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Volunteers

As a volunteer with Jumpstart, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of newly settled refugees. Join our compassionate and driven community, dedicated to helping individuals overcome barriers and rebuild their careers.

1. Mentor a Newly Settled Refugee

Welcome Talent Canada’s mentorship program connects skilled Canadian professionals with refugees, fostering career advancement across diverse professional backgrounds. We welcome mentors from all fields to participate.

How It Works

Complete the Form

Provide your professional background and contact information.

Engage with us

Jumpstart will discuss program benefits and commitments to ensure aligned expectations.

Find a Match

Connect with an experienced professional refugee in your field through Jumpstart.

Mentor

Coach, support, and guide your mentee to maximize their potential and expand their professional networks in Canada.

Receive Recognition

Receive a shareable certificate as a token of appreciation.

Our talent partners are here to support you through your 4-month mentorship process.

Mentors’ Requirements

  • At least 2 years of professional experience, a solid industry understanding and an active professional network.
  • Ability to attend at least 2 to 3, 1-hour meetings monthly, either in person or virtually, throughout a 4-month period (totaling 12 hours).

Mentor’s Role

As a mentor, your primary role is to be a trusted advisor, offering ongoing support and impartial advice to support your mentee in achieving their career goals. This involves guiding them in exploring their career path, enhancing their employment profile (resume, LinkedIn, and elevator pitch), and providing insights into your industry and Canadian workplace culture. Additionally, you’re expected to facilitate introductions to your professional contacts and assist in expanding their network, all while offering continuous support and encouragement throughout your mentee’s career journey.

Why Mentor a Recently Settled Refugee?

Mentoring a professional refugee not only improves your leadership and coaching skills but also provides a deeper understanding of the challenges in your sector. Additionally, it offers opportunities for self-improvement through supporting and coaching others.

Credit: Unsplash

2. Resume Support

Crafting a strong resume is crucial for job success, presenting a snapshot of skills and qualifications. Join our volunteer team to work directly with refugees, providing one-on-one support in creating impactful resumes.

Our team will provide you with essential training, technology, and resources, guiding you at every step as you support professionals relaunching their careers in Canada.

How It Works

Complete the Form

Fill out the online form with your role, availability, and resume.

Informal Interview

Attend an informal interview to discuss your interests, expertise, and receive program details.

Onboarding and Training

Complete onboarding and resume writing training.

Ready to Assist

Get matched with refugee professionals to assist in building their resumes through virtual meetings.

Volunteers' Requirements

  • Reside in Canada.
  • Capable of providing virtual assistance.
  • Commit 3-5 hours per week.
  • Exceptional listening and writing skills.
  • Passionate about changing the world, one resume at a time.
Our talent partners will support you and check in with you weekly.

Credit: Viktoria Slowikowska

3. Interview Preparation

Our team will provide you with training, technology, and resources, guiding you through supporting fellow professionals in their search for employment opportunities.

How It Works

Complete the Form

Fill out the online form with your role, availability, and resume.

Informal Interview

Undergo an informal interview to discuss your expertise and receive program details.

Onboarding and Training

Complete onboarding and refugee-specific coaching training.

Ready to Assist

Get matched with a refugee job seeker in your field readying for an interview, either virtually or in person.

Here are Ways to Provide Assistance

  • Mock Interviews: Simulate real job interviews with refugees, providing constructive feedback on responses, body language, and overall presentation to enhance confidence and interview skills.
  • Interview Tips: Provide practical advice for successful interviews, including dressing appropriately, punctuality, and researching the company beforehand.
  • Highlight Transferable Skills: Assist refugees in identifying and articulating transferable skills from their home countries that align with the local job market.

Volunteers' Requirements

  • Reside in Canada.
  • Have at least 5 years of experience in their field.
  • Capable of providing virtual support.
  • Commit to 3-5 hours per month.
  • Passionate about changing the world, one interview at a time.

Credit: Thirdman

4. Advise a Refugee Startup

We work with a wide variety of talented entrepreneurs across the country. If you are interested in mentoring one of these small business owners, our team will match you with a refugee entrepreneur.

Volunteers Testimonials

Working with Jumpstart for almost 3 years has been a life-enhancing journey for me, providing an exceptional opportunity to enrich the lives of many! With mentorship outreach, I’m able to aid in supporting the many communities we serve and ultimately have an impact globally. I enjoy coaching refugees as they navigate various stages, in pursuit of their dreams. We’ve seen immense success, with mentees thriving and positively impacting countless others. I’ve developed impeccable leadership skills as a direct result, led speaking engagements, and attended a historic event promoting economic inclusion. Jumpstart is actively making the world a better place for all!

Picture of Rommel Walrond

Rommel Walrond

Contracts Specialist
Schindler Elevator Corporation (Canada)

Volunteering as a Resume Writer at Jumpstart since March 2022 has been a rewarding experience. I have had the privilege of helping refugees in their search for employment in Canada. Through one-on-one calls, I crafted employer-ready resumes that highlight their unique skills and experiences. I believe this experience has allowed me to make a difference in the lives of refugees and I am happy to have contributed to their journey in Canada.

Picture of Samantha Morais

Samantha Morais

Volunteer Resume Writer at Jumpstart Refugee Talent
Epidemiologist, DAS at ICES