Greetings from the Great White North! My name is Fakhir Ahmed, and I recently made the life-changing move from Pakistan to Canada after completing my MBA at the prestigious Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi. This transition has been nothing short of exhilarating, and I wanted to share my experience, particularly how the IBA Alumni Canada Chapter (IACC) played a pivotal role in my journey.
Relocating to a new country is a daunting endeavor, but I was fortunate to have a support system in place even before my arrival. The IACC, a vibrant community of IBA alumni spread across Canada, welcomed me with open arms. It was heartwarming to see how the alumni network extended beyond borders, proving that once you’re part of the IBA family, you’re part of it for life.
One of the standout moments of my transition was how a senior IBA alumnus from the IACC went out of their way to help me find work. It all started with a casual conversation during an IACC event. When I mentioned my job search, this senior alumnus introduced me to a professional contact in my field. To my amazement, this connection led to an interview and, eventually, my first job in Canada. It was a testament to the strength and reach of our alumni network, and I couldn’t have been more grateful.
Now, as I settle into my new life in Canada, I can’t help but think about the potential for the IACC to become an even more vibrant and engaging community for all of us. Here are a few ideas I’d like to propose:
Professional Mentorship Program
The IACC can establish a formal mentorship program connecting experienced alumni with newcomers like me. This could be invaluable for career guidance and networking.
Some Ideas
- Professional mentorship program
- Regional chapters
- Skill and knowledge sharing
- Community outreach
As a newcomer to Canada I was overwhelmed to see such an active presence of the alumni community here. Although, I know that the board and member body continue to diligently work to enhance the professional lives and careers of all IBA alumni across Canada, here are some ideas that may help advance IACC’s goals further. I would be happy to help the leadership of IACC catalyze these idea into actionable steps.
As an inspired new immigrant and member of IACC, I am excited to share these ideas that can further advance IACC’s march toward the strongest and most impactful alumni networks of Pakistan origin in Canada.
Regional Chapters
Considering Canada’s vastness, regional chapters within the IACC could host localized events, making it easier for alumni to connect in person.
Skill and Knowledge Sharing
Encouraging alumni to share their expertise through workshops and webinars could foster a culture of continuous learning.
Community Outreach
Organize community service initiatives that allow alumni to give back to both the Canadian and Pakistani communities, further strengthening our network’s impact.
My journey from IBA Karachi to the IACC in Canada has been an incredible experience, largely thanks to the supportive community of fellow alumni. As we continue to grow and evolve, I have no doubt that the IACC will become an even more vital and enriching network for all of us. The bonds we share as IBA alumni are unbreakable, transcending borders and making every transition, like mine, a bit smoother and a lot more rewarding. Here’s to our thriving IACC family!
