ACSESS CHAMPION: Shafaat Mehdikhanli

Building a career in financial services

“I viewed Canada as an ideal country – offering excellent education, safety and a good lifestyle for a family. That’s why I always knew that I would have to leave my home and immigrate to Canada one day to explore more diverse opportunities for advancing and developing my career.

I smile when I think about the long journey that eventually led me here and to the caring and talented team at Supertemp in Halifax.  I had just arrived in Canada last November when I first met Georgina Caldwell and the team. I was referred to Supertemp by the Immigrant Settlement Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), a remarkable group that helps immigrants when they arrive in Canada. I knew I was in the right place at Supertemp and was so relieved to have such impressive people working with me to find my first Canadian job. They helped me enhance my skills and start learning about Canada’s culture.
 
I am proud of my accomplishments. I graduated from with a  BSc, International Economic Relations (Specialization in Accounting and Finance)  from Azerbaijan State Economic University in Baku and began my career as a finance intern at the United Nations Office In Azerbaijan. I earned a Masters of Science (MSc) in Banking along the way while honing my skills at Yapi Kredi Bank, Turan Bank and PwC in Azerbaijan and Unicredit S.P.A. in Italy. I even worked as a manager selling toys for a short time in the U.S.

You hear stories from immigrants who can’t find work in their chosen field in their new country. Right from the start, Georgina said she was impressed by my background and wanted to find me a role in my field. Supertemp has an amazing team who care about their clients and want to help everyone meet their goals. They have excellent connections in the Halifax area and within a few weeks I had a temporary job at Metropolitan Regional Housing Authority, working as a senior accountant.  I love what I do and I was committed to working very hard.  They offered me full time work in March. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, given my wife is expecting. I am looking forward to growing with my new employer and studying towards my Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Temporary work has opened the door to a bright future for me and my family.