2023 CAREER FAIR EMPLOYER SHOWCASE
Virtual Insights Career Fair
Platform used:
April 28, Friday 10 AM - 4 PM EST
TABLE OF CONTENTS About Us
1
CEO Message
2
Meet The Team
3
Employers Showcase 2023
5
Client Testimonials
21
Contact Information
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ABOUT GENERATION1.CA Generation1.ca taps into the overlooked talent and outlook of Canada’s newest residents — a significant and fast-growing demographic of disparate firstmovers who collectively account for Canada's top literacy levels in the G7 nations and high socioeconomic and cultural potential. Founded and led by a multiple-award-winning global researcher, author and immigrant herself, Generation1.ca quickly evolved since its inception in 2016, into an active platform and community that places Canada’s newcomers, legal cannabis and non-profit associations at the forefront of data and insights innovation globally through our wide-ranging knowledge-led resources across formats and channels, powered by our unique and proprietary Moments of Truth (MoT) insight-technology knowledge engine and approach.
FOUNDER & CEO MESSAGE This booklet will offer a showcase of all the participating employers who will be interviewing candidates at our 2023 Virtual Insights Career Fair offered by Generation1.ca. My objective with this booklet is to showcase employers' talent and business needs at our career fair. Use this to gain competitive insights about the different companies and plan how you might work with them in the future. Chart your next steps in navigating the data, business, marketing, insights, and analytics landscapes no matter what your background or experience level. Rooting for your big success at all times. Visit www.generationl.ca or reach me at arundati@generation1.ca.
MEET THE VIRTUAL INSIGHTS CAREER FAIR TEAM SPRING 2023 Bao Nhi Phan
Bao Nhi Phan is a research analyst who aims to make a positive impact in the research industry through data-driven insights and sustainable innovation. She assists businesses in navigating the rapidly changing world of data bu providing top quality service to their clients..
Fathima Zikker
With a Bachelors in Mathematics and Economics, Fathima is pursuing a Research Analyst postgraduate diploma. With her experience in research and data analysis, she aims to simplify data findings making it easy for the ordinary consumer to comprehend. In her free time, she's exploring Toronto, fascinated by its diverse culture and arts scene.
Smita Dhure
Smita Dhure’s expertise in gathering, evaluating, and interpreting data has laid a strong foundation for her as a Research Analyst. Her proficiency in research techniques and statistical analysis allows her to develop effective customer engagement strategies and identify potential revenue opportunities through customer engagement, thus facilitating well-informed business decisions.
Nicholas James
Nicholas James is a Research Analyst Student at Humber College. He holds a MSc International Public and Development Management and a Bachelor of Arts History and Political Science from the University of the West Indies Mona.
Arundati Dandapani
Arundati Dandapani is the founder and CEO of Generation1.ca. She is an award-winning global researcher, author, editor, publisher and data insights leader who drives high business and social impact with her unrelenting passion for insightful storytelling and an exceptional understanding of clients, stakeholders, global business dynamics, geopolitics, technology and diverse sociocultural environments.
MEET THE VIRTUAL INSIGHTS CAREER FAIR TEAM FALL 2023 Ishika Anil Varma
Ishika Anil Varma, a recent graduate in research analysis at Humber College, boasts of a robust foundation in mathematics and a proficiency in utilizing data analysis to uncover valuable insights. Eager to contribute her research expertise, Ishika is enthusiastic about collaborating with a dynamic organization to tackle challenging problems and facilitate informed decision-making.
Jasneet Kaur Chahal
Jasneet Kaur Chahal is a student at Humber College’s Research Analyst Program. Jasneet is highly motivated and eager to learn with experience in social media content creation andcoordinating volunteer initiatives to develop successful community service projects. Deeply passionate about public policy and the education sector and is dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities and inspiring greater civic engagement.
Meera Patel
Arundati Dandapani
Recently enrolled in Humber College’s Research Analyst program, Meera is actively seeking opportunities to bridge the gap between theory and practice. With a dedication to leveraging her mathematical abilities and a genuine passion for continuous learning, Meera is poised to contribute her experience to the practical implementation of data-driven insights. Her goal is to make a significant impact in the domain of quantitative analysis, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a strong drive to apply her skills for tangible results Arundati Dandapani is the founder and CEO of Generation1.ca. She is an award-winning global researcher, author, editor, publisher and data insights leader who drives high business and social impact with her unrelenting passion for insightful storytelling and an exceptional understanding of clients, stakeholders, global business dynamics, geopolitics, technology and diverse sociocultural environments.
BIG ROBIN Grace Fenix has developed a unique platform and marketplace professionals to future-proof their insights prowess with new clients.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? Mind skills: Mastery of Insights and/or Data Science (Computing, AI, ML, Statistical Modeling) to solve business problems Body skills: Has built muscle in an Industry and/or specific domain -- a specific functional mastery or subject matter fluency; a Country, Region and/or global experience; remote and non-hierarchical project and stakeholder management. Heart skills: Communication, authenticity, resilience, empathy Soul skills: Sincere and unwavering ethics, integrity, humility, gratitude.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? Why you are each here. What you have each done. How you each did it. Who you each are.
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What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams at Big Robin in the next 5 years? Project Name Celebrate 5000 researchers earn an average of $50,000 x 5 years.
Find 500 businesses we’ve helped grow and succeed in the market. Earn a Great Place to Work award, and Top big data/AI and market research agency tags and accolades.
CANADIAN RED CROSS Michael Rogers at the Canadian Red Cross' data and analytics team will share the opportunities in data and insights and analytics in the disaster response and non-profits sector.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? All Red Cross programs and activities are guided by the Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality. These principles allow us to provide help immediately to whoever needs it, wherever they are, whatever their race, political beliefs, religion, social status, or culture.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? Our organization is made up of diverse and dedicated individuals who share one common goal: to help people in times of need. The Canadian Red Cross mission has never been more crucial than it is today. From field nurses to software and web developers, we are always looking for new talent with a wide range of skills to help us advance our humanitarian efforts and to sustain our growth. We value our employees as much as we value their work. That’s why after surveying over 10,000 Canadians, Forbes selected the Canadian Red Cross as one of Canada’s best employers.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams at Canadian Red Cross in the next 5 years? Project Name
The Canadian Red Cross Society is part of the largest humanitarian network in the world, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This network includes the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation) and 192 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies dedicated to improving the situation of the most vulnerable throughout the world.. Our network is vast, but our approach is simple.
C-SPAN Angie Seldon of C-SPAN shares her views about the types of talent and values that make C-SPANNERs successful. Take a read and say hello to her.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? Depends on the position, but definitely an interest in and knowledge of current events and politics. also, folks who work well independently and on a team, resourceful and have the ability to work under deadline.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? Staying true to the company's mission statement: providing a balanced presentation of public affairs events without commentary or editing and in its entirety.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams at C-SPAN in the next 5 years? Project Name That's to be determined!
EYES4RESEARCH Rudly Raphael and Jennifer Tapp Smith are looking for helo with their social media support, marketing assistance and are looking for exciting new talent.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? Social media management and engagement, design and email marketing.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? Ideas and innovation; respect for those we work with; work-life balance.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams in the next 5 years? Project Name Develop innovative technology solutions to solve critical problems in our industry such as understand culture in research.
ESOMAR Esomar is looking for candidates with a true passion for data analytics and insights, emphasizing ethical data use and compliance.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? Candidates should have a genuine interest and enthusiasm for the field of data analytics, research, and insights. ESOMAR’s mission revolves around the potential of these areas to improve society, and we look for candidates that share this passion. They should have a strong commitment to advocating for responsible and ethical use of data and insights in projects, ensuring public trust and compliance with the law.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? At ESOMAR we believe in contributing to the advancement of the insights and analytics industry to help improve societies and people’s lives. We deeply value the connections made with members worldwide and the duty of care towards individuals involved in projects.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams in the next 5 years? Project Name By continuously advocating for responsible data use and making the insights industry even more accountable to regulators, legislators, and the public, ESOMAR aims to continually improve and update industry standards to ensure ethical and responsible data collection and analysis.
FUSE INSIGHTS Nick Drew will share his experience and expertise particularly in the realms of audience and media measurement and of running his business.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? Above all, curiosity: an innate sense when seeing any dataset, findings or insights of “yeah but why” or “OK, but what are the implications of that?”. Linked to that, an ability to look at data and want to explain it to non-dataheads – what it means, why it matters, what it changes.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? The fact that we make research accessible, valuable and above all understandable to non-research clients (which is the majority of all clients out there) in ways that change their business outcomes. And that we have principles of how research should be done and why it matters.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams in the next 5 years? Project Name To build out the company; to take those values and scale to provide the same hands-on, small agency service to more clients and on more projects.
HOTSPEX Hotspex is looking for people who have strong quantitative research skills with proficiency in research software and consumer behaviour.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? To excel in the analytics and insights industry, one must possess a diverse skill set. This includes data analysis proficiency, research methodology knowledge, a grasp of quantitative and qualitative research, understanding statistics and consumer behavior, critical thinking, strong communication, project management, industry awareness, client relationship management, cross-cultural sensitivity, data privacy awareness, adaptability, presentation skills, effective teamwork, and robust problem-solving abilities. These skills are vital for a thriving career in analytics and insights, enabling professionals to provide valuable information to clients and stakeholders.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? Hotspex is the innovative insights firm redefining industry norms. Voted #1 most innovative in North America and top 5 globally from 2018 to 2022, we remain vigilant, driven by a deep commitment to uncover not just "what" but also the critical "so what" and "now what." We distinguish ourselves from transactional suppliers, consistently striving to deliver value and comprehend the essence of business.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams in the next 5 years? Our vision is to be the world’s most innovative and impactful brand builders. We have built a global company of over 120 people in Toronto, Vancouver, London, Shanghai, and Singapore. And our teams work with leadership brands in over 30 countries. But we are just getting started. Our goals are to continue expanding geographically, across new industry verticals and building exciting capabilities.
INSIGHTS ASSOCIATION Insights Association seeks adaptable and inquisitive candidates who stay updated on industry trends.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? Adaptability and a curiosity-driven mindset are highly regarded, as our industry constantly evolves, requiring our team members to stay on the cutting edge of industry trends and technologies. We value candidates who possess a strong foundation in research methodologies, data analysis, and critical thinking. Additionally, we look for individuals who excel in communication, both written and verbal, as effective communication is crucial for conveying insights and driving business impact.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? Our employees at Insights Association are most proud of the role they play in promoting and protecting the indisputable importance of insights in driving business impact. We value a deep commitment to delivering meaningful insights and fostering positive change within organizations. We take pride in our ability to facilitate educational and networking events that bring together a diverse and vibrant community of insights professionals across Canada, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within our industry.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams in the next 5 years? Looking ahead over the next five years, our long-term strategic goals include continued advocacy for the insights and analytics industry, ensuring it remains at the forefront of business decision-making. We aim to expand our educational and networking offerings to further empower insights professionals in their careers.
QUESTIONPRO Meet with Dan Jackson and Jeff Lawrence from QuestionPro, Canada and hear about the opportunities in the tech-enabled insights marketplace.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? Entrepreneurial skills, sales acumen, and SaaS Technical ability, all underpinned by research knowledge.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? Our dedication Excellence.
to
Research
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams at QuestionPro in the next 5 years? Project Name Research excellence, customer delight and building new relationships.
RIVAL GROUP Lauren Keen at the Rival Group is looking forward to connecting with candidates who will inspire,with, passion, collaboration and creativity.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? While each role possesses its own specific skill set, we pride ourselves on creating a culture that captures our four core values: results, courage, kinship, and energy. Our values guide how we interact with our fellow RG team members, treat our customers, make decisions and approach our work. Hiring according to our four core values is very important to us!
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? Our mission is to transform the market research industry with the power of conversation and our employees play a huge role in achieving this. We want our employees to feel proud of the career-defining work they put their efforts into every day. Teamwork is at the heart of everything we do, and we want employees to feel proud of our inclusive culture and valued for their input. We strive to create a workplace where employees are recognised for their creativity, passion, achievement, optimism, collaboration and tenacity.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams at Rival Group in the next 5 years? To continue disrupting the market research industry with our innovative technology that will allow businesses to engage with their consumers via organic, mobile messaging-based solutions instead of traditional overly formalized email-based survey techniques.
RECOLLECTIVE Rachael Plamondon at the Recollective is looking forward to connecting with candidates who are customer-driven and passionate about change.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? At RecoIlective, we have a workplace culture that we are particularly proud of. As we continue to grow our company together, we take great care to ensure that the people who join our team share the core values that make Recollective such a great place to work. We are on the lookout for talented people who are customer-obsessed, inspired to seek out new challenges and opportunities, energized by fastpaced change, and driven to blaze their own trail. At Recollective, everyone is a driver - there are no passengers and no excuses.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? At Recollective, our unique backgrounds, personalities, life experiences, and beliefs contribute to our individuality. Collectively, these qualities have shaped a corporate culture that we are all proud of, which values hard work, excellence, humility, and kindness. The five core values at the heart of our work culture are: Transparency, Drive, Excellence, Humanity and Team.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams at Recollective in the next 5 years? At Recollective, our mission revolves around three core principles. First, we're dedicated to creating top-tier software that empowers individuals to engage and collaborate within online communities, ultimately yielding insights that enhance products and services, thus improving lives. Second, we prioritize the well-being of our employees by fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where they can thrive both personally and professionally. Finally, we are committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we are situated through acts of goodwill.
SA MARKET INSIGHTS SA Market Insights are dedicated to providing tailored research solutions for clients by delivering market insights that drive action and are committed to data quality and effectiveness.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? At SA Market Insights, we are looking for candidates with a deep understanding of market research methods, a relentless focus on data quality, and a commitment to delivering reliable and effective insights. We value employees who are not only passionate about understanding our clients; businesses and their customers but also have the ability to create customized research approaches tailored to each client's unique needs.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? At SA Market Insights, we take pride in our dedication to deliver market insights that inspire action. We care about our clients' businesses as much as we do our own, and we understand the complexities of their operations. We pay utmost attention to data methods, quality, reliability, and effectiveness, which ensure that the insights we provide reduce risk in decision making and drive growth for our clients.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams at SA Market in the next 5 years? Our goal is to adapt and evolve alongside our clients' businesses and customers, ensuring that we remain a trusted partner in helping them achieve their growth and development objectives. With a global team located in North America, Europe, and Asia, we are committed to delivering the highest quality market research and data that empowers our clients to make informed, strategic decisions.
SAVANTA Savanta is looking for people who are passionate about data-driven decisionmaking and technology, and take pride in contributing to clients through data, technology, and consulting.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? Savanta, seeks candidates that encompass a deep appreciation and curitosity for data-driven decisionmaking and a passion for technology.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams at Savanta in the next 5 years? Our long-term strategic goals involve becoming an industry leader and a household name, offering our reach, talent, and infrastructure to clients worldwide. Our vision is to make a significant impact on decision-making processes and to empower individuals and businesses to “Make Better Decisions” through a harmonious blend of data, expertise, and technology.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? We value employees who are proud of their contribution to empowering our clients through powerful data, innovative technology, and insightful consulting. Our team members are encouraged to place the highest value on our ability to inform and inspire clients to make better decisions in an increasingly complex world.
SECURIAN CANADA Nigel Branker CEO of Securian Canada is often hailed as a purpose-driven leader, and will also offer some useful tipe for success with Inclusive Futures.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? We are a purpose driven Canadian insurer backed by a Fortune 500 company. We want people who help us in our mission of becoming a progressive employer with a demonstrable commitment to DEIB, becoming best in class insurer in the creditor market & industry leader in the association and affinity market, by focusing on product and digital innovation.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? We create trust by communicating openly and honestly, striving to do what is right, and doing what we say we will do. We treat our customers and each other with respect, compassion, understanding, and dignity. We work hard and hold ourselves accountable to be our best. We are curious and continually learn from successes and failures. We collaborate and celebrate successes together.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams at Securian Canada in the next 5 years? Our vision to be the innovative insurer, trusted by families to provide financial protection through partners who care..
TD With a focus on diversity and inclusion to create a welcoming environment for all, TD seeks candidates with strong communication, interpersonal, adaptability, problemsolving, and leadership skills.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates?
We value candidates who possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as fostering relationships is essential in our mission. Skills such as adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills are also highly essential.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? TD emphasizes a culture of integrity, diversity, and community engagement, and it encourages employees to take pride in their role in fostering these values.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams at TD in the next 5 years? Looking forward, we hope to continue to center our actions on our vision, purpose, and shared commitments, ensuring that diversity and inclusion remain fundamental values that support not only our hiring practices but also our entire culture, ultimately creating a welcoming and barrier-free environment for everyone.
VISTA RESEARCH Pat Johnston is excited to meet with diverse-skilled candidates who bring a broad set of quantitative know-how and an overall hunger for business growth.
What core skills are you looking for in candidates? We value candidates who possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, as fostering relationships is essential in our mission. Skills such as adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills are also highly essential.
What do you want your employees to be most proud of and value? Open communication, a flat organizational structure, continuous learning and sharing knowledge across the organization.
What are the big long-term strategic goals ahead for you and your teams at Vista Research in the next 5 years? Visualizing data, merging and presenting different company datasets (ie from different functional areas), widening of prospect “net” to other Insights professionals. Currently, we cater primarily to market research suppliers/agencies. But, there are CX and UX researchers that we can approach. Also interested in approaching client-side companies directly. Building on and expanding social media presence.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS FOR FOUNDER & CEO OF GENERATION1.CA Shipra, Toronto, Canada Being new to Canada, I didn’t know a lot of people here, so within a couple of days of landing, when I saw this opportunity, I registered myself for the job fair without wasting a second. On the day of the event, I met so many incredible employers and got on-the-spot 1-on-1 interviews with them. I had just started my program at my university, but I already had a potential job offer in my hand for when I graduated later that year. I got hired by that company as soon as I finished my studies, and I have Arundati to thank for that. Had it not been for the career fair she organized, I would have spent so much time searching for a job after graduation.
Christine, Wisconsin, USA Arundati does a million things well, and ALWAYS goes above and beyond to advise our teams on top insights, market trends and opportunities in the global research and data analytics industry. She single-handedly envisioned and led the best North American data analytics and insights virtual career fair that got our teams and brand visibility as a leading ResTech firm, and has consistently connected us to high-performing diverse talent. I applaud and recommend her inspiring leadership, sparkling personality, hard work and commitment to helping our industry win big-time over and over again!
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS FOR FOUNDER & CEO OF GENERATION1.CA Mayur N, Toronto, Canada In the past and again on September 29, 2023, I participated in a career fair organized by Generation1.ca, under the leadership of Arundati Dandapani. During the event, I had the opportunity to connect with the HR representative from the company I had always aspired to work for. As a result, I successfully secured the role of Research Analyst. Arundati's dedication, direction and the professional development opportunities provided by Generation1.ca are truly inspiring, making this career fair and case competition a must-attend for anyone looking to kickstart and also advance in their career in data, analytics and insights
Kangan Sharma, Toronto, Canada The interactive Q and A session with Professor Arundati and the various student teams provided valuable insight into the challenges of sourcing localized data for AI research. The participants’ experiences highlighted the scarcity of publicly available research on AI by Canada, emphasizing the need for improved data accessibility. The mention of utilizing Reddit comments for qualitative analysis underscores the significance of unconventional sources in gaining insights, especially when traditional research avenues prove limited. This experience illuminates the complexities researchers face in navigating the vast landscape of statistical data and emphasizes the importance of innovative approaches to gather relevant information.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS FOR FOUNDER & CEO OF GENERATION1.CA Shanon Peck, Toronto, Canada There is something special about having a skill recognized. For me, in a conversation with an employer, I was told that one of my skills of being able to do social media analysis was quite valuable – on par with working with AI in some regards. The job market has never been particularly easy for neurodiverse people, so hearing something I had was recognized as important helped me feel more positive about my future.
Vishal SIngh Thakur, Toronto, Canada The Career Fair on September 29 provided me with invaluable advice on the importance of networking and building relationships in the industry. It emphasized that often, opportunities arise from connections made, and this insight has driven me to actively engage with professionals in the field.
Farzaneh Taheri, Ottawa, Canada Generation1.ca’s case competition and job fair provided us with a valuable opportunity to evaluate our understanding and analytical skills and become acquainted with industry best practices and employers
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS FOR FOUNDER & CEO OF GENERATION1.CA Shiwei Wang, Toronto, Canada At the Generation1.ca Career Fair, I learned that we can bring about meaningful societal impact and help society become a better place for everyone by using research findings and data. From a research perspective, we need to maintain a holistic view and be data literate to interpret what is happening in the world.
Falgun Bagdai, Toronto, Canada My favourite advice learned from Generation1.ca’s Career Fair was the importance of networking and building a personal brand because it emphasized the power of making connections, both online and in person and showcasing your expertise. This insight has been reinforced by other experiences, and I’ve learned that building a strong professional network can open doors to exciting opportunities.
Omar TO Salemi, Toronto, Canada The most important takeaway from the job fair was in preparing us students for the marketplace and trying to make us more familiar with it. This may seem like a general insight, but I see it as the most critical one.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS FOR FOUNDER & CEO OF GENERATION1.CA Guncha Paliwal, Toronto, Canada My favourite piece of advice was in the morning panel led by Professor that soft skills and data storytelling are essential for research analysts because they bridge the gap between technical knowledge and effective communication. Strong skills in communication, critical thinking, and adaptability, improve cross-functional team collaboration and enable analysts to engage effectively with stakeholders. Data storytelling is critical for turning complex data into narratives that are not only understandable but also engaging to decision-makers. The combination of these abilities not only increases the analyst’s capacity to communicate findings, but also adds to professional development, stakeholder relationships, and the overall influence of data-driven decision-making in the organizational environment.
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