As another year comes to a close, a new crop of JETs have returned to Toronto and were welcomed home with open arms at the JETAA Toronto 2011 Career and Re-entry Conference on November 12th. The Japan Foundation once again hosted one of the year’s most important events, and a diverse range of speakers helped ease the re-integration process for new returnees.
Twelve participants came out on that Saturday morning and met with JETAA Toronto members, networked, listened to interesting presentations and had a delicious bento that must have made a few of them natsukashii.
In total, 6 presenters participated in the conference and provided tips and tricks on how to re-integrate into the community, develop new goals and plan for a career.
Topics that were covered were:
• Toronto’s Japanese Community – how to maintain links to Japan and how to learn of Japanese events in the city.
• Pursuing Change and Goal Setting – how to set goals and plan for success in the future.
• Reverse Culture Shock – coping with re-integrating into Canadian culture.
• Volunteering Your Way Into a job – learning how to get your foot in the door of your chosen career by volunteering.
• Beginners’ Financial Planning – financial advice from a financial planner.
• Top Ten Errors When Applying For Jobs – common mistakes when applying for jobs and how to avoid them as well as resume writing tips.
• Interview Skills – learning how to wow interviewers and avoid common pitfalls during the interview process.
All in all, it was a jam-packed day filled with exchanging memories and experiences, walking down memory lane, meeting new people and preparing for a new future.
After participating in a group soji (including a rousing classical piece playing in the background), the group headed over the Gabby’s for a well deserved nijikai.
It was a great “Okaerinasai” to the new JETAA members. We look forward to seeing those of you who came out that day, and those we have yet to meet, at future JETAA Toronto events!