York University’s Asian Business and Management Program (ABMP) will launch the second series of its Career | Fit professional experience program, which aims to build upon its success in spring and summer 2023 helping Canadian and international university students who identify as Asian launch their careers.
The Career | Fit programs, sponsored by RBC through RBC Future Launch, seek to implement ABMP’s approach to meet the evolving needs of students who identify as Asian. It aims to do so in bridging theory and practice in financial, consulting and tech business environments by equipping students with real-world skills, theoretical knowledge, practical experience and industry insight.
RBC shares that goal in their collaboration with York and ABMP. “When young people succeed, we all succeed,” says Mark Beckles, vice-president social impact and innovation at RBC. “With partners such as York University, we’re working together to meet the evolving needs of students.”
The Career | Fit program runs over six weeks with 12 two-hour, online, non-degree, non-credit sessions and hands-on projects mentored by an experienced professional from a Fortune 500 organization that help accelerate student experiences. “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,” says Tammy Kim-Newman, associate director of employer and alumni engagement from the York University Career Centre.
In the spring and summer of 2023, the inaugural program saw applications double the available spots, indicative of interest in the program and its potential – something Elena Caprioni, ABMP program director, is proud to have met. “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,” she says.
Looking ahead to Series 2 of the Carreer | Fit program, beginning in May 2024, Caprioni is excited to build on the success of Series 1. “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,” she says.
Series 2 will once again offer five programs – focusing on business, data or financial analysis – for up to 120 students (an increase from Series 1) and help change their professional lives. “We aspire to empower students who identify as Asian with practical knowledge, enhance their professional confidence and foster valuable connections with industry experts, helping them to navigate the corporate world and figure out their dream career paths post-graduation,” says Caprioni.
For more information about Career | Fit programs, visit the ABMP website. Applications for Series 2 will open in February.