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Researching your Field

Researching Your Field

Mentees come with an understanding of their chosen field as it is practised in at least one country. Knowing the ins and outs of their profession in Canada will lead to more effective job search preparation.  

Mentees will have already received some general job search training and support before participating in the mentoring program and should know the basics of how to research their field. Some mentees will have already conducted extensive research on their field before arriving in Canada.

The added benefit of having mentors in their field talk about the sector and point mentees in the right direction for more information is invaluable. 

Mentors can help mentees learn about their field in the following areas: 
  • industry trends, market trends, types of employers, major employers
  • what job titles imply – duties, expectations, level of experience required, type of qualifications required, where they fit in the organizational structure
  • access to the profession – credentials and their value, certification, licensing, formal codes of practice, major professional associations or regulatory bodies
  • career paths and career progression
  • practices, tools and methods used on the job
  • “culture” of the profession, including unwritten practices that come with experience e.g. industry-specific jargon, sector-specific terminology, how to organize a particular task,  how to present data, etc.
  • how to negotiate a contract: an insight into salary levels and benefits or resources to obtain more information
This discussion can be beneficial for both sides. It is an opportunity for mentors to:
  • learn about how the same profession may be similar or differ abroad, and  how the industry operates globally.
  • hear about good practices and innovative approaches.
  • get insight into some of the adaptation difficulties faced by newcomers.
  • improve interaction and collaboration with skilled immigrant employees/peers.
  • brush up on their own knowledge about professional associations, news and events.

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