A Newcomer Story: Finding Opportunities and Adapting for Success
Armin’s journey with the YMCA began with the YMCA Pre-Arrival Settlement Services, Next Stop Canada. He learned about the program from the Government of Canada’s website and found out that they offer free services to help newcomers settle.
“I was really nervous [about moving to a new country], so it was a perfect opportunity for me to start learning [about Canada] in order to prepare myself in advance. I participated in every webinar and workshop I could and tried to learn as much as I could.”
Before relocating to Canada, Armin worked at the largest telecom company in his country as an Automation and Development Team Leader and a Senior Support Engineer, accumulating 12 years of experience in IT. He had been planning to emigrate to Canada to build a new life while also contributing to the country’s economy with his expertise. He aimed to utilize his potential and improve himself professionally and personally.
Like many immigrants, Armin initially faced challenges securing employment and finding a suitable place to live.
“My first challenge here was to find a suitable job which took me less than 7 months to secure. My next challenge is to find a proper place to live where I can start building my new stage of life.”
Recognizing the need to adapt to Canadian job-searching methods, Armin participated in the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre’s Mentoring Program for Employment. With guidance from the mentors, he refined his job search and interview skills, enabling him to present himself effectively to Canadian employers.
“The YMCA mentorship program has helped me a great deal to better tailor my resume to specific job postings, gain an insight into how the hiring team think and what they expect from a perfect candidate and most importantly, learn how to present myself professionally in an interview and prepare for it beforehand. My mentors were very caring, friendly and supportive. With their help, I [received a job offer] from a reputable company in Canada.”
Armin encourages other newcomers and future immigrants to Canada to seek support from the YMCA for essential resources and to maintain a positive outlook while building their new lives in Canada.
“I want to say to the newcomers who have gone through a lot to move to a new country, that you should stay motivated and never let anyone discourage you. I definitely suggest getting all the help you can get from the YMCA [newcomer services] to learn essential information [about living] in Canada, get familiarized with important rules and your rights, adjust your resumes to Canadian standards and expectations, learn about work environments and culture here and prepare yourself for interviews.”
“[Everyone] has some skills that are required here in Canada. You just have to find the opportunities and present yourself the best way you can, so you can contribute to the economy of this country while building a better life for yourself and your family.”
He hopes that his story inspires other newcomers during their job search.
Key Takeaways:
- Preparation is Key to a Smooth Transition
Be proactive. Seek resources from settlement organizations and participate in webinars, workshops, and mentorship programs—this can help you navigate your new environment and build the skills necessary for success. - Adapting to Canadian Workplace Culture is Crucial
Customizing your resume to the specific job posting, improving your interview skills and elevator pitch, and understanding what Canadian employers expect during the hiring process can significantly enhance your chances of securing a job. - Support Networks Make a Difference
Utilizing settlement organizations like the YMCA can provide newcomers with guidance, encouragement, and practical tools, demonstrating how community support can empower newcomers to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
We thank Armin for sharing his journey with us, and we wish him the best as he continues building his new life in Canada. Some sentences were edited for clarity.
Are you a newcomer to Canada? Take advantage of the YMCA Newcomer Information Centre’s free settlement information to help you navigate your new life in Canada.
