Bridge Circle: Volunteering leads to Career Success

 

After a two-month break, Bridge Circle returned with the continuation of Season 3, welcoming participants to another inspiring and meaningful session. Our featured speaker was none other than our very own Director of People and Culture, Cristina Balamban, who shared her newcomer journey and presented on the topic, “Volunteering Leads to a Successful Career.”

Cristina shared how she brought her professional experience and valuable skill set to Canada after building a career back home as a Head of Sales and Marketing. Although moving to a new country meant starting over in many ways, she carried with her a strong foundation of transferable skills, a solid work ethic, adaptability, leadership, communication skills, and, most importantly, a willingness to learn and grow.

“Moving to a different country may change your setting, but it does not erase your values,” Cristina said.

For Cristina, volunteering became the bridge that connected her previous experience to new opportunities in Canada. She made a conscious decision to get involved in her community and build connections.

Cristina also highlighted the importance of having a clear career strategy. With a five-year plan in mind, she remained focused on her goals and made sure that her decisions and experiences aligned with her long-term vision.

Her volunteering journey opened doors to new opportunities, including participation in CIWA’s Office Administration Program, which led to a practicum placement at Theatre Calgary. One opportunity led to another, and after her experience at Theatre Calgary, she secured a position at the Distress Centre, where she continued to gain Canadian work experience and develop her skills through meaningful work.

Her dedication, perseverance, and commitment to continuous learning eventually led her to CBFY, where she initially worked as an HR Manager before progressing to her current role as Director of People and Culture.

To further inspire our volunteer participants, Cristina shared four important career lessons drawn from her personal journey:

1. Volunteer with a Purpose. Choose opportunities that allow you to contribute, develop your skills, and move closer to your career goals.

2. Create a Five-Year Plan. Establish a clear vision for your future and take intentional steps toward achieving it.

3. Network with People. Build meaningful relationships, connect with others, and remain open to opportunities that may come your way.

4. Invest in Yourself. Continue learning, strengthening your skills, and embracing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Cristina’s story is a powerful reminder that starting over in a new country does not mean starting from scratch. Through volunteering, strategic planning, networking, and continuous self-development, newcomers can build meaningful connections, gain valuable Canadian experience, and create pathways toward fulfilling careers.

 

Our volunteer participants were moved by Cristina’s experience and were so thankful for the time she shared with them:

“The program is very beneficial. It motivates and inspired us to dream, make a plan to make it come true.”

“Thank you for an insightful session. I was reminded to be more open to different opportunities!”

“Thank you for this wonderful and informative session. I would love to work under your guidance. You are so inspiring!”

“Thank you for sharing your story. It helped me feel more confident and hopeful about my career in Canada”.

 

Bridge Circle Season 3, Episode 3 was a timely reminder that volunteering is more than giving back to the community. It can also be a stepping stone to personal growth, professional development, and career success.