We know that the success of our community is built on the support and mentorship provided by its members. One inspiring example of this is Manoochehr Azizi, an architect from Iran who arrived in Canada in 2013. Starting as a client utilizing Impact North Shore’s programs, Manoochehr now gives back as a mentor in our employment mentoring program, helping other im/migrants navigate their professional journeys.
A Journey of Resilience and Growth
Manoochehr’s story begins in Iran, where he was a professional architect. Upon arriving in Canada, he faced the common challenge of finding a job related to his profession. Determined to overcome this obstacle, he connected with Impact North Shore and accessed our employment mentoring program. This program pairs newcomers with Canadian professionals in their field, providing invaluable guidance and support.
Through this program, Manoochehr attended a mentoring session specifically designed for im/migrant architects. He learned about the licensing process in Canada, how to develop a resume and portfolio that would stand out, and effective job application strategies. The insights and skills he gained from this session were instrumental in helping him secure a relevant job quickly. Soon after, Manoochehr became registered as a licensed architect and started his own architectural firm, which he has successfully run for the past six years.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Manoochehr to learn more about his journey and his decision to become a mentor. When asked about why it’s important to him to return as a mentor to the program that had such a positive impact on his own experience, Manoochehr said:
Immigrating to a new place can put people into unfamiliar and uncertain situations. Learning from the experience of an immigrant architect clarified how we can develop our skills and knowledge to apply for architectural jobs in BC. Writing a sufficient resume, creating an efficient portfolio, and learning how to search for and apply for jobs were invaluable lessons.
The help and support I received from Impact North Shore’s valuable sessions and workshops played a key role in my smooth transition into the architectural field in Canada. Feeling a sense of duty to give back to our community by aiding other new immigrants in navigating their return to their architectural careers motivated me to return to Impact North Shore as a mentor.
The Importance of Employment Mentoring Programs
Programs like Impact North Shore’s employment mentoring are critical for helping newcomers integrate into the Canadian workforce. By connecting them with other professional immigrants, across a variety of industries, this program provides the guidance, support, and resources necessary for newcomers to succeed in their pre-arrival profession fields.
“The help and support I received from Impact North Shore’s valuable sessions and workshops played a key role in my smooth transition into the architectural field in Canada.”
– Manoochehr Azizi, former employment mentoring client
This year, we were pleased to welcome Manoochehr back to Impact North Shore as a guest speaker and mentor for other newcomers. His journey from client to mentor embodies the spirit of community support and highlights the importance of building support networks. Manoochehr’s story serves as a powerful example of mentorship and im/migrants helping im/migrants. His one piece of advice to other im/migrants coming to Canada?
Thanks to organizations like Impact North Shore, immigrants can have a healthy platform to connect and collaborate, get help from fellow immigrants and extend support to new immigrants. This collaborative effort is essential for building a stronger and more cohesive community.
Learn more about our mentoring program on our website and discover how you can get involved, either as a mentor or a mentee. By supporting each other, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
