On August 9, 2026, the ECSSEN Career School Career Development Department successfully held the third event in its annual Career Salon series at Crowfoot Library – a job hunting skills and resume writing guidance session.
Jeff Zheng, the department’s Career Skills Training program leader and a senior electrical designer, shared practical strategies for obtaining professional positions in Canada, drawing on his own three successful job applications. The content covered core points such as job information gathering, resume writing, interview preparation, networking, and summarizing job hunting experiences. The presentation was well-structured, full of highlights, and featured vivid examples, generating enthusiastic responses from the audience. Following the presentation, Landi Yang, Director of the Career Development Department and Career Coach, highly praised and fully affirmed Jeff’s lecture, providing supplementary information from a professional perspective and offering targeted suggestions for revising the resumes of two participants.
The post-event survey results showed that 100% of the participants found the event helpful, with 75% expressing “very satisfied” and “very helpful.” We are sincerely pleased and look forward to the career salon series providing practical support and inspiration to more job seekers!
Over the course of four days, the ECSSEN Career School Career Development Department conducted midpoint check-ins with students participating in the Summer Job Program. Through both in-person and virtual workplace visits, we had the opportunity to connect with each student, gain insight into their day-to-day responsibilities, and hear firsthand about their experiences and reflections on their roles.
Across six different departments, our 14 summer students have been making meaningful contributions to a wide variety of projects. Some showcased tangible accomplishments, such as developing a drone capable of identifying damaged items or creating a 3D model of a construction site they are working at. Others demonstrated digital projects, including designing a video game, developing a website, and preparing training documentation. Meanwhile, several students have been supporting essential day-to-day operations by managing invoices, communicating with donors, or responding to hotline inquiries. Although each role is unique, every student has become deeply engaged in their work and has embraced the responsibilities of their position since the start of the program.
When reflecting on the skills they have gained, students shared a diverse range of experiences. Many highlighted technical skills specific to their industries, while others emphasized broader professional development, such as adapting to full-time employment and working in an office environment. Beyond the technical knowledge they acquired, students consistently recognized the value of developing transferable soft skills. Communication with supervisors and colleagues, time management, organization, collaboration, and problem-solving were repeatedly identified as essential to succeeding in their roles and skills that will continue to benefit them throughout their careers.
Like any new professional experience, each role has presented its own challenges. From spending long days at construction sites and learning entirely new programming languages to finding structure within larger organizations, every student has encountered obstacles unique to their position. Many described adjusting to unfamiliar workplace environments, taking on new responsibilities, and navigating greater independence for the first time. Rather than viewing these challenges as setbacks, students recognized them as valuable learning opportunities that strengthened both their technical abilities and professional confidence.
Students were also asked whether they would appreciate greater collaboration with peers within their departments and across the Summer Job Program as a whole. The majority expressed interest in having more opportunities to connect with one another. Their responses reinforce the importance of building professional networks early in one’s career. As industries continue to evolve and career paths become increasingly dynamic, forming meaningful connections can open doors to future opportunities in unexpected fields.
When asked whether they believed their summer position would contribute to their future success, every student responded positively. Not only did they feel the experience would benefit their future careers, but many also expressed interest in returning to their current role if given the opportunity. Several students noted that even if their position was not directly aligned with their long-term career aspirations, they had still gained valuable skills, industry exposure, and workplace experience. They also appreciated having supportive supervisors who encouraged questions, mentorship, and opportunities to explore areas beyond their assigned responsibilities.
The overarching message our students would like to share with future participants is simple: be adaptable, be open-minded, and be flexible. Every workplace, role, and department offers a different experience, and responsibilities often evolve over time. While not every aspect of a job can be controlled, students emphasized that applying yourself, taking initiative, and remaining willing to learn are the qualities that ultimately lead to a successful and rewarding experience.
We are incredibly proud of our summer students and all they have accomplished throughout the program. During our site visits, it was evident that each student has been working diligently, a sentiment echoed by their supervisors. We extend our sincere appreciation to ECSSEN Career School Career Development Department, ECSSEN Food Rescuer, ECSSEN Chinese Emotional Support Hotline, Second Fiddle Studios, AdvancedUAV, and Arveco for supporting our students thus far. As they enter the final weeks of the program, they are eager to finish strong, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements during the closing ceremonies on August 7!
ECSSEN Career School is proud to announce the recipients of our 2026 Scholarships and Awards!
爱心学校荣幸地宣布2026年度奖学金和奖励的获得者！
Made possible through the generosity of our donors, these scholarships recognize outstanding students across disciplines including engineering, sports, law, the arts, and more. With a combined value of $7000, we are pleased to celebrate this year’s accomplished recipients.
Yuan Xing Chinese Canadian Community Service Scholarship — Kwok Hin Sixto Szeto
Ailian Liu ECSSEN Chinese Social Service Scholarship — Fangyuan (Rachel) Ren
Hong Wang ECSSEN Female Entrepreneurship Scholarship — Maya Liang
Jeremy ECSSEN Future Business Pioneer Scholarship — Edward Chen
Jade Sunrise Law ECSSEN Law Scholarship — Ruilin Luo
Jun Xiao ECSSEN Immigrants Possibility Scholarship (Medical) — Susan Zhang
Yan Gong ECSSEN Woman in Engineering Scholarship — Michelle Xi
Sam’s ECSSEN Sports Award — Serena Jiang
Fion’s ECSSEN Arts Award — Natalie Liu
2026奖学金及奖励获得者
远行落基枫华爱心华社服务奖学金 — Kwok Hin Sixto Szeto
刘爱莲爱心社会服务奖学金 — Fangyuan (Rachel) Ren
王虹爱心女性小企业家奖学金 — Maya Liang
徐双烨爱心商学奖学金 — Edward Chen
顶誉律师行爱心法学奖学金 — Ruilin Luo
肖俊爱心医学奖学金 — Susan Zhang
龚彦爱心工程女性奖学金 — Michelle Xi
Sam 爱心体育奖 — Serena Jiang
Fion 爱心艺术奖 — Natalie Liu
Each scholarship attracted an exceptionally competitive pool of applicants, reflecting the remarkable talent and dedication of all those who applied. Candidates were evaluated through a comprehensive selection process based on their academic achievement, community involvement, and engagement with ECSSEN.
Recipients were selected by a committee composed of scholarship donors, ECSSEN Career School executives, and other respected community members. Following careful review and thoughtful deliberation of each and every candidate, the committee then selected the candidates who best embodied the values and objectives of each respective scholarship.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our generous donors for investing in the success of our students, to our selection committee for their time and thoughtful consideration, and to the ECSSEN Career Department for creating meaningful opportunities that connect students with community support.
A final congratulations to all of our scholarship and award recipients. Your dedication, perseverance, and achievements have earned this well-deserved recognition. We look forward to seeing the impact you will continue to make in your communities and beyond!
From July 3rd to 5th, 2026, ECSSEN Career School Career Development Department IgniteYouth Club was proud to host our first ever three-day culinary training program!
Over the course of three days, participants had the opportunity to learn from Wendi, a professional baker, as well as Natalie, Kerry, and Zhang Ning. Together, they explored a wide variety of recipes, including Dorayaki, Red Bean Ice Jelly, Fruit Drinks, Snowflake Crisp, Rice Balls, Tiramisu, Egg Yolk Pastry, Mango Mochi, and Dubai Chocolate Cookies. The training was designed to be fully hands-on, with students rotating through different stations so that everyone had the chance to make every recipe. Beyond cooking, participants also learned essential kitchen safety, food safety, and hygiene practices while gaining experience working in a commercial kitchen.
At the end of the training, we gathered to reflect on everything we had learned over the past three days. Executives and participants shared their key takeaways, highlighting the importance of communication, teamwork, and learning new skills together. We also began discussing how we will apply our new knowledge throughout the summer, with members already planning which recipes and creations they hope to make in the future.
We were also grateful to welcome Jilin Wang, President of ECSSEN Career School, for the final portion of our training. Thank you for taking the time to join us. We were delighted to hear your encouraging words, and we hope you enjoyed sampling some of the treats we prepared!
A huge thank you to Wendi for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her expertise with us. We are also grateful to all of our IgniteYouth executives for bringing this training to life, as well as our dedicated adult volunteers who were always ready to support us throughout the three days. And of course, thank you to all of our participants!
This training also marked the first official event for our incoming IgniteYouth executive team. These executives are currently completing their probationary period after being selected through an open house and interview process led by our current IgniteYouth leaders. This experience gave our current executives the opportunity to develop practical leadership, communication, and interviewing skills while selecting the next generation of leaders. We hope the process has also provided our incoming executives with a meaningful introduction to ECSSEN Career School and will help them continue to build valuable skills and experience as they grow into their new roles. A warm welcome to all of our new executives!
This weekend, ECSSEN’s IgniteYouth Club was proud to host its Dragon Boat Festival Youth Cultural Exchange Event at the Central Library. We welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and learn more about the Dragon Boat Festival and the richness of Chinese culture.
With the support of local cultural organizations in Calgary, more than 130 participants had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture through a variety of interactive activities hosted at each organization’s booth. Participants explored the traditions, customs, and cultural significance of the Dragon Boat Festival through experiences such as zongzi making, DIY sachet crafting, a wish wall, traditional calligraphy, a math game, and watercolour art.
We would like to extend our warmest and most heartfelt thanks to our supporting organizations and sponsors, including Ming Zhi Jiao Yu, Macleod Trail Toyota, Light 4 Disability Society, Yangfan Chinese, Tianjin Peixin Education, and Birdie for Kids. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to our special guests from the Chinese Consulate, Consuls Hou and Zhang, for their attendance and support of this event.
A special thank you goes to the more than 40 youth volunteers who dedicated the past two months to planning and organizing this event. We are equally grateful to the parent and adult volunteers who supported our youth team and helped make the event a success. Without their time and dedication, this event would not have been possible.
Whether through food, crafts, or meaningful conversations, this event highlighted the importance of cultural exchange, education, and community connection. ECSSEN looks forward to continuing to host events like this in the future. We warmly invite all community members to participate in upcoming events, stay engaged, and consider joining us in planning and hosting such events!
On June 13th, ECSSEN Career School Career Development Department held its second Career Salon series lecture, focusing on road and bridge traffic engineering.
We were honored to have Lei Ma, Hardwin Zhen, and Ming Jiao as our guests, who shared their industry expertise, professional experience, and valuable career advice. Attendees gained in-depth understanding of practical information in this field, including potential career paths and employment opportunities.
We sincerely thank our two guest speakers for taking the time to share their knowledge and experience, and we also thank everyone who attended and participated in this event. We hope the information provided in this lecture will be beneficial to your career development.
Please stay tuned for more Career Salon series lectures from ECSSEN Career School in the future!
On June 6th, the IgniteYouth Club’s annual Open House, hosted by the ECSSEN Career School Career Development Department, was successfully held at Calgary Central Library. The event attracted many teenagers and their parents, who witnessed the growth and achievements of the past year.
This year, the IgniteYouth Club has 12 Executive Members, 5 of whom successfully completed their youth memberships while finishing high school and have officially graduated from the club, about to embark on a new chapter in their university lives.
At the event, team members shared and presented their valuable experiences from the past year in community service, event planning, and cultural exchange, and introduced the club’s development history and future plans, attracting more people to participate.
The sharing session was the most memorable part of the day.
Many members confessed that before joining the IgniteYouth Club, they were afraid to speak in public and hesitant to express their thoughts. However, through organizing activities, planning projects, hosting meetings, and collaborating as a team, they gradually broke through their barriers, built confidence, and improved their communication and public speaking skills.
Now, they can confidently stand on the stage, clearly presenting their project achievements and showcasing their unique personalities and charm. The sharing was humorous and engaging, with members actively interacting with the audience, building genuine connections in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, and earning rounds of applause.
Besides their growth in skills, many members also shared the precious friendships they gained in the club. By collaborating with other young people who share a passion for community service and concern for social development, they built strong friendships and support networks. At the same time, in balancing their studies, extracurricular activities, and personal lives, they also learned how to persevere in completing projects, take responsibility, and maintain a positive attitude when facing pressure and challenges. These valuable experiences and skills will not only greatly benefit your university studies but also lay a solid foundation for your future career development.
After the event, many teenagers and parents expressed strong interest in the IgniteYouth Club, actively learning about membership applications and future activities, hoping to join this vibrant youth community full of growth opportunities.
The IgniteYouth Club is committed to providing a platform for teenagers to grow, practice, and realize their potential. Unlike many traditional adult-led programs, this club encourages teenagers to become true organizers, planners, and leaders, enabling members to transform their creativity, ideas, and passion into practical action.
ECSSEN Career School provides them with the necessary platform, resources, guidance, and support to help them turn their ideas into reality.
More importantly, the club aims to help young people build a belief that everyone has the power to influence those around them and change society. When teenagers are willing to express themselves proactively, dare to try new things, and dedicate their passion to service and practice, they not only create a positive impact but also discover a better version of themselves.
Many members already possess rich and comprehensive practical experience before entering university. These experiences not only helped them stand out in college applications, scholarship applications, and future job hunting, but also allowed them to acquire and master core competencies valued in the workplace earlier than their peers.
In today’s highly competitive environment, excellent academic performance is certainly important, but what truly gives young people a competitive edge among applicants with similar backgrounds is often these comprehensive qualities. And these are precisely the lifelong skills the club hopes to help young people cultivate.
Therefore, IgniteYouth Club is not only a volunteer service organization, but also a community that accompanies young people in their growth and transformation.
Thank you to all club team members, volunteers, parents, and community partners for their strong support and participation in this event! In the future, IgniteYouth Club will continue to launch more diverse and enriching youth development programs, providing young people with more opportunities for learning and growth. We welcome more passionate and innovative young people to join us, ignite their youthful passion, and create limitless possibilities!
The “Career Bridge Talent Matching Event – Calgary’s First Annual Chinese SME Recruitment and Exchange Activity,” jointly organized by the Career Development Department of ECSSEN Career School, the Canada-China Cultural Exchange and Communication Center, the New Immigrant Center, and the Apollo Calgary Community Service Station, was successfully held on May 23rd at the Center for Newcomers.
The event attracted over 20 companies and organizations, covering various industries including education and training, administration, marketing, engineering and technology, financial services, and tourism and catering. More than 200 participants attended, and ECSSEN Career School also took this opportunity to set up a booth to recruit summer workers, attracting numerous job seekers and receiving a large number of high-quality applications, adding a highlight and vitality to this year’s summer recruitment efforts.
The event aimed to “build a bridge between businesses and talent,” creating direct and efficient talent matching opportunities for local businesses and job seekers through company booth exchanges, job consultations, resume submissions, and face-to-face communication.
Based on follow-up questionnaire feedback:
96% of job seekers indicated that the event helped them understand employment and career development opportunities.
Approximately 80% of job seekers established meaningful exchanges and connections during the event.
Nearly 90% of job seekers expressed their desire to participate in similar events in the future.
Company feedback was equally positive:
100% of company representatives expressed satisfaction with the overall organization of the event.
Over 90% of companies felt that the quality of job seekers they encountered during the event was good.
Nearly 90% of companies indicated their willingness to continue participating in future events.
As one of the important practices of ECSSEN Career School Career Development Department in promoting employment support services, this event not only provided a talent matching platform for companies but also helped job seekers understand market demands more directly, establish local career connections, and explore career development opportunities.
In the future, the ECSSEN Career School Career Development Department will continue to collaborate with community partners to conduct more career development, employment support, and talent matching activities to help job seekers enhance their employment competitiveness and build a more efficient and convenient talent exchange platform for local companies.
Thank you to all participating companies, partners, volunteers, and job seekers for your support and participation! Looking forward to seeing you all again next time!
ECSSEN Career School Career Development Department Activity Review (January–April 2026)
Since the beginning of 2026, the ECSSEN Career School Career Development Department has continuously promoted career development, cultural heritage preservation, and community participation for youth and adults. Through a variety of activities, it has built a platform for new Chinese immigrants and youth to learn, exchange ideas, and serve the community. The following is a review of the activities and recent project applications:
ECSSEN Nonprofit Community Service Funding Application Sharing Seminar
On February 6th, the ECSSEN Career School Nonprofit Community Service Funding Application Sharing Seminar, organized by the Career Development Department, invited senior social worker Sabrina Song as the keynote speaker, attracting over 60 participants online. The seminar focused on community service funding applications, proposal writing techniques, and communication with funders, providing local nonprofit organizations and community workers with practical experience and a platform for exchange.
2026 Spring Festival Culture Charity Event
On March 1st, the ECSSEN IgniteYouth Club successfully organized a Spring Festival culture charity event. The event featured traditional cultural experience booths such as lantern riddle guessing and making glutinous rice balls, attracting many teenagers and community residents. Everyone enjoyed the relaxed and warm atmosphere of the traditional Chinese festival, strengthening connections through interaction and laughter.
Participation in “International Chinese Language Day” Cultural Activities
On April 18th, the ECSSEN IgniteYouth Club participated in the “International Chinese Language Day” event organized by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary at Calgary City Hall. The youth volunteers actively participated in event design, setup, venue coordination, and other assistance, demonstrating their enthusiasm and sense of responsibility in supporting the promotion of Chinese culture and participating in community cultural activities.
Career Salon Series – Supply Chain Session
On April 25th, the ECSSEN Career School hosted a Career Salon Series – Supply Chain Career Salon, featuring a special guest, career mentor David Hoang, who shared insights on supply chain industry trends, professional experience, and employment advice. Participants gained a deeper understanding of industry development and career planning through interactive discussions, further broadening their career horizons.
Wing Kei Senior Home Music Performance – Charity Event
On April 25th, the IgniteYouth Club also held a charity talent performance at the Wing Kei Senior Home. Ten young performers presented a blend of Chinese and Western musical programs for the seniors, including piano, songs, and instrumental performances. The youths accompanied the seniors with music, bringing warmth and joy to the nursing home, and also learning the importance of care and companionship through community service.
ECSSEN Youth Crochet Program
In addition, since March, the ECSSEN IgniteYouth Club has been holding weekly “Youth Crochet Group” activities every Saturday, led by experienced crochet instructors to teach teenagers crochet techniques. The activities not only help teenagers cultivate focus and creativity but also provide a warm space for relaxation, communication, and friendship building.
2026 Summer Job Students Hiring
In mid-April, the federal government officially approved the ECSSEN 2026 Summer Job Program. The program is currently recruiting, with an application deadline of May 15th. Multiple positions are available, covering various fields such as administration, marketing, software testing, engineering, 3D design, and architectural design, providing valuable practical and work experience opportunities for local youth. Qualified students are welcome to apply.
2026 ECSSEN Scholarships Application Now Open
Since its launch in early March, the 2026 ECSSEN Scholarships program is now open for applications. The application deadline is May 31st. Nine scholarships are available, and outstanding students are encouraged to apply. Eligible students are welcome to submit their application materials. Please feel free to share this post to support young people in pursuing their dreams and personal growth.
Thank you to all the youth, volunteers, mentors, and community partners for your continued support and participation. Moving forward, the Career Development Department of ECSSEN will continue to organize more meaningful youth and community activities, growing together and creating more wonderful memories!
This week, we welcomed our summer students to the 2026 ECSSEN Summer Job Program! With 14 students joining us in various positions—from game programmer and 3D artist to documentation clerk—we are excited to see what these summer students will accomplish over the next eight weeks in their full-time roles.
We started off our orientation with opening ceremonies, where our summer students had the opportunity to meet one another and their supervisors, as well as become familiar with the organizations they will be working with. Then, they participated in comprehensive and engaging training sessions on conflict resolution, communication, and goal setting. Each session provided valuable insights and hands-on simulations that students will be able to apply in their upcoming roles. The day concluded with students setting and sharing their goals for the program—goals we are committed to supporting them in achieving.
Thank you to our supporting organizations, management staff, and ECSSEN team for helping provide our students with such a memorable start to the summer. Sincere gratitude is also extended to our three presenters, DavidHoang, Lovelin Johnson, and Landi Yang for delivering such informative and engaging training sessions.
We are excited for these 14 summer students and cannot wait to see what they accomplish during their time in the ECSSEN Summer Job Program. We are confident that they are both prepared and capable, and we hope this experience will provide lasting value that extends well beyond the summer. Whether through the development of soft skills or technical expertise, we look forward to seeing each student grow professionally and personally over the coming weeks.
Welcome to the 2026 ECSSEN Summer Job Program: we wish all of our students a rewarding and successful summer!
