How to Unlock Opportunities for Internationally Educated Professionals

Joining a professional association like the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists can help newcomers thrive in their careers.

In an increasingly competitive global world, professionals’ career paths are often marked by diverse experiences and educational backgrounds. Navigating a new job market can be challenging for internationally educated professionals (IEPs) due to differences in education, work experience, and standards across countries. However, obtaining certification from a recognized professional association can open doors to numerous benefits, both professionally and personally.

Attend OACETT's free Career Event

Meet Cedrick Mutombo, a certified technician of Congolese heritage from the Democratic Republic of Congo who immigrated to South Africa in 2005 to further his studies. In 2010, he earned a national diploma roughly equivalent to a college diploma in Ontario. This was followed by completing a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a post-graduate diploma in business administration. His passion for solving complex challenges in his community and improving quality of life and the environment led him to pursue a career in civil engineering. After many years of working in the civil engineering profession in South Africa, Mutombo moved to Canada in September 2021 in pursuit of his dreams.

Understanding the barriers newcomers face

Mutombo’s story exemplifies many IEPs’ struggles when immigrating, from gaining Canadian work experience to dealing with immigration status issues and learning how to navigate the local job market. Since coming to Canada, he has continued his educational journey in Seneca Polytechnic’s Civil Engineering Technology program. While he has excelled in his studies, his experience in Canada has been challenging. He has had difficulty securing a job as he lacked Canadian work experience and only held a study permit allowing 20 hours of work per week. Most jobs are full-time, 40 hours a week, which would require an employer to sponsor Mutombo, as he doesn’t have a work permit or permanent residency. Another barrier Mutombo faced was learning how his profession and the Canadian job market operate. This is a common challenge that newcomers face when looking for work in their profession.

Attend OACETT's free Career Event

Gaining credibility and recognition

While the challenges were significant, Mutombo was proactive upon his arrival in Canada and wasted no time joining a professional association. He joined the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) in March of 2022 and became a certified technician (C.Tech.) in May 2023. Certifying with OACETT validated Mutombo’s skills and provided him options for integrating with his local engineering technology community and much-needed support with navigating the local job market. The association’s certification process involved an assessment of his educational background, professional experience, and adherence to ethical standards. Mutombo gained further credibility and recognition within his field by successfully becoming a certified technician. As he explains, “I decided to join OACETT for guidance, recognition, professionalism, support, professional development, and networking.”

Enhancing career growth

Since joining OACETT, Mutombo has secured Canadian employment in his profession and is getting ready to graduate from college. He has also attended his first OACETT event, the annual conference and gala, where he had the opportunity to network with over 200 industry professionals. Through the connections he made at the conference, it was suggested he volunteer on OACETT’s IEP task force. He accepted this offer and will also participate as a panelist at OACETT’s free Career Event for Internationally Educated Professionals in Engineering Technology in October 2024.

Attend OACETT's free Career Event

The benefits of certification for IEPs like Mutombo are numerous. They range from enhancing employability by demonstrating a commitment to professional standards and continuous learning to facilitating mentorship opportunities with peers and industry leaders and opening doors to volunteer positions. Enhance your career growth today by joining your professional association — you’ll be satisfied with the outcome.