Biyanka Hettigoda arrived in Canada in February 2020, just a few weeks before Ontario entered its first COVID-19 lockdown. Biyanka came to Canada with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance and limited experience as an internal audit trainee. She struggled to find a position in her field that harnessed her skills. After applying to various jobs here in Canada with no luck at all, her friends suggested that she contact ACCES Employment.  

When it came to looking for a job in Canada, Biyanka admits that she didn’t know where to start or how to get an interview. She soon joined the Destination Employment Program at ACCES where she worked closely with an Employment Consultant and an Employer Liaison to polish her soft skills. She also focused on developing a resume that better reflected her abilities, knowledge and education. Biyanka found the program’s one-on-one sessions and mock interviews especially beneficial in helping her prepare for various job applications.  

“The one-on-one support boosted my confidence,” Biyanka says. “The ACCES team taught me what to do and say in an interview and also what not to do and say.”  

Just three months after starting the program, Biyanka accepted a job offer at Gin Healthcare as a Junior Bookkeeper.  She attributes her success to the program.  

“I’m excited that I landed a job in my field, which would have been impossible without the support of the team at ACCES Employment. The consultant and employer liaison supported me from day one until I signed the offer. I even reached out for advice on what to wear for my interview. It was important to get that guidance and support.”