Desi News Corp - Index

Desi News Corp - Desi News - April 2009 - Index

Nadeem adeem Anwar Anwar wasn’t
expecting things to be
easy when he moved
to Canada in March 2008.
“I was mentally prepared
for an initial period of settling
in. I was aware that we were
moving to a new country
where demands at both the
work place and in the community
were different from
what we were used to.”
Though the response to
the job applications he sent
out was not positive, at 42,
with an MBA from the University
of Karachi, Institute of
Business Administration,
Anwar was confident of making
a breakthrough.
“I kept myself positive and
motivated with my wife Sai- Sai
ma’ ma’s ma’ support,” he says.
A friend introduced Anwar
to Accessible Accessible Community
Community
Counseling Counseling Emp- Emp
loyment
loyment loyment Services
Services
(ACCES).
The not-for-profit
organization helps
new immigrants and
those who are unemployed
with a
range of services
including reviewing
resumés and honing
interview skills.
The day after Anwar
completed their six
week-long Financial
Services Connections
program, he had a
job at Scotiabank.
He was on his way.
“I am so fortunate
to land a job in my
field with an employer
like Scotiabank. I
can put my training
and experience to
good use, there are
growth opportunities,
and I feel valued.”
Rania Llewellyn,
Vice-President, Multi-
cultural Banking, says Scotiabank
is one of the sponsors
of ACCES because it recognizes
the growing importance
of immigrants in its workforce.
“We respect the need for
a mulitlingual, multicultural
staff that can cater to the
needs of all Canadians.”
A comprehensive program
for small business needs
As a trainee Account Manager,
Small Business, Anwar
sees many desi small business
owners.
Scotiabank has a separate
division with specially-trained
small business account managers.
The bank’s complete
product line caters to all the
needs of small businesses.
Scotia Scotia Running Running Start Start for
business program bundles
personal and business banking
services for new start-up
businesses (less than two
years old). Benefits include
monthly fee waivers on business
accounts and special
rates on credit card and business
loans; one-year free banking
for personal accounts;
exclusive offers from Chase
Paymentech on merchant
accounts; complimentary
Quick Books accounting software;
highly subsidized logo
design services, etc.
“We have people who can
put everything together and
provide solutions – from borrowing
and investments, to day-today
banking needs,” says Anwar.
Anwar feels that he is well
positioned to understand the
needs of small business
owners.
“I packed so much into one
year, from getting a driving licence
to finding a job. I know
what it feels like to start fresh.”
He delivered a speech at a
graduation ceremony at ACCES,
sharing his experience with
new graduates.
“I believe it is important for
a new immigrant to stay posi-
tive. It takes a different perspective
to achieve success in
a new country. If my story can
make someone think that
they, too, can make it, I am
happy to provide tips.”
Anwar says when friends
and family thinking of moving
to Canada ask him for advice,
he lays the facts before them.
“I tell them that this may not
be the ideal time to move, but
then the recession has not
affected Canada alone. Canada
is one of the safest countries in
the current scenario, perhaps.
I suggest they compare opportunities
and be mentally prepared
for new challenges.”
The man who came mentally
prepared to face anything
is feeling great.
“I am on track. I am a part
of Canadian life, I am a part
of my community, and I am
contributing.”
Discover Scotiabank
for yourself
Log on to www.scotiabank.com
for info on a full range of
newcomer-friendly programs.
“I know what it feels like to start fresh”
NADEEM ANWAR
TRAINEE ACCOUNT MANAGER, SMALL BUSINESS, WOODBINE
& DENISON BRANCH, MARKHAM • 905-940-6386, EXT. 3001
EXPERIENCE SCOTIABANK’S
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THIS ADVER TORIAL IS PREPARED BY SCOTIABANK