We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mehnaz Tabassum. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mehnaz below.
Mehnaz, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
As I sat in my cozy office, adorned with motivational quotes and success stories, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey. How did I go from arriving in Canada with just $3000 in my pocket as a 17-year-old immigrant to becoming a successful career consultant, helping young professionals navigate their own paths? It is a story of resilience, determination, and overcoming challenges. My name is Mehnaz, and I am a career consultant, but my path to this point was not always smooth sailing.
I was just 17 years old when I arrived in Canada with only $3000 in my pocket. It was a daunting new world, but I was determined to make the most of my opportunities. I worked tirelessly, studying during the day and taking on multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined to build a better future for myself.
At the age of 20, I landed my first corporate job. It was a stepping stone that set me on a path of success in the government sector. I climbed the ladder, excelling in my roles and earning recognition for my hard work and dedication. But as I climbed higher, I realized that success was not just about climbing the corporate ladder; it was also about making a difference in the world.
Then, the pandemic struck, and it brought to light the harsh reality of food insecurity in my community. I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. Driven by my passion for sustainability and my desire to help those in need, I decided to start a non-profit organization. I poured my heart and soul into it, working tirelessly to provide food to individuals facing food insecurity, and eventually started a program to raise awareness and educate youth on sustainable food systems.
Through this experience, I learned valuable lessons about navigating life and career. I learned the importance of balancing finances, managing time effectively, and building meaningful connections. I also realized that my true calling was not just in climbing the corporate ladder but in using my skills and experiences to make a positive impact on the world.
That realization led me to become a career consultant. I wanted to help young professionals like me, who were navigating the complexities of early careers, just like I did. I wanted to share my experiences, provide guidance, and inspire others to follow their passions and make a difference in their own unique ways.
Today, as I sit in my office, I am filled with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I am grateful for the opportunities life has given me, and I am proud of how far I’ve come. Each day, I get to work with talented and ambitious individuals, guiding them on their career paths, helping them build financial resilience, and encouraging them to pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
My journey has not been easy, but it has been worth it. I am a career consultant who is driven by a mission to empower young professionals, just like I was empowered once upon a time. I am grateful for the experiences that shaped me, and I am committed to making a positive impact, one career at a time.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I am a career consultant with a passion for helping young professionals succeed in their careers and make a positive impact in the world. Drawing from my own experiences and my deep understanding of the challenges that young professionals face, I provide personalized guidance and support to help young professionals navigate their careers, build financial resilience, and pursue their passions with confidence.
My services include career coaching, resume and cover letter review, interview preparation, job search strategies, navigating job search tools such as LinkedIn, and professional development guidance. I also offer workshops and seminars on various career-related topics, such as personal branding, networking, and career transitions.
My brand is built on my personal journey of overcoming obstacles. What sets me apart is my unique blend of real-world experience, empathy, and passion for sustainability. I have walked the path of overcoming challenges, building a successful career, and making a meaningful impact, and I bring that firsthand knowledge to my work. I am dedicated to helping my clients not only succeed professionally, but also align their careers with their values and contribute positively to the world.
I am most proud of my non-profit organization, which has helped countless individuals facing food insecurity and educated youth on sustainable food systems. It has been a deeply fulfilling journey, and it has reinforced my commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
As a career consultant, I want potential clients and followers to know that I am passionate about their success. I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve their dreams and make a positive impact, and I am here to provide the guidance, support, and inspiration they need to do so. I am committed to empowering young professionals to thrive in their careers while staying true to their values and contributing to a better world.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
As a 17-year-old, arriving in Canada with just no financial support was both exciting and daunting. I had to quickly adapt to ‘adulthood’ while also adapting to a new culture, navigate a new city, and learn to use Google Maps to get around. Coming from a country where I was used to relying on public transportation, I found myself facing weather shocks as I experienced my first Canadian winter.
Despite feeling flustered and out of my comfort zone, I quickly realized that I needed to adapt and pivot to the new environment. I learned to invest in warm clothing, including winter boots and a good-quality winter coat. I also familiarized myself with using Google Maps to plan my routes and navigate the public transportation system, which was very different from what I was used to. I learned how to manage my finances, learned how to do my taxes and how to invest to grow my savings. I embraced the challenges as opportunities for growth.
This experience taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of being proactive in overcoming challenges. It was a reminder that sometimes we need to pivot and adjust our approach to thrive in new situations, whether it’s adapting to a new culture, learning new technology, or facing unexpected weather shocks.
Through this experience, I developed a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability, which has been instrumental in my career and personal growth. It has helped me navigate various challenges and transitions with confidence, and I now use this same mindset in my work as a career consultant to empower young professionals to overcome obstacles and thrive in their careers.
Looking back, I am proud of how I embraced the challenges of adapting to a new country and culture at a young age. It was a pivotal moment in my life that shaped my character and mindset, and I am grateful for the resilience and adaptability it has instilled in me. It serves as a reminder that with the right mindset and determination, we can overcome any challenges that come our way and create a successful and fulfilling life.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
As a career consultant, I knew that building a strong social media presence would be crucial in reaching and connecting with my target audience. I started from scratch, just like I did when I arrived in Canada and had to build my life from the ground up.
At first, I was hesitant and unsure about how to approach social media, but I was determined to make it work. I began by researching and understanding my target audience, identifying the platforms they frequent, and tailoring my content accordingly.
I started by sharing my personal story and experiences on social media platforms, including my journey of coming to Canada as a young immigrant, building a successful career in government, and starting a non-profit organization during the pandemic. I shared insights and tips on navigating life and career challenges, leadership development, financial management, and sustainable food systems, which were my areas of expertise.
I also made sure to engage with my audience by responding to comments and messages, and by actively participating in discussions and conversations related to my niche. I utilized relevant hashtags, collaborated with other influencers and organizations, and shared valuable and informative content that resonated with my audience.
As I consistently shared authentic and valuable content, my audience grew organically. I gained followers who resonated with my story, values, and expertise. My audience appreciated the genuine connection and the practical advice I offered.
One of the key lessons I learned during this process was the importance of authenticity and consistency. I realized that being true to myself and sharing my authentic story helped me connect with my audience on a deeper level. I also learned that consistency in posting and engaging with my audience was crucial in building trust and credibility.
My advice to those starting to build their social media presence is to be authentic, identify your target audience, and tailor your content accordingly. Share valuable and informative content that resonates with your audience, engage with them genuinely, and be consistent in your efforts. Building a social media presence takes time and effort, so be patient and persistent, and focus on creating meaningful connections with your audience.
Remember, social media is not just about numbers and followers, but about building a community of like-minded individuals who resonate with your story and expertise. Stay true to your values, be authentic, and provide value, and you will see your social media presence grow and thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://calendly.com/mehnaz-tabassum/career
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explorewithmehnaz/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bosslady.mehnaz.02?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehnaztabassumcareer/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mt8266?lang=en
- Other: https://linktr.ee/mehnaztabassum https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/nleats-food-bank-1.5529064 www.nleats.com https://www.pinterest.ca/mehnaz_tabassum/