In today's dynamic job market, practical experience and industry insights are invaluable for aspiring professionals. That's why the Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP) is thrilled to showcase the success of Series 1 of our new Career | Fit Professional Experience Programs, a shining example of how visionary funding can bring transformative educational experiences to life. Thanks to the generous support of RBC through RBC Future Launch, these programs are a testament to the power of collaborative support in achieving educational excellence.

York University stands at the forefront in lifelong learning, aligning seamlessly with the vision of RBC Future Launch – to empower youth in their career. Career | Fit programs embrace this ethos, offering a unique blend of academic and practical learning for university undergraduates and college students from across Canada who identify as Asian. The programs also reflect ABMP's approach to meet the evolving needs of students by equipping them with real-world skills, practical experience, and industry insights.

Each Career | Fit program, spanning six weeks with 12 two-hour online sessions, bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. This is achieved through a hands-on project mentored by an experienced professional from a Fortune 500 organization. As a result, these programs are more than just academic enhancements: they are platforms for students to experience real-world business environments, understand professional norms, and develop the necessary skills and capabilities for success in various sectors, such as financial, consulting and tech. These programs not only enrich students' academic experience, but they also equip them with the confidence to succeed.

Mirza Aydemir, a York University undergraduate participant, recounts his transformative growth in the program: "In the beginning, when my name was called out, I was stressed out as I did not speak very often in my virtual classes before. But after 2-3 occasions, I began to feel more and more confident. I think sometimes you need an external push to bring out the potential. I realized that I like to present things, and after the course, I began to feel I am talented at engaging with the audience. From now on, I will speak up when I attend a virtual lecture or an information session because the course has helped me overcome that anxiety." 

Members of the Career | Fit Program team offer a vivid picture of the impact on students. Kiki Oyerinde, RBC employee and program mentor, reflects, "Seeing the strides our students made is encouraging and personally fulfilling as well. I am convinced that with these bright minds the Canadian future is bright. I am proud to work for an organization that is committed to preparing our youth for the jobs of tomorrow." Tammy Kim-Newman from the York University Career Centre adds that the program is an excellent professional development opportunity, "Not only do students walk away with accelerated knowledge about how to solve real-world industry challenges but they develop core competencies that are in demand." Sameera Falcon Khan, a project assistant, shares, "I have seen students learn skills and push themselves to heights they never imagined, gaining confidence and leadership acumen and realizing they have what it takes to make it."

As we eagerly anticipate the launch of Career | Fit Series 2 in 2024, once again generously funded by RBC, the sense of pride and expectation grows stronger. These programs embody the essence of the commitment of RBC and ABMP to skills development and nurturing the well-being of our diverse communities. "I am delighted that the RBC Career | Fit programs have already impacted almost 100 students who identify as Asian, helping them to achieve their career goals," reflects Elena Caprioni, ABMP Program Director. "With RBC's sponsorship, we are eager to continue our journey, offering dynamic and innovative educational experiences to students, and helping to shape a brighter, more inclusive future for them."

“When young people succeed, we all succeed,” adds Mark Beckles, vice president social impact and innovation, RBC. “With partners such as York University, we’re working together to meet the evolving needs of students by equipping them with real-world skills, practical experience, and increased access to the resources they need to reach their full potential. We’re excited to launch Series 2 of the Career | Fit Program this year.”

For more information about Career | Fit programs visit the ABMP website. Applications for Series 2 will open in February 2024.