associations Canada is available for free on the Toronto Public Library's website. Users need a library card and PIN number to access it. Many associations list their upcoming events such as trade shows, conferences etc. on their websites. Sometimes you can attend these events for free by volunteering to help out.
Library: Are there any industries out there that are particularly good prospects for ITE's who are looking for work?
Mr. Ullah: Yes there are. For example, construction and consulting firms are good companies for ITE’s to connect with. Also, there are several industries that have skill shortages such as: transportation, aerospace, semi-conductors/electronics manufacturers, PDS (plant design systems) experts, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, cooling) designers and gas technicians.
Library: Are there technical positions out there that require engineering skills, but do not require the person to be licensed as an engineer in Canada e.g. technician type jobs. I know you touched on this before, but what are some of the best types of positions and industries an ITE should focus on?
Mr. Ullah: About 20% of the available engineering jobs require candidates to have a P. Eng. The rest look for relevant experience and education. P.Eng. is a necessity only when the employee has to sign documents. Employers hardly ever look for a P. Eng. for jobs like project manager, project coordinator, site inspector, estimators, etc. Also, stationary engineering jobs do not usually look for the P.Eng designation. However, some other professional certificates are required. Internationally educated engineers may focus on construction jobs, HVAC, BAS (building automation systems), telecommunication, machine designing, transportation, electrical designing, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM).
Library: Thank you so much for your time and advice.
Click here for more information on the Engineering Connections program.
Other posts of interest to internationally trained engineers:
Internationally-Trained Engineers – Keys to Working in Canada
Internationally-Trained Engineers – Books for Exam Prep, Industry Standards & More
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One thought on “Internationally Trained Engineers – Interview with Engineering Connections”
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