Amin Javidmehr is a Supply Chain Coordinator at the Home Depot Canada. He participated in the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership (TMP) Program as a mentee. Amin shares his experience of how TMP helped launch his career in Canada.
Before you found mentorship, what were the biggest challenges you faced in building your career in Canada?
Before finding mentorship, one of my biggest challenges was translating my international experience into the Canadian job market. I have nearly a decade of professional experience and a master’s degree in industrial engineering, but when I arrived in Canada, I often felt that my background was not fully understood or valued. I lacked professional networks, was unfamiliar with Canadian hiring practices, and wasn’t sure how to present myself in a way that resonated with employers. Despite actively applying for roles related to business analysis, data analysis, and supply chain planning, I faced many rejections or received no responses at all. This was emotionally challenging and created moments of self-doubt, especially when I knew I had the skills but didn’t know how to open the right doors.
How did you first hear about the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership and what motivated you to join the TMP program?
I first learned about the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership through newcomer employment resources and community recommendations. What immediately attracted me was the opportunity to connect with an experienced professionals who understood the Canadian job market and could provide practical, real-world guidance.
I joined the program with clear goals:
- to understand Canadian workplace culture,
- to strengthen my job search strategy, and
- to receive honest feedback on how to position my experience effectively.
I hoped mentorship would help bridge the gap between my international background and Canadian expectations — and give me clarity and direction during a critical career transition.
Can you describe a turning point in your mentorship — when things started to feel possible?
The major turning point came when my mentors, Maggie Alongi-Maxwell and Jayana Kaiprath, helped me reframe my experience- not as a disadvantage, but as a strength. Through our conversations, I realized that I didn’t need to “start over” — I needed to tell my story differently. One specific moment was when they reviewed my resume and interview approach and showed me how to clearly connect my past experience to Canadian roles. That shift gave me confidence and made my goals feel achievable rather than distant.
What steps did you take to turn your Canadian dream into reality?
I committed to continuous learning, adaptability, and persistence. I improved my communication skills, refined my resume, practiced interviews, and became more strategic in my job search. I also accepted opportunities that allowed me to gain Canadian work experience, which became a strong foundation for growth.
Over time, my confidence increased, my understanding of the Canadian workplace deepened, and I began to see real progress. My outlook shifted from uncertainty to long-term planning — not just finding a job, but building a sustainable career in Canada.
What is one piece of advice from your mentor that stayed with you?
One piece of advice that stayed with me was:
“Be confident in your value — your experience is relevant, but how you communicate it makes all the difference.”
This advice helped me approach interviews and professional conversations with more confidence. I stopped underselling myself and started clearly explaining the impact of my work. It continues to guide how I present myself and make career decisions.
What would you say to other newcomers about finding the right support, and why is mentorship part of that success?
My advice to other newcomers is simple: don’t navigate this journey alone. Finding the right support can save you months — even years — of frustration. Mentorship provides clarity, confidence, and real insight into how things work in Canada.
I am truly grateful to Maggie Alongi-Maxwell and Jayana Kaiprath for their support, encouragement, and honest guidance throughout my journey. Programs like TRIEC connect you with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. To get the most out of it, be open, proactive and ready to learn — the results are truly worth it.
Stories like Amin’s demonstrate the power of mentorship in helping newcomers transform experience into opportunity.
Are you a professional interested in helping newcomers build meaningful careers in Canada while growing your own leadership skills? Learn more about becoming a mentor with the TRIEC Mentoring Partnership at: https://www.mentoringpartnership.ca/join-us/become-a-mentor/