Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Summer 2024. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.

 

 

Overview

Our graduates successfully find employment in the finance and banking industry. Seneca's Professional Excellence in Financial Services Bridging program is being offered in an online virtual classroom format with in-person practical learning and employer engagement events. The next start date is April 2024.

 

THE PROGRAM

Seneca Faculty of Continuing Education and Training, in association with the Canadian Securities Institute, is now offering an accelerated Bridging program for internationally trained professionals with a background in Financial Services.

This program is designed to help you enter into the financial labour market in the shortest time possible. You will learn a variety of topics including strategies for financial services; industry analysis and research; business communication; customer service and client relations; investment funds; effective career planning and progression; economic trends; risk management and compliance; corporate banking and more.

The Professional Excellence in Financial Services (EFS) Bridging program will build on your existing knowledge to prepare you for career opportunities with employers in the financial sector.

This Bridging program is offered in an accelerated format and is 16 weeks in length. Upon successful completion, students will earn a Seneca College Statement of Recognition and will have met the proficiency requirements to apply for the Mutual Fund Dealer - Dealing Representative License.

This dynamic field will appeal to those with prior experience and education in the financial services. It will allow you to bridge your previous experience and establish a quick transition into the Canadian financial labour market.

Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis and spaces are limited to 20 students only.

Complete the EFS program application form.

 

THE INDUSTRY

Toronto is the second largest financial centre in North America. We are on the cusp of trends that are shaping and redefining the financial industry landscape. Technology is a game changer in many sectors of the economy, and this is no less true in the financial industry, yet people remain the heart of economic activity in areas such as retail banking, wealth management, insurance, risk analysis and back office operations. The financial services industry touches on every aspect of the economy and attracting a diverse and adaptable talent pool to feed these needs is crucial.

 

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM

  • 16-week accelerated program
  • Online learning with in-person practical activities
  • Industry-recognized certification
  • Government funded with opportunities for bursaries and financial aid
  • Courses taught by industry-leading instructors
  • Personalized coaching, job search support and professional skills training
  • Networking opportunities with employers and industry experts
  • Job shadowing and mentorship opportunities

Ontario Logo
This Employment Ontario program is funded by the Government of Ontario.


 

Interested in learning more?

Students are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the program and to connect with our team. 

Seneca Part-Time EFS Bridging Information Session 

Tuesday, April 2, 2024
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register Now

Confirmation of registration and a unique link to join the information session will be provided upon registration.

Entry Requirements

  • Relevant degree or diploma from an accredited institution outside of Canada
  • Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) assessment at a minimum of level 7
  • Permanent resident, Canadian citizen or convention refugee; resident of Ontario
  • Presently unemployed or underemployed

Apply Now

To apply for Seneca's Bridging programs, you will be required to complete and email the following documents to bridging@senecapolytechnic.ca:

1. Application Form:
Complete the EFS program application form.

2. Letter of Interest / Cover Letter:
Please indicate the following:

  • Why are you interested in this Bridging Program?
  • What relevant experience do you have?
  • Why do you think you are a good candidate for this Bridging Program?

3. Resume:
Please provide your updated professional résumé in chronological format (most recent experience, first). Ideally, your resume should be 2 full pages in 11 or 12 size font. Please be sure to include the following:

  • All employment that you have held, whether in your field or not, with clear bullet point explanations of your responsibilities and accomplishments
  • All academic qualifications (exact names of degrees, certificates, diplomas, etc.), including any education completed in Canada, with dates
  • Professional memberships, licenses, designations, certifications, etc.
  • Any professional training or skills upgrading that you have completed in or outside of Canada including names of institutions and dates attended
  • Software that you are familiar with and your level of proficiency (basic, intermediate, or advanced)

4. Immigration Status:
You will be required to submit a copy of one of the following: Citizenship Card, Canadian Passport, Permanent Resident Card, or Proof of Refugee Status.  

5. Copies of Academic Credentials:
Please include copies of all academic credentials including Degree(s), Diploma(s) and/or Certificate(s).

  • Credential Assessment:
    If you have a credential assessment available at the time of submission, please include a copy of these results in your application. For more information on approved credential assessment services, please visit Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.

6. CLB Assessment:
Please provide a copy of your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Assessment at a minimum of Level 7.

  • CLB Assessments are free for Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees and Canadian Citizens. For more information and to book an appointment, please contact the YMCA of Greater Toronto at 416-925-5462 or visit the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks for a list of Assessment Centres in Ontario.

Please be advised that there is considerable demand for this Bridging Program and due to the limited number of seats, selection of students follows a competitive process. Shortlisted candidates will be invited meet with staff to assess if they are a good fit.

Curriculum

This Bridging program is being offered in an accelerated 16-week format, with classes taking place Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Courses include:

 Professional Development Practicum in Financial Services
 Customer Service & Client Relations
 Sales Strategies for Financial Products & Services
 Leadership in Financial Services
 Professional and Ethical Standards in the Financial Services Industry
 Business Communications
 Financial Services Industry Analysis & Research
 Effective Career Planning and Progression
 Corporate Banking and Entrepreneurship
 Economic Trends in the Canadian Banking Sector
 An Overview of the Canadian Banking System
 Investment Funds in Canada
 MS Office for Business
 Workplace Culture & Communication
 Risk Management and Compliance in Financial Industry

Program Outcomes

Our graduates have launched their Canadian careers in banks and credit unions, securing positions in retail banking, both frontline and operational.

The Professional Excellence in Financial Services program will provide you with the confidence, skills and industry contacts necessary to successfully land employment in the finance industry. You will learn a variety of topics including strategies for financial services; industry analysis and research; business communication; customer service and client relations; investment funds; effective career planning and progression; economic trends; risk management and compliance; corporate banking and more.

Upon successful completion, you will earn a Seneca College Statement of Recognition and will have met the proficiency requirements to apply for the Mutual Fund Dealer - Dealing Representative License.

Tuition & Financial Aid

You may be eligible to have the cost of the tuition and textbooks covered through the Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program (OBPAP). Please visit the OBPAP website for more information.

Additionally, the following microloan programs are available to internationally trained professionals pursuing education, training or certification for re-entry into their professional field:

To learn more, please join one of our free information sessions.

Information Session

Students are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the program and to connect with our team. 

Seneca Part-Time EFS Bridging Information Session

Tuesday, April 2, 2024
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register Now

Confirmation of registration and a unique link to join the information session will be provided upon registration.

Professional Certification

Students of the Professional Excellence in Financial Services Bridging Program will access the Canadian Securities Institute's (CSI) Investment Funds in Canada (IFC) course and gain the industry recognized certification, as administered by the CSI.

Testimonials

Success Stories from former students

 

Jash Bikash

Jash Bikash immigrated to Toronto from Bangladesh in January 2021. At the advice of a family member, Mr. Bikash Jash enrolled in the Professional Excellence in Financial Services (EFS) Bridging program at Seneca Polytechnic. During his time at Seneca, Mr. Bikash Jash secured a permanent job as a client advisor with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)... read more

Fatemeh Paknia

In October 2022, Ms. Paknia Fatemeh immigrated to Canada where she attended an information session and completed two interviews for the Professional Excellence in Financial Services (EFS) Bridging program at Seneca Polytechnic. Currently serving as a TD small business banking advisor, Ms. Paknia obtained her Investment Funds in Canada certificate in February... read more

Fahimeh Gorzin

When Fahimeh Gorzin immigrated to Canada from Tehran, Iran in 2022, she was determined to continue building her career in the financial industry. The EFS program staff also provided substantial support, boosting Fahimeh's confidence throughout her journey. Before she knew it, she had secured her first professional job in the country. Recently, Fahimeh joined Toronto-Dominion (TD) Bank as a small business advisor... read more

Bareen Hassani

Bareen Hassani and her husband relocated to Toronto from Afghanistan. After months of unsuccessful job applications, her hope was reignited when she learned about the Professional Excellence in Financial Services (EFS) Bridging program at Seneca Polytechnic. While studying, Ms. Hassanin landed a job as an Account Administrator in Recordkeeping at CIBC Mellon Global Securities Services Company... read more

Program Contacts

If you have questions about our Bridging program and would like to learn more, connect with us:


Bridging Team
bridging@senecapolytechnic.ca