On July 13, 2024, over 1,000 international students gathered in Toronto for the 11th annual BAPS Charities Youth Seminar. This event brought together students from colleges and universities across Canada to connect with leaders and professionals from diverse fields such as business, finance, healthcare, skilled trades, and technology.
The seminar boasted a lineup of notable speakers, including Dr. Rakesh Kantaria, Professor Seneca Polytechnic; Rakesh Brahmbhatt, Director of Infrastructure Management at CIBC; Divesh Parekh, a Financial Advisor at CIBC, and Dipesh Patel, Manager at Applewood Pharmacy. These experts provided invaluable career guidance through panel discussions and tackled topics ranging from academic challenges to overcoming life hurdles. Nimit Soni, the Scarborough Branch Manager at ICICI Bank Canada, also delivered an engaging presentation on financial planning.
A special highlight was the participation of Hon. David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development, as the chief guest. Minister Piccini emphasized the significant contributions of newcomers to Ontario’s growth and engaged in a lively Q&A session that offered deep insights to attendees.
The seminar aimed to arm delegates with the necessary tools for successful career planning, balancing personal aspirations with real-world challenges, and fostering integrity in both their professional and personal lives. It also served as an excellent networking opportunity, allowing attendees to forge connections with industry professionals and their peers.
The day concluded with a networking dinner that encouraged further discussions and sharing of ideas, enriching the participants’ experience and broadening their perspectives on navigating life and career in Canada.
