As you will know, at our virtual career fair and case competition on September 27, 2024, the winning team addressed Canada’s low labour market productivity. Arundati Dandapani, Founder and CEO, interviewed the talented winners to share their insights and experiences with the community. Congratulations to the team Harshleen Kour, Bolanle Chris-Ezomoh, Tia Zhou as well as to the jury and sponsors including Bank of Canada, Royal Ontario Museum, ESOMAR, and also to our several employers who supported the event with their booths and time.
Meet the Winners
Hear their story below:
Trends
What are the most surprising workforce trends you encountered while analyzing Canada’s labour market productivity and tackling the social problem you were asked to tackle at Generation1.ca’s Fall 2024 Case Competition?
Tia Zhou: I was fascinated to learn about the uses of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in the workforce. I was aware of how prevalent artificial intelligence (AI) had become, and how it was being integrated into the workforce, as these topics are a frequent point of discussion. However, I hadn’t heard nearly as much about the advancements in VR and AR, nor had I considered how beneficial they could be for training purposes in skilled industries.
Bolanle Chris-Ezomoh: One notable trend I observed while analyzing Canada’s labour market is that many highly skilled immigrant workers face challenges in securing roles that match their qualifications. Often deemed “overqualified” or lacking Canadian experience, they’re forced to take jobs below their expertise to enable them integrate.
Another trend is the outflow of younger Canadians, leaving an older demographic in the workforce. This creates labour shortages, especially as younger residents remaining in Canada often avoid certain job roles, widening the gaps that immigrants are needed to fill.
Harshleen Kour: One of the most surprising trends I observed was the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) into the workforce. These technologies are transforming industries by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing training processes, and improving productivity. AI is being leveraged for data analysis, decision-making, and personalized customer experiences. Meanwhile, AR and VR are revolutionizing training and development, providing immersive learning experiences in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and education. These innovations are not only optimizing workflows but also creating new job roles and opportunities for skilled workers.
Competition Experience
How did presenting live and sharing your findings as a trailer and then presentation shape your approach to communications?
Tia Zhou: This format affected our communication approach because we wanted to ensure our content was engaging and delivered smoothly. In order to capture audience attention, we treated our trailer video as the initial “hook” to our presentation. For the presentation itself, we structured the sections in a logical order and incorporated a segue between different speakers so that listeners would be able to follow along. We also tried to speak clearly so our live audience could understand easily, as they wouldn’t have the option to immediately rewind or rewatch our presentation until the event recording was posted.
Bolanle Chris-Ezomoh: Presenting live and sharing a trailer for our findings made me realize I’m capable of more than I thought. It pushed me to believe in myself and approach communication with confidence. Regardless of the audience—big or small, in-person or virtual—effective communication is key to capturing attention and delivering the intended message. This experience empowered me to challenge myself and aim higher, utilizing the verbal and non-verbal communication techniques learned in the course of study at Conestoga college.
Harshleen Kour: I believe presenting live is incredibly important because it allows you to connect with your audience in real-time, making your message more impactful. It helps you practice clear and effective communication, as you need to explain ideas on the spot and respond to questions or feedback immediately. Live presentations also provide the opportunity to showcase your confidence, enthusiasm, and expertise, which can make a stronger impression than written or pre-recorded content. Overall, presenting live challenges you to think on your feet and refine your ability to engage with diverse audiences.
Insights or Memories
What valuable insights or memories from the career fair and case competition stuck with you most?
Tia Zhou: To me, the most valuable part of the event was the chance to network at the career fair. There were many companies that I was not aware of prior to the event, as well as industries that I had never imagined working in until then. Although I am not a newcomer, I did appreciate connecting with industry professionals and learning about potential careers and future opportunities.
Bolanle Chris-Ezomoh: One valuable takeaway from Generation1.ca’s platform is the recognition and reward for hard work and dedication, which motivates individuals to give their best in every opportunity. As a new immigrant, this experience reassures me that Canada, much like Generation1.ca, is a place of hope and support, where effort is acknowledged, and people are empowered to achieve their full potential.
Harshleen Kour: For me, the most valuable part of the event was the opportunity to network and gain exposure to a variety of industries and professionals. Winning the competition made me incredibly proud, as it recognized our team’s hard work and creativity. It also aligned with Generation1.ca’s mission to empower diverse talent, which is something I strongly believe in.
Collaboration Lessons
How did your team’s solution evolve through collaboration, and what was the biggest lesson from that process?
Tia Zhou: Our team’s solution evolved greatly as each team member brought something different to the project, whether it was idea generation, background research, or previous knowledge. Additionally, our coach was instrumental in our success– not only did she help us understand the expectations, but she also helped consolidate our individual contributions into a cohesive product. In the end, we learned how to combine our separate strengths in order to achieve the best outcome.
Bolanle Chris-Ezomoh: Our team journeyed through the stages of group development: forming, storming, and to performing. Initially strangers from various departments at Conestoga College and with lots of diversities such as age, race & time schedules, we each brought unique perspectives and took responsibility for different parts of the project and through collaboration and dedication, and guidance from our coach, we delivered an outstanding result. The biggest lesson I learned was that any group of people can work effectively together, especially when driven by a shared goal towards success.
Harshleen Kour: Our solution evolved a lot through collaboration. At first, our ideas were a bit scattered, but through open discussions and brainstorming, we developed a more focused and strategic approach. Tia, with her business education background, helped guide our overall strategy, making sure it was practical and scalable. Bolanle brought a fresh perspective to the implementation, helping us think about both short- and long-term impacts. Working together, we created a solution that was both innovative and realistic. The biggest lesson we learned was how valuable diverse perspectives are in improving and refining an idea.
Future Motivations
Winning this competition is a significant achievement and has won you a major cash prize sponsored by the Bank of Canada, Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) memberships among other prizes through Generation1.ca along with your name in our hall of fame of winners. How does this recent victory influence your career aspirations across business, data and insights in an increasingly interdisciplinary and cross-functional world?
Tia Zhou: Throughout my time in college, I’ve developed an understanding of the research process across a variety of courses. Winning this competition serves as an indicator that my study efforts have paid off, as I can now successfully apply my academic knowledge to real-world situations. Moreover, it demonstrates how impactful research can be, regardless of the industry. As a result of these factors, this victory has piqued my interest in research as a potential career field.
Bolanle Chris-Ezomoh: This victory has fuelled my drive to relentlessly pursue success, wherever I am. Every small effort to stand out truly matters. My commitment to my studies led to recognition by my professor, who nominated me for this team. The reward money has further motivated me to aim even higher and serves as a reminder that each effort is worthwhile. This experience also prepares me to work with diverse people in Canada’s labour market as I embark on my career journey here and it pushes me further to actualize my dream to become a coach/consultant to young black women in business.
Harshleen Kour: Winning this competition was a big milestone in my career. It strengthened my passion for combining creativity with data to solve problems. The experience showed me how important collaboration across different fields is—how business, data, and technology come together to create meaningful solutions. This win motivates me to pursue a career where I can use my marketing and insights skills in a digital strategy and data analysis role. I want to work for organizations that value innovation, data-driven decisions, and inclusivity.
Policy Reform
What policy changes or innovations would you like to see implemented as you move into Canada’s future workforce after your program at Conestoga College?
Tia Zhou: I would like to see a more widespread use of workplace training policies that are tailored to strengthen a multigenerational workforce. Today’s workforce is evolving faster than ever, with one long-term trend being the extension of the older generations’ working lives. Employers should take advantage of this by promoting knowledge sharing between workers of different ages. For example, they could focus on implementing “mutual mentoring” programs, wherein both parties are meant to pass on their expertise to one another. Senior workers might share their experiences in the industry, whereas younger generations can help others navigate new technology and modern trends.
Not only would this improve the skills of all employees, but it would also create many new opportunities for innovation by combining the diverse ideas and perspectives of multiple generations. In addition, it could potentially encourage more youth to engage in the workforce, since they would feel that their input is valued even while they are still learning.
Bolanle Chris-Ezomoh: I hope to see policy changes that offer immigrants fair opportunities for their skills and experiences to be acknowledged, enabling them to integrate by working in roles that truly match their qualifications. Recognizing the valuable experience many bring from their home countries is crucial, just as proposed policies that consider immigrants’ credit histories from abroad to improve credit access in Canada. Furthermore, I would like to see more initiatives that encourage young Canadians to contribute to the workforce, helping to bridge current labour gaps and stimulate economic growth.
Harshleen Kour: As an international student, I believe Canada’s future workforce could benefit from a few policy changes. First, there should be more support for programs that help people learn new digital and data skills to keep up with automation and AI. I’d also like to see more opportunities for international students to stay and work in Canada, with policies that help them move into leadership roles. Additionally, policies that balance in-person and remote work would offer flexibility while maintaining productivity. This would encourage international students to invest in their education here, knowing they have great opportunities ahead.
Dream Roles and Careers
What is your dream role or career? Where do you see yourself thrive most professionally?
Tia Zhou: I tend to take a relatively flexible approach to my career path. I place more emphasis on the characteristics of a role rather than the industry in which it operates, and I am open to exploring a range of opportunities. I am of a curious nature, so I seek careers that will consistently engage my passion for learning. Furthermore, I enjoy applying and growing the skills I’ve learned, whether it’s through experience or through my studies. I also strongly value creative thinking, which I use in my problem-solving as well as a variety of artistic endeavours. Therefore, I will be able to thrive in a professional environment that allows me to learn new things, develop my abilities, and exercise my creativity.
Bolanle Chris-Ezomoh: As a seasoned entrepreneur from my home country with extensive experience, I’m passionate about becoming a Coach and Consultant for young women in Canada, especially Black women looking to build their businesses. I aim to mentor and support them as they navigate the unique challenges of entrepreneurship. Starting and growing a business can be daunting, particularly when facing environmental and experiential limitations. My goal is to be a reliable source of guidance, helping these women see further and achieve more than they might on their own.
Harshleen Kour: In 2–3 years, I see myself thriving as a social media strategist in a dynamic, forward-thinking company. My dream role would involve working at the intersection of creativity and data to craft impactful campaigns that engage diverse audiences. I am particularly excited about exploring how emerging technologies like AI, AR, and VR can shape the future of marketing and brand engagement. I hope to contribute to innovative projects that use data and technology to drive meaningful business outcomes while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability in digital strategies.
About the Generation1.ca Case Competition Winning Team “Solution Finders”
About Tia Zhou Tia is a dedicated student who values continuous self-development, emotional intelligence, and attention to detail. She also has a variety of artistic interests, such as origami, wire-wrapped jewelry, calligraphy, nail art, crochet, and more. At Conestoga College, Tia studied General Arts & Science before enrolling in the Business program, where she even graduated with the highest average grade across all courses. She has now transitioned into the final year of the Business Administration – Management program to further refine her skills. Tia was employed as a dietary aide in a long-term care home from 2017-2024, where she also worked as a screener throughout the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She looks forward to exploring new opportunities and gaining experience in a different professional environment.
About Bolanle Chris-Ezomoh Bolanle is a creative, results-oriented entrepreneur with over 14 years of experience as a service provider and mentor in the beauty industry. Known for her visionary leadership and commitment to excellence, she has guided numerous professionals within her industry, fostering growth and innovation. Currently, as a new immigrant to Canada, Bolanle is pursuing a diploma in Management and Leadership Development at Conestoga College, aiming to transition her expertise into consulting and establish her business in the Canadian market. She is recognized for her ability to learn quickly, adapt, and lead with purpose, making her a powerful force for positive change in any setting.
About Harshleen Kour Harshleen Kour is a passionate social media marketing student with a background in science, having completed a Bachelor of Science degree and a passion for blending creativity and data to develop impactful campaigns With a deep interest in combining creativity and data, she has developed strong skills in digital marketing, social media strategy, and content creation. Harshleen is focused on working in interdisciplinary environments that blend business, data, and technology. Her career goal is to work in digital strategy, focusing on social media and insights analysis to drive measurable success.
Congratulations to Conestoga College and Team Solution Finders for their outstanding participation and well-deserved victory. May they continue to learn from this experience and share their valuable knowledge, inspiring others and fostering growth within the community.
