From Volunteering to Leadership 

Jumpstart has a variety of eligibility-based volunteering opportunities, from resume support to career mentorship. These experiences not only have a long-term impact on those who are receiving guidance or support but also on volunteers themselves. These opportunities can refine skills that are central to the character of strong community leaders, including confidence, collaboration, and accountability. 

Volunteers as Mentors & Advisers 

Jumpstart volunteers provide one-on-one support to refugees. As Jumpstart operates within a diverse and inclusive environment, volunteers come from various professional backgrounds, like business and medical industries. Volunteers also come from various cultural backgrounds, representing their unique life experiences. In the sections below, I explore how volunteers at Jumpstart embody the roles of mentors and advisers. 

Welcome Talent Canada (WTC) Mentorship Program 

The WTC program helps refugee job seekers build professional relationships with Canadian professionals in their professional fields to get a glimpse of Canada’s workplace culture. Canadian professionals, as mentors, offer enriching guidance and insights relating to their careers. 

Career Readiness Programs and Entrepreneurship Advice 

Jumpstart Career Readiness programs for interview preparation and resume support further advance the writing and communication skills of refugees. This supports refugees by bringing their core skills to the Canadian workforce. Jumpstart also offers personalized guidance for current or future refugee entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas. Volunteers in these programs take on the roles of advisers, providing refugees with suggestions and input on how to craft strong resumes, prepare for specific interviews, and direct their business startups. 

Growing Future Leaders Through Volunteering 

Across all volunteering experiences, giving and receiving support helps to develop and enhance a skill set that includes: 

Confidence 

• Foster confidence through the assistance you provide to refugees. Your skills, experiences, and empowering attitudes can also be essential to Jumpstart’s mission 

Collaboration 

• Support refugees in building transferable skills and knowledge, which can allow them to continue or move forward in their career journeys 
• Work alongside Jumpstart staff in promoting the smooth integration of refugees in inclusive Canadian workplaces 

Accountability 

• Hold yourself and those you support accountable for your assigned duties, whether it entails arriving on time for mentorship meetings or reviewing resumes on time 

This skillset is the foundation of leadership. Volunteers with these skills are equipped to take initiative and uplift community members. This is important because passionate leaders encourage social change and are capable of bridging divisions in society. 

Jumpstart Spotlight 

Bhavika Nanda is a WTC (volunteer) mentor and a Financial Advisor at Scotiabank. Stemming from her own experiences as a former international student in Canada, she strives to shape a world where all individuals can be empowered and thrive, leading by example. In her words, “If you are good at something, chances are you are going to succeed… And if you share that knowledge, you could be helping someone land their dream job or start a career in the field they love.” Bhavika highlights that mentorship is a shared learning opportunity to ignite or reignite passion in the lives of refugeesand mentors alike.  

Interested in reading more? Check out Bhavika Nanda’s Journey with Jumpstart.  

Final Thoughts 

At Jumpstart, we believe volunteering experiences are mutually beneficial and build a strong community. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please explore this page outlining the variety of opportunities and requirements.