Get Connected:
In 2010, the Connector Program:
- expanded to include MBA, Master of Finance students, and undergraduate international students enrolled in a co-operative education degree
- had 300 connectors representing over 250 organizations
- processed 161 requests for information from potential immigrants resulting in 150 qualified participants being enrolled in the program
- 86 immigrants were hired (73 immigrants and 13 international students)
- was recognized by the Conference Board of Canada as a best practice in attraction and retention of immigrants
- was replicated in 5 places in Canada: Niagara Immigrant Connections Initiative; Waterloo Region Connector Program; Montreal Connector Program; North Bay Connector Program; PEI Connectors Program
- implemented a tracking program to measure and track connections and employment results
- worked with the Mayor's Office to host the first annual welcoming event for international students
- assisted in organizing the Nova Scotia Multi-industry Networking Event - international had the opportunity to network with over 600 business leaders in Halifax
- assisted in organizing the 2010 ALLIES Learning Exchange Conference held in Halifax in May 2010 which brought people together from more than 10 city regions across Canada to learn about issues and strategies related to immigrant employment.
What Participants are Saying:
"The Connec
tor Program is what led me to get the extra push I needed to find employment in my field. Finding employment helped me as an International Student apply for permanent residency through the International Graduate Stream of the Nova Scotia Nominee Program. I highly recommend other international students to participate in the Connector Program and explore what opportunities exist in the Halifax labour market." Latero Rolle, Credit Solutions Analyst, Atlantic Credit Solutions Group
“The Connector Program was perfect for my current situation and professional objectives. The first connector I met passed on my resume to a large financial institution and within 5 weeks I had a job offer. I am so happy, I will now be able to stay in Halifax and build my career in this city,” - Maxim Klimenko, Operations Specialist, Citco
“I am proud to be a Connector to help international students and graduates get connected and settled into our community. Together we can make Halifax a more welcoming community.” Linda Hutchison, Clearwater Seafoods
“Thanks for helping me to find a job in Halifax. The International Student Connector Program gave me opportunities to meet Connectors in my field and explore my career options. Through Connector meetings, I gained insights of industry and labour market information, increased my job search and improved my interview skills. I really appreciate my connectors Helen Liu and Julie Levesque Lockyer for sharing their time and networks with me! I plan to be a new Connector to help more international students get connected with our community and make Halifax a more diverse city.” - Sydney Feng, Operations Analyst, Citco Halifax
“The Halifax Connector model has helped us to expand the services offered to skilled immigrants in Kingston through our new Professional Mentoring Partnership. We are pleased to be able to fit the varied needs and availabilities of participants and volunteers in our program, with the Connector Program providing a valuable opportunity for newcomers to build their professional networks and access information about the local labour market. “ - Bridget Glassco, Mentoring Partnership Coordinator, KEYS Job Centre d’emploi
"Through meetings I had while participating in the Connector Program, I was able to develop a strong network of professionals in my field. The referral process led me to apply to the position where I am currently employed. With the help of Connector program, I managed to find a position in my field 
right after graduation. I am so happy to be living in Halifax and hope to give back to other newcomers in the future." Evgenia Tumik, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Success Stories:
Archived stories