EFS Success Story - Fatemeh Paknia | Programs for Newcomers to Canada

Fatemeh Paknia is a highly accomplished professional in the financial services industry. Originally from Iran, excellence is something she’s always strived for.  Ms. Paknia  holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in financial management. She is also fluent in English and Persian. Recognizing the importance of her career, Ms. Paknia chose to relocate to Toronto. Prior to her move, she researched her options extensively, ultimately concluding that enrolling in a bridging program would facilitate a smoother transition.

In October 2022, Ms. Paknia immigrated to Canada where she attended an information session and completed two interviews for the Professional Excellence in Financial Services (EFS) Bridging program at Seneca Polytechnic. Within three weeks, she started her classes, which spanned four months and encompassed 17 practical courses. Diligently absorbing the guidance offered by instructors and the program coordinator, Ms. Paknia studied and actively engaged in networking opportunities and job shadowing sessions. Prior to completing her studies, she secured a permanent job offer from Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD).

Currently serving as a TD small business banking advisor, Ms. Paknia obtained her Investment Funds in Canada certificate in February. She has also completed the first level of the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute's designation and is actively pursuing the second level. Looking towards the future, Ms. Paknia harbors a long-term aspiration of becoming a group head of Canadian business banking at TD or a prominent bank in Canada.

Reflecting on her experience, she regards the EFS program as immensely valuable. She appreciates the insights gained from her instructors' wealth of experiences and emphasizes the significant expansion of her professional network. Filled with optimism about her career prospects, Ms. Paknia also expresses a desire to support others, particularly newcomers, in their quest for employment in Canada.