Meet Our Recruiters: Ben Le

Ben Le is a Newcomer and Community Adviser who primarily helps international students and recent immigrants adapt to Canadian education. Ben earned a business degree in his home country of Vietnam, then studied urban planning in Australia before immigrating to Canada in 2024. While completing Sheridan’s Project Management certificate program in order to enhance his skillset and gain a Canadian credential, he secured a Work Study job in student recruitment and discovered his passion for working in higher education.

What do you do in your role?

I mostly support newcomers and onshore international students that I meet during school visits, at college fairs, through community organizations and through connections from other Sheridan recruiters.

In addition to providing them with information about Sheridan and our programs, I help them with any questions they have about admission to Canada, visas and career advising.

“I've walked their path, I've been through hardships, and I know how important it is to have a domestic education in Canada.”

How do your personal experiences help you advise newcomers and international students?

I’ve walked their path, I’ve been through hardships, and I know how important it is to have a domestic education in Canada. When I came here two years ago, I couldn’t get a job because employers all wanted applicants with two or three years experience and a Canadian education.

In Sheridan’s Project Management program, I did a co-op and a capstone project with a real employer. Sheridan Works supported me with writing my resume and preparing for interviews, and I was able to get a work study job in student recruitment. All of this helped me successfully blend into the Canadian environment and discover that I enjoy working in the education sector.

What do you highlight about Sheridan when speaking to prospective students?

The biggest selling point for me is that our programs are so practical. You still learn theory, but you also gain hands-on experience working with tools, machinery and laboratories in our amazing facilities.

The second selling point is our co-op program. You’re able to bring your knowledge to actual employees to get your foot in the door and test the water. Even if your co-op employer doesn’t extend your contract, you now have Canadian work experience that you can put on your resume.

There’s no right or wrong choice between college and university, but there is often a choice that best suits a student’s goals, interests and learning preferences. My team and I try to help others understand when college may be the more suitable path for them.