As I look back to 2001, the first time I handled an international shipment, and then fast forward to my current position at Export Development Canada helping exporters with their trade-related questions, there are so many things to celebrate.

My experience growing professionally and academically

Throughout my career I was able to grow in two ways:  professionally and academically.  As I took my first steps in international business, I realized that having a few years of experience was not enough. I needed to learn and understand why it was so important to be involved in trade and how exports can make a difference in the development of any global economy.

I recognized the need to get specific practical training to give me the global business know-how I needed to take my career to the next level.

As I researched different programs of study, I found the FITTskills program through Seneca College’s part-time study option. The CITP designation was my main goal at that time and having a flexible option to study part-time was the best way for me to achieve it.

Learning all aspects of international trade and supply chain management allowed me to grow professionally in this field at a fast pace. I became an asset to the manufacturing company I was working for in Toronto at the time. They wanted to expand their business internationally and due to my work performance and supply chain and trade knowledge, I was asked to relocate to Mexico for three years to help train the team and implement the processes in customs, logistics and trade operations.

Although this delayed my progress in completing the program, this was an incredible experience that allowed me to grow within the company and learn through hands-on international work. As my assignment in Mexico began winding down, I completed my last few courses to finish the FITTskills program.

Emiliano with a group of his international students during his time as a global business instructor.

Today, I am proud to say that I’ve delivered international trade and supply chain management training to over 2,500 students and individuals through classroom and online courses. These individuals have been part of my career success, as I also learned from them through their engagement, curiosity, and passion for international business. The CITP designation allowed me to work with amazing staff and students at different academic institutions across the Ontario College system as faculty in their international trade and supply chain programs.

Applying my global trade know-how to help exporters grow

In 2012 I took on a new opportunity to work as a project funding officer with Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), Canada’s largest trade and industry association.  Through the Smart Program I learned how companies could implement export expansion through manufacturing projects that encourage investments in new equipment capabilities as well as job creation and increased global trade for Canada. My job was to support the manufacturers’ applications by ensuring they had solid export plans that were able to be implemented quickly.

This warranted that the provincial contributions towards these projects were going to companies that had the best chance to sustain the created jobs and get their products exported rapidly. The new capabilities, that more than 150 companies under my portfolio gained through this funding program, were the pillars to their export growth.

As I’ve learned through the FITTskills program, gaining new global customers needs to be supported with sufficient capacity and capabilities that can serve those new customers.

By becoming more competitive with the purchase of new equipment, those funded recipients were able to achieve and contribute to the overall export trade statistics that we always hear from the government.

Providing my opinions and analyses of the export plans developed through the Smart Program was always a big responsibility. But knowing that my know-how was backed up by my experience in the industry, and the process of earning my CITP designation, assured my managers that the money was allocated to the right companies.

Taking on new opportunities to support exporters from Peru to Vancouver

Emiliano (centre) with group of trainees at Prom Peru

After seeing that some companies weren’t eligible to receive funding due to a lack of export skills, CME decided to offer export training workshops across the country. Through different nation-wide organizations in the ecosystem, including BDC, EDC and the Trade Commissioner Service, I was able to deliver international trade courses and engage with over 1500 companies in the 18 months that the program was offered.

This program delivered training in major Canadian centres, including Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. As part of a partnership between FITT and EDC, I also travelled to Lima, where I was able to deliver the FITTskills training to employees of PromPeru, the government agency that promotes exports in Peru.

As my journey continues in the export ecosystem, I joined the Export Help Team at Export Development Canada (EDC) in 2018. Through this service Canadian companies looking to export (or currently exporting) can access trade-relevant information and have their questions answered by a team of experienced CITPs and other advisors and partners. The team responds with curated information that helps address their concerns and directs them to relevant export and trade resources.

In 2023 I moved into a Senior Product Operations Manager role within EDC.

During my time helping exporters at EDC, I’ve learned that companies are cautious when exploring new markets, and it is in their best interest to do enough research to secure a successful global expansion.

It’s great to know that at EDC, the Export Help team and other departments, can assist companies with trade knowledge, and also connect them with solutions that can mitigate their international risks.  Look for some of my upcoming blogs and webinars in the Export Help Hub.

Success is not individual, but comes through relationships and partnerships

Throughout my career, I attribute my success to not only my own work, but countless individuals who I have been lucky to connect and work with over the years. Without the help and assistance of those in my dream teams, coworkers and leaders that cared enough about my career development, or that gave me  the opportunity to take on new challenges, many of my achievements could have not have materialized.

Keep in mind that you will meet key people in your life and at work. Managers, clients, peers at industry events, students or classmates, will allow you to succeed as they support your projects, businesses or knowledge.

To all of you who helped me through the years, I offer a big thank you, and look forward to fostering many more relationships as my career continues.

The post From student to teacher, how global business training has shaped my rewarding career appeared first on Trade Ready.

As we prepare for the start of a new school year, we want to celebrate the accomplishments of some of last year’s top students. We’re proud to present the 2018 FITT Educational Awards to these individuals, and are excited to see how their careers grow and evolve in the coming years.

Exciting plan to sell BBQ sauce in Germany wins International Sales Marketing Plan Award

The International Sales Marketing Plan Award is given each year to the student who received the highest grade for their marketing plan project. This year’s winner, Kayla Beck, CITP from Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC), won the award for her project focusing on how Honey Bunny Inc. could export their Amazing Dads BBQ sauce product line to the German market.

She was very grateful for everyone who helped her along the way, and plans to continue excelling in her work with the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association.

“I felt extremely proud of myself and in disbelief that I achieved the highest mark of those plans submitted last year. My instructors at the Nova Scotia Community College – Truro Campus are amazing teachers and I have learned so much from them. Without them, I would have never been able to achieve this award. I would like to thank everyone that believed in me and supported me through my college journey, this one is dedicated to all of you.”

Leroy Lowe, CITP, the program coordinator at NSCC, was impressed with her accomplishment and excited to see how it’s already paying off in her career.

“We are very pleased to hear that Kayla has done so well. Her enthusiasm for international trade and her new knowledge and skills has translated into a new career. FITTskills courses have played an important role in her education, so it is great to see her now (as a program graduate) using those skills in her new job with the Nova Scotia Boat Builders Association.”

Winning the International Business Plan Award with a plan to sell dream catchers in Australia

Each year, FITT also awards the International Business Plan Award each year to the student who received the highest grade on their international business plan project. This year’s winner is from Seneca College.

“My team decided to be a marketing cooperative that teamed up with an Ojibwe tribe to see the feasibility of exporting high end dream catchers to Australia,” he explained. “What made our dream catchers stand out from competitors was the materials that were used, like precious metals, animal bones, and wood pieces. Attempting to cover the complete scope from production, transportation, importing and marketing to sell Australians was a challenging task but once all the pieces fell together, it all started to make sense. The analytics portion of determining the market share, production and product cost and current competition was the most interesting part of the project. It was even more interesting to find out that there are many Facebook groups and blogs in Australia devoted to dream catchers, which was very surprising!”

Winning the award was an unexpected reward for his hard work, but he now hopes to apply everything he learned during the project towards his career.

“I was very surprised to learn I had won this award to say the least. It definitely helped boost my confidence in my writing skills to find out about the award, but much of my success goes out to my teammates that worked on the project with me!”

Emiliano Introcaso, CITP and part-time faculty member for Seneca College, stated that “when I heard the news that he won this award, I was very happy to know that he won and that Seneca College was represented in this competition.”

Emiliano also emphasized how important the practical skills needed for this project are for international trade businesses looking for new employees, as they look for the right candidates.

“The skills he needed to excel in this project are extremely important for businesses across Canada. Thanks to all of the Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that have been implemented over the last decade, our country is becoming a nation of diversified exporters that needs to have qualified individuals like him, navigating exports and import regulations to ensure Canadian goods and services reach global markets.”

Securing the FITT Achievement Award with top efforts in and out of the classroom

The FITT Achievement Award is unique because students are nominated for the award by others for their combination of community involvement and academic success. The winner is then selected by FITT’s awards committee.

The 2018 award was handed to Iuliia Kau of Fanshawe College for her excellence in the classroom and tireless efforts around sustainability in trade.

“I have a thirst for knowledge and I like to study and learn as much as I can, and then share this knowledge with my community. I bombarded my professors with questions, and never missed a class, because I wanted to know everything.”

With the support of Fanshawe, Iuliia began volunteering with two Canadian companies, Race Roster and Qtek Design, to improve their sustainability efforts. She then presented her findings at a London Chamber of Commerce event, which included many local business owners and representatives from EDC, BDC, Global Affairs Canada. Upon graduating, she was chosen by Fanshawe as a research assistant to help open an Ontario business which will produce sustainably made bags and sell them internationally.

“This business will help convert waste to produce fashion bags and invite newcomers (recent immigrant allophones) to participate in manufacturing them. I am truly inspired to become more involved in the community, reach out to those who are under-privileged, and to share my knowledge with those around us in order to make a positive change in our community and our world.”

Nord Mensah, CITP, who serves as coordinator for Iuliia’s program at Fanshawe College and was one of her professors, was excited to hear about her award.

“It is an amazing achievement for Iullia to be recognized by FITT as this year’s FITT Achievement Award recipient. Iullia has remained a consistently dedicated student throughout her academics, and emulates the characteristics expected of a consummate international trade professional. Her positivity, energy, and adventurous nature truly exemplify what Fanshawe expects from its international trade students.”

Iuliia was filled with both excitement and gratitude when she learned she had won the award.

“I was very happy and excited to receive this award. This result was achieved because my lovely professors and coordinators of Fanshawe College had squeezed out many valuable hours to teach me. Without Fanshawe College’s professors and coordinators, I could not have received it. This award belongs us – Fanshawe College and me. For me, this achievement is an absolute honour that I will cherish.”

Iuliia now plans to apply for her CITP designation, and would like to attain both an MBA and a Ph.D in international trade in the future.

Congratulations to all four winners of this year’s FITT Educational Awards, and we look forward to seeing the bright futures ahead of you!

The post Honouring the achievements of tomorrow’s business leaders: 2018 FITT Educational Award Winners appeared first on Trade Ready.

Hossein Mashatan, MBA, CITP|FIBP, has been living and breathing international trade, in one form or another, for over 35 years.

After earning his BBA degree from Tehran Business College in 1973, he went on to receive a full scholarship from the Central Bank of Iran to attend the MBA program at the American University in Washington D.C. He earned his MBA degree in 1975.

Reflecting on his time in academia, Hossein states, “My academic background and passion for researching and analyzing international trade’s contribution to the economic development of nations provided me with a solid platform to pursue my professional career in this field.”

His first professional foray into international trade came a few years later when he had the opportunity to join a center for bulk importation of steel products in Iran as an executive. He was charged with negotiating with major steel mills around the world, unique experience he would carry with him to future endeavors.

Over the next twenty years Hossein oversaw international trade activities in several sectors, including energy, automotive, and textiles. He also managed multinational companies involved in manufacturing auto parts, heavy machinery, and water treatment. One of the most enjoyable aspects of his work during these two decades involved immersing himself in his target markets.

“The last enriching flavour to the above period was my management of solo trade exhibitions in the selected target markets, such as Canada, Mexico, Italy, and Dubai, in the mid-nineties.”

Tackling complex projects in a complex environment

Also in this period, up until the early 2000s, Hossein faced challenging international business conditions. These included volatile economies, unforeseen changes in regulations and political instability in his region of the Middle East.

I was personally was under constant pressure for timely delivery of items needed by the production lines, setting up the supply chain systems for automotive manufacturers with diversified bill of materials, inquiries with already set quality standards, and expected quantities and arrival times, during a time of economic upheaval.

But Hossein persevered and met with success in his business, in no small part due to his skills with international diplomacy and intercultural competencies.

“Interactions with international suppliers with different cultural and business values have always been critical, and an inspiring part of my professional life. Procurement plans and scheduled purchasing orders necessitated visiting suppliers’ facilities in various origins, and receiving them reciprocally to discuss pending issues. This sometimes involved lengthy technical negotiations, working towards mutually satisfactory terms of contracts.”

“In particular, I have been fortunate to have visits and negotiate trade deals with major auto manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, and Toyota. I’ve also visited steel mills in Japan, South Korea, and Europe, and textile raw material producers in Europe, China, and India. For all these trade deals, I had face-to-face negotiations with their top executives, through which I honed my skills in providing amicable solutions for complexities arising in international trade practices.”

Building a procurement network stretching across the globe

Hossein put his learned skills and considerable experience to work starting his own firm in 2002, Mashimex Inc, offering industrial procurement and engineering solutions.

He says that every single procurement and export business had its own unique attributes in terms of financial engineering, payment methodologies, logistics, multi-modal transportation, risks, after sales services, inspections, guaranties, and laws and regulation considerations on both sides. To facilitate the above functions, Hossein founded and managed several trading arms in major business hubs around the world.

“In particular, our companies in Dusseldorf-Germany, Dubai-UAE, and Toronto-Canada have facilitated market entry strategies and provided direct access to the local vendors, chambers of commerce, banks, tenderers, trade associations, specialized fairs and exhibitions, research facilities, and information centers.”

For the past 15 years, Hossein has lived and managed international trade activities in Canada, which he has found to be a positive opportunity and he has been able to find great success working from this new home base.

“I have been able to effectively identify Canada’s competitive advantages to introduce to my associates, contacts and affiliates as well as end-users in the Middle Eastern market.”

Leadership is built on a foundation of proven knowledge

Throughout Hossein’s professional career, teaching and executive training have been his passion and consistent side-activity.

I believe that in the ever-changing international trade environment bursting with new innovations such as e-commerce, practitioners and professionals need to attend professional development training courses and seminars.

Not long after setting up in Canada, Hossein discovered the Forum for International Trade Training and wanted to get involved.

“On a daily basis, I go through the inquiries I receive and manage proper sourcing.  My job necessitates that I follow the news and events in international trade topics and try to bridge the gap between the players in Canada and other markets I deal with. This includes checking WTO, EDC, and of course FITT’s (FITTforTrade.com and TradeReady.ca) websites every day.”

“After approaching Seneca College in pursuing my passion for teaching, I learned about the elite CITP®|FIBP® designation. Considering my level of experience, I applied via the executive path with confidence, and was honoured that my application was accepted by the committee. This designation means a lot to me and opened an exceptional window to the world of international trade professionalism.”

Hossein recognized the value in the FITTskills training and certification, and has been a strong advocate for the program ever since.

“As a practitioner and instructor in international trade, I found FITT to be a unique organization with a perfect assortment of courses needed by individuals pursuing international trade related services.”

I would strongly recommend all recruiters and employers to either require FITTskills courses as a prerequisite, or to invest in their staff by sending their employees to take FITTskills courses as professional development.

“I have always advocated for FITT among my friends and colleagues here. At the moment two of my family members are taking the courses based on my recommendation, and have found them extremely helpful.”

Seeing a wealth of opportunities for Canadian exporters in largely untapped markets keeps Hossein motivated and confident in the work he does with businesses of all sizes.

“I believe for Canadian exporters there are still markets, such as in the Middle East, that have the potential to be explored further with efficient market entry strategies. I can assist institutions such and individual exporting companies as a consultant to enhance these trade activities.”

The depth of Hossein’s experience in international trade from more than three decades of extensive engagement as a top executive in large manufacturing and trading companies will no doubt continue to benefit international businesses in Canada and beyond.

The post Hossein Mashatan, CITP|FIBP – President of Mashimex Inc. appeared first on Trade Ready.

Dr. Gabriel Huston, CITP®|FIBP®, serves as a Professor at Toronto’s Seneca College School of International Business. He also represents the Batak indigenous people of North Sumatra, Indonesia as their Global Ambassador-in-Chief.

Gabriel earned his doctorate in international business from the University of Madrid, and then entered a senior management career with the trade and development arm of the Swiss Banking Corporation.

Throughout his education and career, Gabriel has greatly valued his experiences as well as the mentorship he has received.  As a result, he has endeavoured to pay it forward by mentoring others.

His assistance to the Batak independent coffee growers of Sumatra, his role as senior advisor to DeHaen Danum International, and his other advisory roles are motivated by this desire, as well as a continuing sense of social responsibility.

“All life lives layer upon layer. It’s about having empathy and truly listening. We are all interconnected, and in this truth must be socially responsible, morally accountable and superbly trained in our global trade initiatives,” he said.

The CITP®|FIBP® ­­designation calls to this higher standard.

Gabriel has also assisted and advised stakeholders in emerging economies on commercial transportation infrastructure strengthening, technology innovation and improving commodities supply chains.

Gabriel highlighted the importance of applying 360-degree risk analysis to all aspects of trade, citing examples of deals that went sideways because of miscommunication, poor planning and a lack of attention to detail.

Additionally, he emphasized the importance of maintaining meticulous documentary-evidence and having a contingency plan in place in advance of shipping.

On top of his many international commitments, Gabriel is a proud teacher and author. He was recently awarded Honoris Causa in the Humanities by Ontario’s former Lieutenant Governor, David C. Onley, for his authorship of Canada’s first socioeconomic report on our ethnic media.

For Gabriel, it is important that we listen to diverse community voices in the media, as these are the voices that shape economics and trade.

Gabriel’s efforts in mentoring students and helping people across the world are united by his belief in the importance of listening to and understanding others, acting in a socially responsible manner and equipping others with the tools they need to excel in international trade.

“I teach FITT-accredited subjects to prepare students, working professionals, and their companies and institutions all over the world to have diverse professional skills in international trade,” he says. “I want them to successfully and sustainably engage in the ethical conduct of international business across all cultures.”

Gabriel says that FITT-accredited training and the CITP®|FIBP® designation are very important for his students and their futures because the standards that the courses and designation represent are a benchmark for the professional global business community.

Why did Gabriel seek the CITP®|FIBP® professional designation?

“I have to practice what I teach, and I am delighted to be in such good company,” he says.

I look forward to the international professional dialogue, business opportunity gateways, opportunities for lifelong learning, and the investment in future generations of trade professionals that the CITP®|FIBP® designation and FITT ambassadorship has to offer.

The post Dr. Gabriel Huston, CITP|FIBP – Educator & Global Advisor appeared first on Trade Ready.

Helping international trade professionals with their CITP designation

As the part-time coordinator of the program at Seneca College, I often sit down with students and provide advice about the different career paths one might follow when doing business internationally. These career paths include trade finance, supply chain operations and customs administration. For a lot of the students, having a solid foundation in international trade skills is the key to succeeding in the workplace.  Being able to offer the FITT Academic Path to the CITP designation is one of the important components of the different programs we offer.

Many of my students are part-time students who attend classes after a busy workday.  These individuals could be upgrading their skills, refreshing their knowledge or completing some of our international trade and supply chain certificate programs. A handful of students also complete the FITT-accredited courses that meet the educational requirement for the Academic Path to the CITP designation offered by the Forum for International Trade Training. Seneca College is an accredited partner, and as such offers the accredited program required to obtain the FITT Diploma in International Trade, which is one component on the path to earning the CITP designation.

Bringing industry experience into the international business classroom

The valuable industry-experience of all our instructors is a fundamental component of our program. Not only do we focus on the theory of the program but also on the facilitators’ know-how as well as the students’ professional experience. I remember back in 2010, students were eager to hear all about my trip to Chicago where I attended the Incoterms training by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Being able to share the new mandates and updates with the students created an illuminating classroom debate.  As a group, we were able to discuss many of the changes the ICC was introducing in the latest revision.

Working professionals in global companies always infuse the classroom with their ideas, company models and skill-filled theories drawn from years of experience in their positions. Many of our instructors, including myself, invite experts from different areas of the international trade industry.  I have invited expert speakers to my classrooms who have over 15 years of experience from different areas in global trade, including freight forwarders, customs brokers and export sales managers.  Their real life experiences and practical examples always have a positive impact in the way students approach the courses in international business.

One of my guest speakers shared with students how he got his break into the freight forwarding industry. Students were eager to ask the expert specific questions based on topics from previous classes, and also inquired about what employers in the industry look for when hiring new staff. The tips shared by our guest speaker enabled students to assess some of the current needs of the industry.

Inviting such experts throughout the program not only helps students to put required international business skills into context, but also show students that these competencies are important to success.

Upcoming FITT-accredited program at Seneca College.

The Faculty of Continuing Education and Training, Seneca College offers this program on a part-time basis through the year. Depending on the number of courses a student completes each semester, it is possible to complete a certificate in 1 to 2 years. All our international trade and supply chain FITT-accredited classes are offered on weeknights and are 14 weeks in length. Classes are offered at the Newnham Campus located at 1750 Finch Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario.

As a graduate of the program, and a successful industry expert in this field, I look forward to guiding you through the process and educational requirements, as I have with over 350 former students.

For additional information about the FITT-accredited international trade program offered at Seneca College, ask away here or contact me directly.

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