Sara Cheng
CIBC Mellon Fund Accountant, Class 8 Participant
这周收到了CIBC Mellon Fund Accountant 的offer，毕业后紧绷的心情终于可以稍稍松一口气。感觉 NHC 好像有一种魔力，自从加入这个大家庭就开始好运连连。
我是通过朋友推荐，经过海选进入七月班的。海选后第一次参加的活动就是7月1日的仲夏晚宴还报名当了志愿者，当时就被大家的热情给感染了。NHC 绝对是一个充满正能量的地方，每一个人都充满了激情。刚毕业的我开始还有点迷茫，通过第一节 networking 课和NHC 的导师还有毕业的学员们交流，让我慢慢认清了自己身上的不足，找到了方向。恰逢开课第一周就有了面试（朋友推荐的），这其实也是本人毕业后第一次正式的面试。虽然之前找 Co-op 自己也下了不少努力，但好久没有试手了，心里多少有些心虚。我把自己的情况跟 24/7interview support team 说了一下，他们第一时间就给我找了三个相关领域的 volunteer 来帮忙。Christy 曾经做过三年的Fund Accountant，对这方面很有经验，给了我很多关于 fund accountant 这个入门级职业的 insight 还教了我很多面试技巧；Alson 刚刚进 CIBC Mellon 工作大概4个月，跟我讲了他的工作环境还有可能会问的 technical 的问题；还有细心的 Ying 帮我做了两次 mock interview，指出了我细节上的小问题，对我有很大提高。面试的成功离不开大家的无私帮助，让我非常感动。
虽然拿到了offer，可还是不想错过 NHC 的课程，抱着继续学习的态度又上了interview 的课，可是由于个人状态过于松散，表现的一塌糊涂。同学们鼓励我说有情可原，可是我知道 there is no excuse，导师们说的对， you never know what opportunities will be out there, so you always have to be prepared. NHC 就是有这样一群良师益友，在我低落迷茫的时候鼓励指点我，在我骄傲松懈的时候鞭策提醒我。我发现自己深深爱上了这里，爱上了这里遇见的每一个朋友，我会很乐意回来 NHC 做 volunteer，也希望 NHC 可以越办越好~~~
主要的面试问题和技巧导师们都讲的很好了，我就简单说几点自己面试的心得体会，希望能帮到大家：
1. There are several very important interview questions that will determine whether you can kill the interview. First of all is talk about yourself, this should be brief and stick to the point, and should include your background, what did you do that prepared you better for this job, why you are here (show your passion), what’s your short term goal. Maximum 2 mins, if it is too long and too boring, the interviewer will lose interest right away
2. The second question that matters is why this company and why this position? Do your research on the company that you are applying for, know their values, connect these values to your own experience and demonstrate these values through your examples. You have to know the position in and out, and why you like it. Even if you don’t really like it ,you have to do the research and make it up.
3. The third one is why should we hire you. This is where you really need to sell yourself. Even if they don’t ask it directly, you have to say it somehow in the end. For this question, look at the job description and qualifications carefully, select the most important points and emphasize you have those qualifications (always have examples to back up your answers). My way of answering it is “from my understanding of this position, xx,xx,and xx are the top qualifications, and then I will provide a brief example of how I demonstrated these qualifications. Remember to mention how your transferable skills can make value to the company and you are eager to contribute your effort. ALWAYS SHOW YOUR PASSION!
4. The rest of the behavior questions are just testing your soft skills. Remember at the end of the day,people want to see you as a well-rounded person, not a book worm or a machine.So , just be yourself , be confident, keep smiling, give them a good first impression, let them feel your passion for the job, have examples in mind that can demonstrate your qualifications. And then you are ready to go!
5. At the end of the interview, prepare at least three good questions to ask the interviewer to show that you did your research and you really care about this job. Make sure you can back up the question you asked. For example, if you ask” How do you evaluate the performance of your team members” and they said something. You could say” yeah,if I were hired, I would definitely….(follow what they said and say that you could do it)”
6. Always ask them what’s the next hiring process, ask them for business card and remember to send thank you letter within 24hrs.
以上是我的一些小tips，不知道是不是都适用，希望可以帮到大家。希望七月班的同学们继续加油，相信大家一定都能找到好工作！
Chen Jing
Complex Securities Valuation Analyst, Class 7 Participant
昨天收到了EY, Complex Securities Valuation Analyst的offer，这是来之不易的机会。
我是通过Zou Bo同学介绍，经过海选进入五月班的，由于我自己住在Hamilton，所以NHC的好多精彩的活动都没办法参加，但通过一个月的课，我结识了好多朋友，我是去年毕业的，一直都在找工作，但面试却很少，自从进入NHC五月班，我认识了不同的导师，通过和他们的交谈我知道了自己的不足，确定了方向，看着身边和我一样努力找工作的学员让我更加努力,五月班课程结束后，通过NHC我连续拿到了3个面试机会。NHC的每一节课对我的面试帮助都很大，没有之前和导师的mock interview演练，没有Echo老师严厉指导，就不会在真正面试过程当中表现的那么自如。
在此我也想特别感谢Lian姐还是Rinley，我知道这个机会是通过Rinley同学告诉我的，拿到面试后我立刻和Lian姐联系了，但由于时间紧张，Lian姐立刻告诉我了些重点准备方向，之后进入第二轮面试，Lian姐又想办法帮我找到了以前在这个部门做过的Tom老师给我做指点，告诉我需要注意什么。
最后衷心感谢NHC帮我在挣扎的Job Hunting路上找到了方向，感谢各位导师的牺牲和付出，还有每次都认真细心准备组织的facilitators， volunteers。NHC是一个大家庭，在这个大家庭里面，让我们这些留学生不再孤单，因为背后有好多人在支持鼓励帮助我们。最后希望五月班的小伙伴们也能快点顺利的找到工作。
Chloe
我走进Director的办公室，感谢她给了我工作机会，她站起身说，应该感谢我自己，感谢自己敲开她的办公室门举荐自己。从患得患失，决定转行到找工作，最后看不到希望异常难熬的那段时间，要非常感谢NHC给了我坚持下去的力量和自信。找工作的漫漫长路，我们最初就像加满油的车，但慢慢的会放缓速度失去方向，NHC对于我变成了路程最后的加油站，最为孤立无援的时候，每每参与活动参与NHC的工作，做了一点点事情，大家都会赞许鼓励给予很多动力和自信。我虽然不是NHC的学员，但深深体会到找工作的过程中，我们一定不能封闭自己，要走出来。在加拿大这样稍稍有点慢节奏的生活中，NHC让我看到了一群为工作和理想狂奔的人，我的感慨是是大家要紧跟着这样鲜活的队伍不能掉队，这样就能狂奔到终点。我想用感谢信分享自己一点点的心路历程，只要有一句话让伙伴们有感触有帮助，那也算没白写。
豁的出去，海阔天空
我有时候做一件事情会豁出去切断自己的后路，把自己逼到绝境，这种选择艰难折腾道路的方式不是很好的方法，但是这是让自己坚定信念坚持走下去的方法。我最终决定我从金融行业转向Employment Service 行业之后，发现今年政府在这块上减少了很多服务岗位，四月份非盈利组织不断地在裁员，Labour Market显示今年工作机会少了30%。我内心极度绝望，我的室友曾关心地问我，雯姐如果找不到这行业的工作怎么办，要找到什么时候才停止找回到金融业呢。我的答案是，找到找到为止。
在NHC Funding组工作的这一阶段让我看到了更大的世界，给了我更多的自信，在Networking上，我更懂得勇敢而厚脸皮的迈出一大步。我踏入自己volunteer机构Director办公室的那一步，就得到了工作机会。当时得知工作机会时看到申请已经截止，我非常不想失去这行业中不多的机会，于是一咬牙打印了简历冲到了Director的办公室，于是，为自己争取到了面试机会。我们不是一定要让自己绝处逢生，但是找工作要在战术上有备案，信念上对自己的追求要有一颗背水一战的心。
不忘初心，方得始终
在毕业的时候多少大家都对自己要做的事情感到迷茫，我一路患得患失貌似是在用一种试错的方式来探路，但每个人心中都会有着自己想做的，每个人都有自己的性格特点，我们可以走弯路我们可以犯错，但我们要不断的思考不断的努力，不要忘记自己最初想要的，找对适合自己做的事情才能一路坚持做好它。It’s never too late 不惧怕重新开始，工作旅途很长，空杯归零的心态是难得的，决定开始走一条道路永远都不会太晚，勤劳的脚步要走在正确和喜欢的道路上。每条路都有困难，很多你目前想要躲避的困难，将来在某个时间点一定会以另一种形式的困难来为难你。躲避绕开都不是办法，既然来的总是要来，迎着刀锋上是最好的选择，失败了起码节省时间。
如今等来了机会，我必须提醒自己，找到工作不是一种生活状态的结束，而是一种新的生活状态的开始，这状态必须有时刻追逐的精神，生命不止，折腾不息，每个阶段都愿意为某个东西而追逐是一种不死的疲惫生活中的英雄梦想。NHC成了我们大家不死的疲惫生活中的英雄梦想。
Marianne Du
Private Debt Investment Analyst, Class 7 Participant
今天收到了Canada Life, Private Debt Investment Analyst的offer，对我来说是向往的工作，也是很好的起点。
从二月底登陆加拿大到今天的四个月里，我过得非常开心充实。自从Neo第一次带我参加NHC的活动之后，我很快的适应并喜欢上了多伦多的生活。NHC对我来说，是帮助我找到进步方向的良师，也是陪我度过人生转折的益友。在我参加career development program之前，已经在这里收获了兴趣相投的朋友，志向高远的眼界和大家互相帮助的真心。
之后有幸进入五月班，从第一节Networking Class上如何 make a perfect pitch, 如何 leave a good impression到如何 ask intelligent questions开始学起，再到第二节Resume Critique课学习如何根据 job description修改简历，如何最有效的突出自己的qualifications，到后来连续两次高强度的panel mock interviews，周周都有惊喜，周周都有进步。
恰逢结课的第二周就是面试，mock interviews时候学到的东西全部都派上用场。不同职位问的问题千差万别，但是整个课程的理念是”授之以渔”，就像各位导师所说，掌握了方法，在面试之前就已经知道了面试的问题，只要全力准备就可以了。
最后衷心感谢NHC帮我大大缩短了找工作的过程，感谢各位无私奉献的导师，悉心组织的facilitators，还有更多幕后的volunteers。最后祝大家也能在这里交到好朋友，找到好工作。
Di Wang
RSA Insurance Pricing Analyst, Class 5 Participant
人生20多年以来，我觉得我一直都是幸运的，因为从小到大得到了很多身边人的帮助。这次，
自一月DT班开始到现在，
找工作是一个持久的过程，”life is like a chocolate, you never know what you’regonna get” 我们也不知道什么时候上天就会眷恋我们，但是”机会是留给有准备
我本科和研究生都学的统计，
面试可谓说是最重要的一个环节，NHC的mock interview及后来两次银行的面试都给了我很多启发。我理解的Behavior Question和Technique Question一样重要。Technical Question让雇主判断我们是否能胜任工作，Behavio
All in all, 这次能在还未毕业拿到RSA Insurance Pricing Analyst的offer，我得到了很多朋友的帮助，
Camellia Liao
RBC Account Manager, Class 6 Participant
When I restricted myself to the position of Customer Service Representative (CSR), Stephen encouraged me to go further my own limits, gain more confidence, and set a higher target. While referring me to HR of RBC, he even made a chance for me to meet with Regional Vice President, which greatly broadened my horizons and enabled me to take a new look at my potentials. This experience convinced me that “Never say ‘no’ to challenges, because you will never know what you are capable of, unless you try.” This growth and transforming was extremely valuable, which will have a prolonged influence on my future progress and planning. However, opportunities to experience this are very rare. It is joining NHC that increase the chance. Like Stephen is one of numerous mentors and facilitators, they knit together into a powerful force, leading us young professionals to achieve our life and career goals. With full appreciation and gratefulness, I believe I will grow stronger and stronger under the positive influence from my friends here. And one day, I will become part of this powerful force and devote all my efforts, leading NHC to a bright future!
James Lv
RBC Account Manager, Class 5 Participant
What can NHC bring to my life?
Frankly, I really had no answer for that, before I joined this community.
After months of job searching, my confidence gained during past years also disappeared like a rock dropped into the sea. At that time, the most difficult thing for me to face was the comparison that someone around me got a really decent job offer, while I was still sending my resume door by door.
For a long time, I believed that what I am lack of for the favorite job is just an opportunity. When I finally got the part time teller interview opportunity after “shotgun”, I was still overconfident and thought I could easily won this once I showed my academic background. However, facts proved that I was too young too naive! Without working experience, without interview skills, even without a formal business suit, I received the rejection letter soon after. This time I was entirely crushed from believing I can do everything to wondering what I can do. The biggest question for me at that moment was what I am really capable of?
By the referral of Mrs. Cathy, I got to know NHC Club. I was inspired by the successful career stories shared by seniors from NHC. However, I still had some concern about how much help I could get from this non-for-profit organization. The first connection with NHC was the audition for January and March NHC class students. What Mrs. Rose said before the audition really touched me. There is a Chinese saying, “depend on parents back home, rely on friends outside”. Networking is really important no matter where. Firstly, you need to built general popularity. One of the blunders of mine was that I didn’t take advantage of resources of friends during job application. Secondly, you need to let others remember you, the unique you. To achieve that, you should bravely present yourself in public and show others who you are, from every aspects. Thirdly, always put others’ needs ahead of your own and learn to give.
From the moment I heard these words, I determined to make full use of every opportunity offered by NHC, learn from mentors and classmates, and find out my own way to my career. The first class following is about networking topic. I was deeply impressed by every word and deed from Mr. Stephen and modeled him as my idol to my career success. So when Mr. Stephen was calling for a student to participate a real scenario role-play, I immediately volunteered to get this close chance to interact with him. My first performance in public, featured by “Apple-Polish”, was not that successful, amusing my classmates and mentors, and confusing Mr. Stephen. However, I was not discouraged, carefully summarized every feedback and suggestion from mentors, improved on that and presented myself again. I repeated this learning cycle several times during the whole session.
During the limited five classes, I exposed several shortcomes, dress code for example. I was wearing jeans, T-shirts and Jay cap, which was not typical dressing for people in financial industry. When I realized the improperness, I begin to dress like Mr. Stephen with full outfit: business suit, tie, leather shoes, and scarves. I believe this will convey a professional message to anyone who see me at the first time.
After all, the most important thing is that only with thorough preparation, you will be confident and can work out solutions on any problems. This requires repeated practice in front of mirror by yourself night after night, and asking advice from people who can help you. Your confidence will regain when your friends and mentors are impressed with your performances. Sometimes the good answer to interview questions is not about the content, but the way you present!
I really appreciate the dedication of all NHC mentors, which brings me to my favored job position – RBC Account Manager. I wish I could give back to this community by helping friends who’re still confused with their career, like what NHC helped me before. I sincerely wish all my friends find their own way to success through this NHC platform and stop worrying and wondering in their career path!
Holly Wang
真心感谢NHC的每一位导师，协调员，志愿者，尤其是Jenny
找工作的路的确不容易, 因为不知道会有多久，将来会是个什么样子。对于有点工作经验的我
想和还在找工作jmxd分享一句话：每天都会有大的小的意想不到
Joyce Zhou
Fund Accountant, Class 5 Participant
NHC helped me grow a lot, and I am really moved by everything in here. If you ask me what NHC has brought me, I want to quote one of our lecture titles to describe it: NHC brought me with “love, career and friendship”. The biggest appreciation should be given to Christy Wu – my classmate in January program. She was an expert in my dreaming area that time while I was still confused about my career path. After her patient explanation, I found the right direction in my career path. The greatest part I want to give my special appreciation to is her kindly referring of my resume, and it played a key role in my job searching success.
Besides her help in my career, our friendship grows in NHC. The reason I was always touched here is the selfless contribution by everyone in NHC. The passion, greeting and encouragement here brought all our minded friends together.
I really hope our spirit of contribution can be kept and spread to ones who need help, to affect more people, and to encourage more people.
Kai Xi
MBA Candidate, Rotman School of Business Class of 2015, Class 2 Participant
A great thank you should be given to all the NHC advisors, their selfless contribution made a good start for NHC, and also brought great help to our NHC class members.
To the ones like me, who were lack of interview experience, the mock interview class really helped a lot. Every class has five or more advisors participate. There are always good chances of communicating with advisors that have relevant professional background in your dreaming job area. Every advisor provided their unique professional advices to every class member. These feedbacks and suggestions are precious experience that textbook will not teach. After I walked through all these classes, I gained a good understanding of interview process. This makes me see my strengths and weaknesses more clearly, and helped me prepare for interview with a clear direction.
I experienced so many moments of depression because of job searching. During NHC classes, all the encouragement and support from advisors and other class members are amazing. The class helped me regained my confidence, firmed my determination. There are still long way to go for me, and I hope this letter will keep the positive energy passing on!