Newcomers to Canada: Part 4 - Networking
Ian Messenger
“Networking” is the fourth instalment of a 4-part series aimed at newcomers to Canada working in Financial Crime roles.
As a result of my own experiences as a newcomer to Canada, I designed and launched the Financial Crimes Prevention and Mitigation program through Seneca College [Link] to address both the “Canadian Experience” and certification hurdles.
Having discussed the existence of “Canadian Experience”, the role of Contracting as a first step, and the value of Certifications and Courses, our attention turns to the concept of “Networking” .
The Financial Crime sector in Toronto (and other Canadian cities) is a very close knit environment. Given the proximity of many financial institutions within a small area, the opportunity to build a professional network with other professionals, at other financial institutions, is very present.
There are many after-hours networking events in Toronto hosted by several of the major industry associations and also by smaller organisations and even some of the many talent individuals in the field. Given the condensed nature of the profession in Toronto, you will quickly get to know the “key players” and many of the venues are located in the downtown core - within easy access of many employers and public transit.
I would recommend visiting the LinkedIn group named Toronto Compliance & AML Events for month by month listing of events.
As discussed in “Contracting vs Permanent roles”, many vacancies are filled by internal contractors or - more critically - by a pre-identified candidate. There networking events are regularly attended by key hiring managers and offer the perfect opportunity to get in front on them.
Through effective networking, when the next vacancies opens up it might not go to the internal candidate…