SOSA x JVS Toronto: Suit Up Series 2023

Agenda

About this event

This event is FREE for all SOSA Members. Use the promo code provided in your email by SOSA at checkout. Not a SOSA Member yet? Register here.

INTRODUCTION:

Welcome to the Suit Up Series, an exclusive in-person event hosted by SOSA, in collaboration with JVS Toronto. Designed to empower students, young professionals, and new immigrants in their pursuit of successful careers in the architecture and design industry, the Suit Up Series offers a comprehensive platform to enhance vital skills for job seekers. This event is your pathway to mastering the art of crafting a perfect resume, creating an impactful cover letter, assembling an impressive design portfolio, and acing job interviews. Whether you’re a recent graduate venturing into the professional world, an aspiring architect seeking guidance or a newcomer to Canada, the Suit Up Series is your compass to navigate the intricacies of job hunting in the architecture field.

Join us for an evening of networking along with food and drinks!!

PRESENTATIONS:

Writing Skills (by Sandra Cabral):

Crafting a resume that effectively communicates your skills and experiences is an art in itself. The Suit Up Series will kick off with a dynamic presentation on “Writing Skills,” where you will learn the intricacies of structuring an attention-grabbing resume and composing a compelling cover letter.

Graphic Skills (By Stephen Hood):

Your design portfolio is a visual representation of your creative journey and technical prowess. The “Graphic Skills” presentation will guide you through the process of curating an engaging and visually appealing portfolio. Discover the art of storytelling through your designs and master the techniques that make your work shine.

Speaking Skills (By Barbara Aufgang):

In the realm of job interviews, effective communication is key. Our “Speaking Skills” session will delve into the nuances of presenting yourself with confidence and clarity. Learn to navigate challenging questions and leave a lasting impression during interviews. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, this session will equip you with strategies to ace the interview stage.

WHY ATTEND:

The Suit Up Series is more than just a learning opportunity; it’s a chance to network with like-minded individuals, connect with experienced professionals, and gain a competitive edge in your job search. Walk away with a renewed sense of confidence, armed with the tools you need to navigate the job market successfully. Suit up for success!

GUEST PANELISTS:

Sandra Cabral, CHRL

Managing Principal / Lead Human Resources Consultant

SMCHR Consultants

As an HR Leader for more than 20 years, Sandra offers insightful perspectives and solutions on how to create forward-thinking, collaborative environments that nurture high performance, employee engagement, growth, and sustainability. She is passionate about supporting people to achieve their full potential and thrives on helping companies establish people practices that represent the values and mission of their Company.

As a recruiter, Sandra has worked with employers such as Siemens, Toyota, Domtar Papers, and ArcelorMittal to find talented individuals that will help these companies achieve their goals. As a personal career coach, she has had the opportunity to prepare individuals for the recruitment experience so they can be successful at reaching their career objectives.

Stephen Hood

Associate Principal

Arcadis

Stephen is an Associate Principal in Arcadis’ Architecture team bringing over 40 years’ experience leading multidisciplinary teams covering a broad range of project types and budgets. He is currently overseeing a range of projects from housing-led mixed-use schemes for both private developers and local authorities, to commercial and civic projects across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).

In recent years Stephen has concentrated on the early phases of projects, managing the strategy, feasibility, design, and planning application stages of high value, mixed-use, residential schemes, and master plans. He has developed a particular expertise in understanding and navigating large complex projects, including intricate phasing and. His residential experience encompasses affordable and high-end. Stephen has strong client liaison expertise and maintains a positive relationship with key stakeholders, especially at the municipal level.

Barbara Aufgang

Employment Counselor, Program Facilitator

JVS Toronto

Barbara is an employment counsellor at JVS Toronto where she facilitates the BUILD program (Building Unbiased and Inclusive Workplaces Leveraging Diversity) for internationally trained architects and related professionals. Before becoming an employment counsellor Barbara was trained in Human Resources and had worked in the IT sector as a Business Analyst.

Society of South Asian Architects, Canada (SOSA) is the first community-based not-for-profit organization in Canada that represents the interests of South Asian architects and design professionals by embracing and advocating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the professions of architecture and design. SOSA’s goal is to support communities by creating opportunities for mentorship, education, networking, and outreach.

JVS Toronto plays a vital role in Toronto and York Region ensuring that job seekers reach their potential and employers build the workforce they need. They do this through a mix of general and specialized services to job seekers from all backgrounds and situations, and employers from all sectors. They have extensive experience providing job search support, employment counselling, training, mentoring, job coaching and retention, as well as career counselling and recruitment services delivered across nine locations. Their dedicated team of multi-disciplinary professionals is experienced in providing services to children, youth, and adults. In particular, they are knowledgeable in supporting individuals with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, at-risk youth, and mature workers.