Speed Networking: What is it?
In today’s competitive job market, professional connections can make all the difference. As a refugee, you are likely rebuilding a professional network from scratch, in a new country with different cultural norms – making networking one of the hardest parts of your job search. That’s where speed networking and mentoring events come in. This new and exciting format provides opportunities to meet industry professionals, receive guidance, and potentially open doors for just the job you were hoping for.
On November 6, 2025, Jumpstart Refugee Talent partnered with CIBC to host one such event in Toronto. Over 120 people took part, including 50 Jumpstart clients, 60 CIBC newcomers, and 12 mentors from CIBC and external partners. The goal: to create meaningful conversations between job seekers and experienced professionals in sectors like finance, banking, technology, and human resources.
What Is Speed Mentoring?
Speed mentoring brings professionals and job seekers together for a series of short, meaningful conversations. In each round, a small group of participants meet with experienced mentors to ask direct questions, share their goals, and get advice on rebuilding their careers in Canada. The format helps everyone connect with several professionals in a short time and walk away with fresh ideas, confidence, and new contacts. For mentors, it is an opportunity to give back and share their expertise, while meeting and learning from globally trained talent who bring valuable new perspectives to the Canadian workforce.
“As a refugee, you have lost your professional network. So events like these are important for building connections. I took the time to attend this event because I know mentors from my industry can give me real life advice”
– Abdul Azim Baha Jumpstart client
Why Jumpstart Refugee Talent Participates
At Jumpstart, we strive to empower our refugee clients with opportunities for meaningful employment, which can be difficult to find without a network. These events connect refugee professionals directly with leaders who understand the value of inclusion and are aware of the value that comes with global experience.
Partnerships like the one with CIBC demonstrate how employers can meaningfully engage with equity-deserving talent while strengthening their own teams through diversity and cross-cultural learning.
The Power of Partnership
As Darrell Pinto from Jumpstart Refugee Talent shared during the event, “mentorship is not a one-way street – it is a bridge.” That bridge connects individuals who might never otherwise meet, sparking conversations that can lead to internships, job offers, or simply renewed confidence in the next step of one’s journey.
“Maybe it does not happen today to get a job, but I have built connections that will last.”
– Shanku Purkayastha Jumpstart Refugee Talent Client
Jumpstart is deeply grateful to CIBC for opening its doors and sharing its expertise. Together, we’re helping refugee professionals take their next step toward meaningful employment and helping Canada’s industries discover talent that is ready to contribute.
Get Involved
If you are a refugee job seeker who would like to learn more about opportunities like this, register with us at Jumpstartrefugee.ca.
If you are a Canadian Talent Acquisition professional or corporate ERG leader interested in hosting or participating in future mentoring events, contact us at [email protected].
