From International Experience to Professional Engineering: Manoj and Pooya’s Journey in Nova Scotia

For internationally educated professionals, starting or continuing a career in a new country can take more than experience and qualifications. Understanding the local labour market, building professional networks and navigating licensing requirements can be important steps towards reaching career goals.

For Manoj Roshan Das, P.Eng. and Pooya Nikbakhsh, P.Eng., support from ISANS helped make those steps more manageable.

Both engineers accessed ISANS Employment and Bridging Program, where they received personalized support to strengthen their employment readiness, navigate the Canadian workplace and build on their international experience. They also benefited from the Professional Mentorship Program, gaining opportunities to connect with professionals and better understand the engineering landscape in Nova Scotia.

For Manoj, who brought more than a decade of experience in civil engineering and construction, one of his long-standing goals was to earn his Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation in Nova Scotia. In July, that goal became a reality.

“I am thrilled to share that I have officially earned my Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation in Nova Scotia, a major milestone and a long-standing career aspiration realized after over a decade in the civil engineering and construction industry,” Manoj shared.

He credits ISANS with playing an important role in his journey:

“I am grateful for the support I received from ISANS who greatly contributed to this achievement through the Engineering Bridging program for Internationally Educated Engineers.”

For Pooya, the journey was about learning how to present his international experience effectively, understanding the Canadian job market, and building the confidence to pursue new opportunities. Through ISANS employment support, he strengthened his résumé and cover letter, practiced his interview skills, and developed a clearer approach to the job-search process. His participation in the Professional Mentorship Program also helped him build meaningful professional connections and gain valuable insight into the engineering industry in Nova Scotia.

“ISANS helped me better communicate the value of my experience and approach the job market with greater confidence,” Pooya shared. “The résumé, cover letter, and interview support helped me present myself more effectively, while the mentorship programme gave me valuable industry insight and encouraged me to pursue new opportunities.”

By applying what he learned, Pooya secured two job offers with leading organizations. The support and encouragement he received also motivated him to pursue his P.Eng. assessment. Today, Pooya continues to build his engineering career in Nova Scotia, drawing on both his international experience and the professional knowledge he has gained in Canada. Earning his P.Eng. designation represents an important milestone in that journey and reflects his commitment to continued learning and professional growth.

Today, both Manoj and Pooya are among Nova Scotia’s newest Professional Engineers. Their journeys demonstrate how combining employment support, professional bridging and mentorship can help internationally educated professionals navigate new systems, build meaningful connections and continue moving forward in their careers.

Their stories also reflect an important part of ISANS’ work: helping newcomers recognize the value of the experience they bring, while connecting them with the tools, knowledge and networks to put their skills to work in Nova Scotia.