Our employees can testify that the values of diversity and equity are an everyday reality at Desjardins.
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Danielle Hénault
General Manager, Caisse populaire Desjardins Mont-Rose – Saint-Michel
"The breadth of Desjardins Group offers employees a great deal of mobility and many career advancement opportunities. I had the opportunity to be promoted within the caisse network all the way to the position of General Manager. Of course I had to
make some choices to get there, such as moving several times.
What I like most about being a manager is the human resources management aspect. I think it's essential for managers to increase their leadership skills and their ability to mobilize their team around a common vision. Over the course of my career I have
had the opportunity to refine this aspect of management and, most of all, to put it to good use on a daily basis." |
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Guylaine Legault
Vice-President, Carrefour Desjardins, Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec
"I started my career at Desjardins at 17 as a teller. My boss at the time told me it was possible to have a career at Desjardins and that Desjardins would help me advance. Well, he was right! I moved up through the echelons all the way to my current
position, all the while taking courses that led to my getting my MBA in 2006.
I've always felt the support of my employer. Of course, everyone is responsible for his or her career path, but Desjardins has programs and policies in place that can greatly help those who want to advance their careers." |
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Manon Débigaré
Senior Vice-President, Insurance Research Division, Desjardins General Insurance Group
"Throughout my career path as manager, I've used a variety of strategies to improve my management skills, such as taking a number of training sessions. I was also able to count on mentors who guided me through more complex situations.
To be a good manager, knowledge counts, but self-management skills are just as important. Learning to delegate, communicate well and establish your leadership are also aspects of management that shouldn't be neglected. To those who want a career as an
executive, I recommend having a thirst for learning and being open to grow on several different levels." |
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Ella Dugas
Member Services Advisor, Caisse Desjardins de Brossard
From Gabon
"My integration into my work environment was very natural. I have a positive approach and I'm very social. I consider Desjardins an open, fair and equitable company. I experienced no discrimination or favouritism. You can find people of every cultural
community at Desjardins.
Because of my drive and perseverance, I moved up very quickly at Desjardins, going from teller to member services advisor in a very short time." |
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Pierre-Alain Salomon
Computer Technician, Desjardins Financial Security (Lévis)
From Switzerland
Living in Canada for the last 11 years
"Desjardins was my first and only employer since I moved to this country. It's a good employer that's very open to other cultures. My integration went very smoothly. My colleagues were much more curious and surprised than apprehensive about me. We
spent a lot of time talking, but I must say we had no language barrier.
I see Desjardins' openness to diversity in a very positive light. Diversity is a strength and a richness that opens the door to many new ideas from all horizons, thanks to which the company can grow." |
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Viravanh Banghit
Expert Advisor – Operational Risk Assessment, Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec (Montreal)
From Laos
"I've been working at Desjardins for 2 ½ years. My integration came very naturally and harmoniously. I got excellent support from my managers and colleagues right from the start. Our team reflects Desjardins's values not only by its cultural
diversity but also by the balance between men and women.
Desjardins gives employees the opportunity to advance and have a long-term career. The organizational structure promotes professional development and the acquisition of new experience in many areas. In my view, Desjardins sets itself apart where
life-work balance is concerned, since it allows employees to work from home and have a flexible schedule, among other things." |
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Kullar Rummany Ing
Compliance Agent, Desjardins Securities (Montreal)
Born in Quebec of Cambodian parents
Age 27
"I had no integration problems at Desjardins despite my young age and the fact that I am a visible minority. I felt very welcomed and never felt any difference with regards to other team members.
Like all new employees, young people have to prove themselves when they arrive at Desjardins and show they're qualified to do their work well. Winning the bosses' confidence is always a matter of time.
Many young people want to work at Desjardins but think it's hard to get hired if they don't have a lot of experience. I got a chance to prove myself at Desjardins. I believe the company wants to hire young people and that it's relaxing its criteria and
putting conditions in place to be able to do so." |
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Yue Ying Ma
Senior Analyst, Desjardins Asset Management (Montreal)
Born in China
"My integration at Desjardins was very easy, no matter in which component I worked: a caisse, Desjardins Trust or Desjardins Asset Management. I find there is already a great deal of multiculturalism at Desjardins.
Since I've been living in Quebec for several years, the fact that I speak French was an asset in my integration. It seems as though newcomers think it's hard to get a job at Desjardins, since it's still perceived as a French-only employer. Which is no
longer the case." |
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Zoubir Kadi
Commercial Teller, Caisse du Nord de Sherbrooke
From Algeria
Living in Canada for 6 and a half years
"I visited the Web sites of several Canadian financial institutions and what attracted me to Desjardins was its cooperative nature, which fits in with my values. I like its involvement in community development and the fact that many employees
volunteer at a number of community organizations.
My integration at the caisse went well. My colleagues were very welcoming and supportive of me. The members are very open and sometimes make comments that warm my heart. In a nutshell, I'm very happy at Desjardins and have no desire to change
employers." |
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Narene Raftopoulos
Receptionist/Administrative Clerk, Desjardins Securities
From the U.K.
Living in Canada for the last 7 year
"Before immigrating to Canada, I had the opportunity to work for two globally recognized companies. Arriving in Canada, I felt that Desjardins—being such a large and well known company in Canada—would provide me with the opportunity to
grow and develop my skills in a variety of areas.
I enjoy my job because it allows me to meet a wide variety of people, each with their own particular needs. There's never a dull day at Desjardins!" |
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Isidro Oviedo
Team Leader, Client Contact Centre – Compensation, Desjardins General Insurance Group
From Nicaragua
"I am from Nicaragua and I lived in several places before deciding to settle permanently in Canada. What I like about working with Desjardins is the harmonious work environment, which was established over time with my colleagues, and the support I
receive from my manager.
Diversity is welcomed at Desjardins. I believe that each person is unique and can bring something special to the organization. I am happy to say that my employer understands this fact and is receptive to other cultures." |
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Sunhil Hirjee
Account Executive, Desjardins Financial Security
From South Africa
Living in Canada for the last 29 years
"When I started at Desjardins Financial Security, I had great support from the management team in my sector. My fellow team mates were also very welcoming, and I am pleased to say that I have cultivated many true friendships among them.
At Desjardins, I truly feel that all employees are treated equally. I feel that my opinions are welcomed and appreciated. I have no doubt that my employer will support me in my future career goals." |
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