Pathway to Success Helping newcomers continue their careers
WHEN HE WAS 17 years old, Enayat Aminzadah and his family came to Canada from war-torn Afghanistan. “My uncle was a doctor, and he wasn’t able to practise when we arrived. He had a hard time finding support so his credentials could be recognized. That part really hit home for me.” After studying at the University of Toronto, Aminzadah started working as an immigration officer, processing permanent residency applications. He says it was a humbling experience because “it’s a system where you don’t speak to anyone—you file an application, and you hope someone will pick it up and actually understand that person’s story. It’s very systematic, and it depends on the point system. However, it was satisfying to approve an application or recommend an applicant to become a permanent resident in Canada.” Now in his role as the international qualifications
officer with APEGA, he helps newcomers apply for accreditation in engineering and geoscience. Aminzadah puts a human face to APEGA’s regulatory role that goes beyond checking certifications. “Applicants required a lot of guidance and information, so APEGA needed someone passionate about helping them go through the licensure system and with the skills and experience to advise them on the correct pathway to success.” Aminzadah puts them at ease by listening first, then helps them start the process and prepare for the accreditation exam. “I feel a lot of satisfaction when someone I helped through the application process reaches out—whether through text, email, a quick phone call, or in person—to let me know they’re now registered. It becomes a source of motivation for me and makes this a very satisfying role.”
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