Masha Tarhini’s journey to success is an inspiring tale of resilience, determination, and strategic networking. Despite the many obstacles she faced after arriving in Canada, she leveraged the resources and support available to her through organizations like Jumpstart, transforming her challenges into opportunities. 

Arriving in Canada: A Sudden Shift 

Masha arrived in Canada in December 2022 through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), stepping into an unfamiliar world filled with uncertainty and isolation. Although she came equipped with strong academic achievements—a degree in interior design and an MBA in project management—the emotional and cultural challenges of starting over in a foreign country quickly became overwhelming. She had left behind a life of familiarity and found herself in a place where she knew almost no one. The cultural differences, coupled with the isolation of being far from family and friends, made her early days in Canada extremely difficult. Navigating the nuances of daily life in a new country, from understanding social norms to grappling with feelings of displacement, left her questioning her decision to come. Struggling to find her footing in this new environment, Masha faced months of emotional turmoil as she tried to reconcile her past achievements with the stark reality of starting anew in an unfamiliar land. 

She speaks candidly about the depression she faced during the first six months after her arrival in Canada. The stark contrast between her qualifications and the responses she received from employers left her feeling defeated. The stark reality of needing “Canadian experience” to secure employment was a significant hurdle. Her initial reaction was to retreat and return to her home country, as she felt that her years of hard work had been devalued. However, her mother played a crucial role in encouraging her to push through this difficult period. This support gave Masha the strength to keep trying. 

The Role of Jumpstart and Networking 

A major turning point in Masha’s story came through her participation in a Refugee Hiring Event that took place in 2022 in Toronto. Initially, she was disillusioned with the event, as her interview did not go as expected. However, this experience introduced her to Malaz Sabai, the director of operations at Jumpstart, who offered her invaluable advice. Malaz’s encouragement— “do not settle for less”—became a mantra for Masha as she navigated her way through the Canadian job market. 

This advice resonated deeply with Masha, who was being advised by others to take entry-level jobs that were far below her qualifications. Malaz’s perspective helped her see her worth, not only as a newcomer but also as a professional with significant experience. From that moment, she shifted her focus from job-hunting to networking, attending more events, and connecting with professionals in her field. 

Masha’s networking efforts paid off. She attended several events, met over 20 people, and gradually built a professional network that would later open doors for her. It was through these connections that she learned about job opportunities, found a job, and eventually promoted to her current role. 

Jumpstart’s approach to assisting newcomers stood out to Masha. Unlike other organizations that may provide brief, superficial resume reviews, Jumpstart took the time to work closely with her, revamping her resume and giving her the tools, she needed to succeed in the Canadian job market, she says. The organization’s focus on finding actual job opportunities, rather than merely offering advice, made a substantial difference in Masha’s journey. This practical support, coupled with the encouragement from Malaz, was critical in helping her break out of the “cocoon” of self-doubt that had enveloped her during her early months in Canada. 

Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities 

Before coming to Canada, Masha had already faced significant challenges in her life, moving between countries like Lebanon and Qatar. Her diverse background—both Ukrainian and Lebanese—gave her a unique perspective, but it also meant that she had never fully settled in one place for long. In fact, she had planned to move to Ukraine in May 2022, just before the war broke out. This sudden change in circumstances brought her to Canada. 

Despite her impressive academic background, Masha’s early job search in Canada was fraught with rejection. However, through persistence, networking, and the resources provided by organizations like Jumpstart, Masha was able to navigate these challenges. Her first significant break came when she connected with a classmate from York University, who introduced her to a job opportunity at triOS College. 

A New Beginning at triOS College 

Masha began working at triOS College in January 2024 as a program administrator. Within seven months, she was promoted to the role of Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer (COO). Her responsibilities are extensive, including managing the COO’s calendar, conducting research, handling event planning, and supporting various departments such as Admissions, Academics, and Operations. Masha takes great pride in her work at triOS, noting that the college’s inclusive and supportive culture has been crucial to her success. The organization is committed to the principles of DEI with new Canadians and international student interns from many different nationalities working for them in many roles.

Working at triOS has allowed Masha to align her professional goals with her passion for strategic management and project planning. She finds joy in her work and describes it as more than just a job—it is a hobby that she loves waking up to every day. Masha’s success at triOS is a testament to her resilience and her ability to turn challenges into opportunities. 

The Power of Networking 

One of the key lessons Masha learned in her journey was the importance of networking. She emphasizes that for newcomers, networking is often more important than the traditional job-hunting process. By attending events, meeting people, and building connections, Masha was able to create opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach. She advises newcomers to Canada not to be afraid of putting themselves out there, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. 

Masha’s success story is a powerful example of how networking, resilience, and the right support can help newcomers achieve their dreams. Through the resources available for her, she was able to overcome the initial setbacks and find a fulfilling career in Canada. Today, Masha is not only thriving in her role at triOS College but is also committed to giving back, offering mentorship and advice to other newcomers facing similar challenges.  

Masha Tarhini’s journey from arriving in Canada with uncertainty to becoming the Executive Assistant to the COO at triOS College is a story of perseverance, strategic networking, and the right support. Her story is an inspiration to newcomers and a reminder that success is possible with the right mindset and support network.