Collaborative Programs for Immigrant Employment
20 Journeys Profiles
Aileen Raquel - Philippines
Babatunde Adebajo - Nigeria
Hadi El Rayess - Lebanon
Jean Kin - Singapore
Yijun Wang - China
Javier Santos - Mexico
Jyoti Shukla - India
Caryl Registe - Dominica
Haya Zilberboim - Israel
Kevin Chen - China
Kamal Joshi - India
Jie Lu - China
Marcelo Sagel - Argentina
Renu Mehta - India
Sibaway Issah - Ghana
Richard Goyder - United Kingdom
Micheline Jeanfrancois - Mexico
Paul Liu - China
Maryna Bakuntseva - Ukraine
Vikram Ahluwalia - India
Asad Rahman - the photographer - Bangladesh
Aileen Raquel - Philippines
The start: In the Philippines I was told Canada was the best place to live with the best jobs and the best benefits. But during my first three years here I was living below the poverty line.
The long haul: I had seven years of social work experience and I sent out countless resumes but did not receive a single response. I worked in a factory and in fast food. The only reason I stayed was for my Canadian-born daughter.
The turning point: I heard about a bridging program at Ryerson University through the Canadian Association of Social Workers. A mentor, a work placement, mock interviews with real employers - they all helped to build my confidence and open doors. Then I applied to the Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto (CCAS). They offered me a permanent position which I gladly accepted. I celebrated my first anniversary with CCAS last year.
The advice to immigrants: Explore everything and don't lose hope. You need a fighting spirit.
The advice to employers: Open your doors to internationally-trained professionals. We know your clients' culture and speak their language. That's our advantage.
Babatunde Adebajo - Nigeria
The start: In Nigeria, you have this perception that Canada has a good economy, that your skills are needed, and that your talent is the key to success. My wife and I came with high hopes.
The arrival: I have a master's degree and was teaching college math in Nigeria. But when I arrived in 2006, I had to work as a dishwasher. Then I pleaded with a doughnut shop to take me on. I had two weeks to turn into a baker. I thought, "At least I have a job. From here, I can plan."
The breakthrough: I applied to the Ontario College of Teachers. They recommended the Teach In Ontario program and that's where I heard about the College Teacher Training program at George Brown College.
The destination: I did my George Brown internship and excelled. The department chair offered me a job and two weeks later I was teaching college math. Four months later I won an award.
The lesson: Don't just rely on your friends. Tap into professional networks through schools and organizations. That's what worked for me.
Hadi El Rayess - Lebanon
My starting point: I was an electronic engineer in the Middle East, working in sales for a Belgian company. But I wanted to leave Lebanon for a more stable country and I had family in Canada.
My path: As soon as I arrived I joined the Canadian Professional Sales Association. I took their training, got my certification, and found my first Canadian job through their website.
My career growth: I started in distribution sales, was promoted a year later and I continued to take on new roles. I am now the director of international sales for i3DVR, a digital video technology company.
My international advantage: I speak English, Arabic, French and Spanish. And I have valuable experience in international business affairs. I'm now spearheading i3DVR's expansion in the Middle East and North Africa.
My employer's advantage: At i3DVR, we all come from diverse ethnic backgrounds. We are like one family. No one cares about your ethnicity - just your abilities.
Note: Hadi is now working as the director of sales, Middle East, for Avigilon.
Jean Kin - Singapore
The plan: I wanted an education for my teenagers that would help them think outside the box. I arrived from Singapore, and took nine months to find a home, get my children settled, and learn to drive - a skill I didn't need in Singapore.
The start: I met with a counselor at JVS Toronto who referred me to TRIEC's Mentoring Partnership program. I was soon introduced to my new mentor, Sue Cummings at TD Bank.
The leap forward: Sue was an extraordinary mentor - energetic, focused, and a good listener. She used our weekly meetings to help me strategize, introduce me to people working on the front lines, and organize job shadowing opportunities. Meanwhile, I was looking for jobs online. When I was rejected for a TD job, Sue found out why: I lacked the correct investment license. That was important information. I pursued my license before applying again.
The results: Within two months I was interviewing for another job at TD. I had two interviews and got the position. I also nominated Sue for an award to thank her for guiding my career!
Yijun Wang - China
Why Canada? Great country, great reputation, great people. It's so multicultural and it is alright to be different. Coming to Canada opened my eyes to the world.
The dry spell: I have a master's degree in microbiology and a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. During my first six months in Canada my priorities were to improve my English, network, and hunt for an ideal job related to food science.
The breakthrough: A six-month internship at Procter & Gamble through the Career Bridge program. This valuable Canadian work experience helped to advance my career.
The job: My first job was with Mars Canada - I am currently a pet product development scientist for the company. I develop tasty, nutritious cat and dog food for some of the leading brands in Canada.
The message: More than anything else I want to thank Career Bridge, Procter & Gamble, and Mars Canada for providing great opportunities. As a proud Chinese-Canadian I hope Canada will become a home, not just a place to live, for more and more immigrants.
Javier Santos - Mexico
The adventure: I left Mexico City's pollution, crime and overcrowding. I ranked countries I would like to live in, and the list quickly got down to Australia and Canada. I visited Toronto in the warmest January in 20 years and got a good feeling, so I applied.
The landing: I got a low level job in my field, but had enough income to get by. Six months later I saw a posting for the director of the wines business unit for the LCBO. I had the qualifications and was at the right place, at the right time. I was lucky enough to be the winning candidate.
The success: Toronto Life named me one of Toronto's 25 most influential people. It was a good indication I was on the right track.
The advice for immigrants: Become part of the community - don't operate in ghettos - and treat your move as an adventure. To be motivated through winter and a tough job market, you need to know why you're here.
The message for employers: If someone who can save lives is driving a taxi, everyone loses. It's not a newcomer problem. It's everyone's problem.
Note: Javier is no longer working for the LCBO. He started his own consulting firm in 2008 to help local wineries and other companies break into Latin American markets. Javier is now the sales and marketing manager for Canada and Latin America for yellow tail wine.
Jyoti Shukla - India
My starting point: I have an MBA and extensive marketing and social service experience. I used to counsel professionals who wanted to live and work abroad. Then I decided to move to Canada.
My goal: My husband and I wanted to further our careers in a developed country, and we wanted a good future for our daughter.
My mentor: Through TRIEC's Mentoring Partnership program I was matched with Shelley White, CEO of the United Way of Peel Region. She sensed I had the knowledge and experience to succeed. She coached me through mock interviews and did everything she could to help me fine tune my soft skills.
My breakthrough: I volunteered at Dixie Bloor Neighbourhood Centre. I proved myself, doing everything a dedicated employee would do. When a position was available they hired me.
My current position: I'm an employment facilitator/counsellor at Dixie Bloor, leading the same workshop I took as a newcomer. I've helped almost 900 immigrants become more employable.
Advice for employers: Many immigrants are passionate, skilled and experienced. Some need to improve their communication skills, but that doesn't take long. Invest and you'll see quality results.
Caryl Registe - Dominica
The journey: I studied business administration and management in the Caribbean and came to Canada as a student. I earned an honours degree at York University with a major in human resources. I returned to Dominica for two years and worked in HR, then returned to Canada to advance my career.
The search: I searched for nine months but couldn't find a suitable position. It was puzzling since I had a Canadian degree, I was from an English-speaking country and I had experience. Later I realized that companies prefer to hire from within. But I didn't have the networks to connect me to employers.
The turning point: I heard about TRIEC's Mentoring Partnership program through COSTI. My mentor was an established HR professional and also an immigrant. He gave me hope that I'd get the right position. Two weeks later I got an interview with Legal Aid Ontario. With my mentor's coaching I was confident and prepared. I got the job.
The advice for employers: Look closely at resumes; they tell a story. Many immigrants have succeeded because of their work ethic, tenacity and loyalty.
Haya Zilberboim - Israel
The move: We left Israel four years ago so our three boys could grow up in a safer and more stable political environment.
The transition: I asked an old employer to contact KPMG Canada to help me get an interview. It went well and two weeks later I was hired. Now I'm an audit manager at KPMG, but it hasn't been easy. I needed to upgrade my English. I went back to university to earn my Canadian CA. And I'm balancing my career and family life.
The assessment: I appreciate that KPMG Canada hired me, but my journey is not over. In Israel I worked as a managing director and partner, a chief operating officer and a chief financial officer. I still aspire to that level.
The extra push: When I arrived, I had no contacts. I needed to network so I volunteered with different groups, including Canadian-Israeli business associations.
The advice to immigrants: Stay in your professional field and invest in your social networks. They will empower you.
The advice to employers: Remove the words "Canadian experience" from your vocabulary. Give immigrants a chance - you will not regret it.
Note: As of November 2008, Haya is now working as Chief Operating Officer at Fishman Holdings North America Inc.
Kevin Chen - China
The move: I wanted to give myself a challenge - to leave China and pursue life in another part of the world.
The arrival: I came to Canada in 2005 with a computer science degree and experience working in IT. I enrolled in English classes, posted my resume on the internet and found a job in three weeks. I started at BAU Solutions Canada. When they were acquired by Deloitte, I stayed on. Now I'm a senior specialist.
The challenge: Communication! Although I had a job, I needed better communication skills. I also needed to study people and their different ways of thinking.
The help: Deloitte supported me a lot. I was assigned a coach and got extra language training. They knew I had advanced web and software skills that were hard to find. But I also needed help adjusting to my new home and culture. Deloitte showed their confidence in me, and that inspired me to do my best.
The prize: Deloitte gave me an award for going above and beyond the responsibilities of my job. It was a sign that my hard work was recognized by my teammates.
Kamal Joshi - India
Why Canada? It's the best place to live. It's a great place to make a living. And it has progressive workplaces.
My path to success: I worked as a human resources generalist in several Asian countries and gained valuable international experience. I joined the HR Professional Association of Ontario while still in India, and I enrolled in an HR professional certification program upon landing in Canada.
The breakthrough: Joining the Career Bridge internship program. I spotted a posting for manager of human resources at a large communications company. I applied and two days later had the position. Within four months, the company hired me full-time as an HR manager.
Current position: Now I am a compensation consultant at Rogers Communications. I'm a living example that my employer recognizes talent - regardless of where you come from.
My advice to immigrants: Do your research and prepare early. Don't wait until you arrive in Canada to start from scratch.
My advice to employers: Embrace immigrant talent and offer opportunities for success. Provide immigrants with consistent feedback and support as they adjust to a new culture.
Jie Lu - China
The start: My husband sponsored me from China. When I arrived, I knew very little English, just "Hello, how are you." It wasn't enough to continue my work as a nurse.
The struggle: I started at a Chinese restaurant and met three other nurses working as servers like me. I thought, "I can't spend my life here. And I can't just stay home."
The turning point: I started English classes and applied for York University's internationally-educated nurses program. I worked hard to adapt to my new school, a new language and a new culture. I graduated Summa Cum Laude, passed my RN exam, and got a nursing job right away. Now I'm a member of a family health team and I have been offered admission to the master's nurse practitioner program at York University.
The international advantage: I see the hands of new graduates shake as they put in an IV needle. But I'm already very comfortable because I had nursing experience before coming to Canada.
The thanks: York's professors are just wonderful! Their love and patience made the difference.
Marcelo Sagel - Argentina
The catalyst: My wife and I left Argentina after one of several economic downturns. I found work managing a business in California, but I wanted to resume working as a pilot. After three years in the US, we moved to Canada.
The long-distance start: I got a job flying an air ambulance based in Elliot Lake, Ontario. For the first four months I commuted to work from California - 14 hours each way.
The myth dispelled: Northern Canada is full of opportunities, and the winters are definitely survivable. People welcome you with open arms.
The Toronto move: Piloting air ambulances proved I could handle Canadian flying conditions. If you can land on remote territory in winter, you can handle anything. I wanted to fly for a bigger company, so I dropped in unannounced on the chief pilots of four companies. Three of them saw me on the spot and all of them called back. Two weeks later I was flying for Porter Airlines.
The advice for immigrants: Don't rely on email to connect you with employers; make a face-to-face connection. Two minutes of eye contact goes a long way.
Renu Mehta - India
Current position: Consulting editor for the Indian Express and Divya Bhaskar, two weekly newspapers for North America's growing South Asian population. I also operate a public relations company.
The beginning: We came to Canada after working in the Middle East - and started with nothing. Our only contact in Canada was a friend's brother we had never met.
The false start: I spent $5,000 on a private broadcasting course that didn't reap any benefits. I had to start fresh at Seneca College.
My long path to success: I worked thousands of volunteer hours at Rogers Cable, laying cables, camera work, timekeeping - anything to learn the ropes. I wrote news articles at $50 apiece. I was hired as an intern at CHUM and worked evenings and weekends reporting Live Traffic for CP24. I was a reporter and language producer for OMNI. And then I heard Asian magazines were looking for international content and made the leap into print.
My reflection: If you go to a new country you expect to work harder. But employers also need to give immigrants a chance. See what we're made of. Then judge.
Sibaway Issah - Ghana
My starting point: I had a three-year college diploma from Ghana in purchasing and supply, went to Denmark for my MBA, and then came to Canada to pursue a second master's degree.
The detour: I started with one idea, but circumstances changed my plan. I couldn't go to school here. But I did meet my wife, also from Ghana. It took me a long time to change my permit status. Then l secured a "survival job" to keep me active - while searching.
The breakthrough: A job fair led me to Career Bridge, then an internship at St. Mike's - my first real job interview. I met with nine panel interviewers - it gave me confidence I would be treated fairly.
My success: Close to the end of my internship I was offered a contract position in the purchasing department at St. Michael's Hospital. Now I'm a full-time team leader in the same department.
St. Michael's success: My employer nurtures a workplace culture that is very open to new ideas. I've found it an ideal place to be.
Richard Goyder - United Kingdom
Current position: Vice-president, Portfolio Management & Credit Strategy, Royal Bank of Canada.
My background: I have an MBA and an MA in Politics and Economics. I had experience providing strategic advice to financial institutions in North America and Europe.
My path: I began networking while still in the UK. I established relationships with headhunters, consultants and firms with Toronto offices. Ultimately, I found my first Canadian job through my alumnae association magazine.
The hurdle: I was astounded by the importance given to Canadian experience. My wife suggested I add my one Canadian experience - coaching rugby in Ottawa one summer - to my resume. It seemed ridiculous, but sure enough, my next interviewer skipped past my two pages of qualifications and said, "So, you've worked in Ottawa."
The assumptions: Canadians think there's a huge cultural gap that immigrants need to overcome. That's not always true. I manage 40 employees - including immigrants that have worked for Western companies abroad, so they understand our business.
The advice to employers: Don't underestimate non-Canadian experience. The global economy is not a passing fad, and the Canadian economy is relatively small. Successful organizations need people with international experience.
Micheline Jeanfrancois - Mexico
Why I left: Because Mexico City was overcrowded with more than 19 million people. I also felt out of place because of my black and white mixed background. That's not as common in Mexico as it is here in Canada. I wanted to live in a city that is ethnically diverse, where uniqueness is embraced.
My first try: I came to Canada a few years ago but couldn't find a job. So I returned to Mexico where I worked as a marketing manager for a US company.
My return: I came back to Canada in March 2005. I started job hunting with my regular resume but was told I was over-qualified. Someone suggested I list only my Canadian experience, although I had only worked in jobs outside of my field. I found two jobs this way.
My current position: Through a bilingual job fair, I got hired by Procter & Gamble. I've been promoted three times. Today I'm part of the Americas Knowledge Coordinators team and I use my language skills to focus on projects in Brazil and Argentina. Thankfully, my employer recognizes international talent and experience, and encourages diversity.
Paul Liu - China
The arrival: I came from China with a computer science degree and my belongings in six boxes. If I couldn't find work in Canada to support my family, I was going back home. I had a three-year plan: improve my English, expand my professional knowledge and find a job in my field.
The struggle: When I arrived, I couldn't even get hired at a coffee shop. I ended up working at a fast food job that paid $6 an hour.
The turning point: Friends told me about the Career Bridge internship program. Employers trust Career Bridge. Their reputation gave me the opportunity to talk to employers I never could have reached on my own. I got an interview with the City of Mississauga and won a four-month paid internship. It was extended twice. After a year I was hired and now I'm their intermediate buyer. I purchase IT products for the city.
The bonus: My wife got her job through Career Bridge too.
The advice to immigrants: Stay positive and never give up. It's an amazing country, but you need to show employers your talent and potential.
Maryna Bakuntseva - Ukraine
My hope: A healthy future for our daughter, away from the after-effects of Chernobyl.
The start: We left the Ukraine in 2003. I have a master's degree in electronics engineering, a PhD in physics, and experience in scientific research. After I arrived in Toronto, I took on "survival jobs" but couldn't find work in my field.
A step forward: I gave up sending out resumes, and found my own way of searching. I visited three managers in one day and got three job offers - not the right jobs, but it was a start. And I learned to relax - to do yoga, meditation, even sports. You can't search all the time.
My destination: I spotted a job posting, got an interview, and now I am a researcher at the Office of Research & Innovation at Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology. It's the perfect job for me. I want to stay here a long time.
Vikram Ahluwalia - India
My journey begins: I had worked my way up to middle management in a multinational packaged consumer goods company. I knew if I wanted to grow I needed to explore other continents. I had already traveled to 35 countries in Europe, Asia and Australia. Canada was something new.
My first crossroads: People advised me to go back to school to get Canadian experience. But why should I spend $50,000 to go to school when I already have an MBA and seven years of international work experience? The way to get Canadian work experience is to work.
My second crossroads: Interviewers were always asking me about my religion. I now know such questions are illegal, but I didn't know then. After much consideration I decided to shave off my beard and remove my turban. I got two job offers in two weeks.
My breakthrough: I got hired as an assistant brand manager after a six-month internship with Career Bridge.
My current position: I wanted more responsibilities so I joined GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Canada as a senior brand manager.
The added bonus: I am now a visiting faculty in marketing at two Ontario universities.
Asad Rahman - the photographer - Bangladesh
Asad Rahman was born into a Bengali Muslim family in 1971 in what was then East Pakistan and is now Bangladesh. His childhood was spent watching his country rebuild after the war, and wondering about his surroundings. Images, whether moving or still, always fascinated him.
After studying Marketing and Business Administration in Singapore, he decided that photography was his true passion. Inspired by Pavel Rahman, one of Bangladesh's most famous press photographers, he began to take photography seriously.
Asad came to Canada in May 2001. Attracted by the freedom of Western society, he dreams of being a press photographer. In his own words, "Telling stories with images - what could be more fascinating than this?"
20 Journeys is one of Asad's first Canadian shows. Like many of the immigrants profiled in the exhibit, his dream is to work in his chosen field in Canada. He currently works in office administration and volunteers for many community and social service organizations, but hopes that this show will lead to more opportunities to work as a photographer.
