Moncton Cares continues to redefine what it means to support newcomers—not just with resources, but with access to real people, real stories, and real opportunity. The recent IT Networking Night was a shining example of that mission in action. Held in Moncton with a room full of tech-minded immigrants and jobseekers, the event featured two respected leaders:
Thomas George, Vice President at Medavie Health Services NB
Anita Ashrit, Director, Project Management at IGT (International Game Technology)
It was an evening rich in insight, humility, and practical advice—focused not on theory, but on what actually works when trying to build a career in Canada’s tech space.
Thomas George: Adaptability Over Titles
With years of experience hiring and managing diverse tech teams, Thomas George offered an honest look into what employers are really looking for—and it’s not just technical certifications.
“When I review résumés, I don’t just look at what tools you know or what job titles you’ve held,” he said. “I look at adaptability, and I look for signs of longevity—people who are committed, flexible, and willing to learn.”
Thomas encouraged attendees to get involved in events, volunteer, take short-term roles, and look for unconventional ways to break in.
“Sometimes, it’s not the perfect résumé but the right attitude and exposure that opens doors,” he said. “Being seen and showing up matters.”
Anita Ashrit: Volunteering Her Way into Leadership
Now the Director of Project Management at IGT, Anita Ashrit‘s professional journey began with humble steps. Before landing formal employment, she volunteered extensively—something she credits as a turning point.
“Volunteering gave me confidence, references, and experience,” she shared. “It helped me understand the Canadian workplace, improve communication, and build a network that would later open doors.”
Anita stressed that volunteering is not unpaid work—it’s strategic growth. And when reviewing resumes today as a senior leader, she still looks for that same hunger to grow, contribute, and learn.
She also reminded the audience: “Your résumé should speak to what the company is looking for, not just what you’ve done. Sometimes, we have to unlearn and reposition ourselves for the new environment we’re in.”
Q&A and Candid Advice
The event featured a dynamic Q&A session where attendees asked everything from “Which certifications matter most?” to “How do I explain a gap in my résumé?” Both speakers and Moncton Cares founder Ketan Raval offered heartfelt, practical responses.
Ketan added a powerful reminder:
“As a newcomer, your first job might be at Walmart or McDonald’s—but don’t look at it as a dead end. That person you’re serving might be your future employer. Always stay curious, keep networking, and look for opportunities in unexpected places.”
He also stressed the current job market reality:
“Moncton has grown by nearly 50,000 people in the last 6 years, but jobs haven’t grown at the same pace. That’s why going the extra mile—volunteering, showing up to events, building relationships—is not optional. It’s essential.”
Key Takeaways from the Night
- Tailor your résumé to each job—focus on employer needs, not just your skills
- Volunteering leads to visibility—it’s experience, not just goodwill
- Employers value adaptability and long-term mindset over job-hopping
- Don’t fear survival jobs—they can be stepping stones if you stay alert
- Networking in person matters—some of the best opportunities are never posted online
- Be ready to unlearn and relearn—you’re not starting from scratch, you’re starting from experience
More Than a Networking Night—A Community in Action
For many attendees, this event was their first real chance to connect with industry professionals face-to-face. And for others, it was a critical reminder that they’re not alone—and they’re not starting from zero.
Moncton Cares continues to host free, high-impact career networking events across sectors—from IT to healthcare, journalism to trades—creating one of Atlantic Canada’s most inclusive and actionable newcomer ecosystems.
Stay connected
Follow Moncton Cares on Facebook and visit monctoncares.ca to join future events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
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