By Mari Matsuo, as interviewed by Sharon Aschaiek

Workplace Communication Skills for Professional Managers

For Mari Matsuo, moving with her family from Brazil to Canada in 2022 was a way to pursue new life opportunities. After 19 years in the banking industry, Mari settled in Oshawa to plan a new career in human resources.

To help her find her way in Ontario’s employment market, Mari enrolled in an Occupation-specific Language Training course at Georgian College called Workplace Communication Skills for Professional Managers. There, Mari learned effective ways to interact with coworkers and supervisors in Canadian business workplaces. She also had the opportunity to develop her communication skills on the job, which improved her job-search skills.

The OSLT course equipped Mari with the workplace knowledge and language skills that helped her secure a human resources internship in the Canadian public service. Since then, Mari has advanced to become a program advisor for the government.

Here, Mari shares her experience in the course.

What were some of the helpful things you learned in the Workplace Communication Skills for Professional Managers course?

One of the main things I learned was how communication in Ontario workplaces is often very collaborative, concise and relationship-focused. The course helped me better understand professional expectations and communication styles in meetings, presentations and workplace interactions. The most useful communication skills were professional networking and adapting communication to different audiences and workplace situations.

What did you learn about the culture of Ontario workplaces that was particularly helpful?

I learned how to give and receive feedback, act with professionalism and how important relationship-building is in the Ontario workplace.

How were you supported by your faculty?

My faculty member was extremely supportive, encouraging and approachable. He created a safe environment where internationally trained professionals could feel comfortable practising and improving their communication skills.

How did this OSLT course help you with your career development?

The course helped my career by strengthening my communication confidence and by helping me better navigate the Canadian workplace culture, which supported my networking, interviews, presentations and day-to-day collaboration.

Would you recommend this course to other newcomers to Ontario?

I would absolutely recommend this program to other newcomers in Ontario. It’s a great opportunity to improve workplace communication skills, understand Canadian workplace culture, build confidence and connect with other internationally experienced professionals going through similar transitions.