Building a New Beginning: My Journey with YMCA Newcomer Services
We had a wonderful opportunity to hear from one of our newcomer members who is willing to share his settlement journey to motivate and inspire other newcomers. Below is his story, written by Ankur himself.
Moving to a new country is both an exciting adventure and a challenge filled with uncertainties. When I arrived in Canada, I was eager to embrace new opportunities, but I also realized that settling into a new culture, especially in terms of employment and social integration, required guidance. That’s what led me to the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre (NIC). After spending a month in Canada, I understood the need for structured support to help me navigate my settlement journey. I was looking for resources to understand the job market, build a professional network, and adapt to the Canadian workplace culture.
Background and Challenges
Before moving to Canada, I lived in India, where I had built a career as a Sales professional for 12 years. My expertise was in Construction and ConTech sales, and I had the opportunity to grow sales Year Over Year (YOY) and build technology products. However, despite my experience, I quickly realized that the job market in Canada operated differently from what I was used to.
My goal in Canada is to establish myself professionally and create a stable future for myself and my family. However, my biggest challenge has been finding a role that matches my experience. Understanding Canadian workplace expectations—especially in areas like networking, communication, and job applications—was a learning curve. The hiring process here places a strong emphasis on tailored resumes, cover letters, and professional connections, which is quite different from my previous experiences.
Finding the Right Support at the YMCA
Visiting the YMCA NIC was a turning point in my settlement journey. The guidance, resources, and referrals I received helped me better understand the steps I needed to take to integrate successfully. I attended workshops on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview techniques, all of which helped me tailor my approach to the Canadian job market.
Today, I am working. Through the YMCA, I developed essential skills in networking, resume writing, interview preparation and workplace communication. These have played a crucial role in boosting my confidence and improving my chances of securing a job in my field.
One of the biggest differences I noticed between job searching in India and Canada is the reliance on networking and the importance of local experience. To bridge this gap, I took services from employment service providers, whom I was referred to by the YMCA.
Advice for Fellow Newcomers
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a newcomer is the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. My advice to other newcomers is to be proactive—seek out resources, attend workshops, and build a network. The more you engage with the community, the easier your transition will be.
To anyone hesitant about reaching out to the YMCA NIC, I would say this: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The services they offer can be life-changing, helping you build the skills and connections needed to thrive in Canada. Taking that first step might feel overwhelming, but it opens doors to opportunities you may not have known existed.
The YMCA has been an incredible part of my journey, and I am grateful for the support I received. If you are a newcomer trying to find your way, know that you are not alone—there is a community ready to support you every step of the way.
We thank Ankur for sharing his journey with us, and we wish him the best as he continues building his new life in Canada.
Are you new to Ontario, Canada? Take advantage of our information and referral service for trusted settlement resources in the Greater Toronto Area and Ontario.
