Manulife Financial Corporation

Recognizing the importance of career-track Canadian work experience, Manulife has supported the Career Bridge internship program since its early development stages. Internships at Manulife are paid mid- and senior-level positions in fields such as human resources, portfolio administration, executive development, computer programming and group pensions among others. Manulife has hired many of their former Career Bridge interns to permanent, full-time positions within the company.

Career Bridge internships provide recent immigrants with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a practical, occupation-specific workplace setting. Employers benefit from the opportunity to gauge a candidate's suitability for available positions, while also recognizing the benefits that come from hiring new Canadian employees with international credentials.

Manulife offers occupation-specific mentorships to new Canadian jobseekers through TRIEC's Mentoring Partnership program. Through this program, immigrant jobseekers begin to build a professional network and learn about Canadian business practices, workplace culture, and recruiting processes. Mentors also help new Canadians tailor their resumes and interview styles to the expectations of a specific occupation.

Manulife's mentors include senior-level employees who coach new Canadians with training in a similar profession. Manulife has even integrated the Mentoring Partnership into one of their management development programs. Employee mentors are given the opportunity to improve their management styles and communication skills, while at the same time learning about the kinds of skills and expertise new Canadians have to offer.