Building Bridges 🌉

Essential Strategies for Establishing Professional Connections as a Newcomer

Author

Kufre-Mfon Effiong-Robert
May 19, 2024

Hello, new local👋

In today’s Newsletter:

  • Networking tips

  • Meet Genevieve!

  • Specially curated resources for you 🤝

Networking is super important for anyone looking to grow their career, and it’s even more crucial if you’re an immigrant professional trying to find your way in Canada. Now networking can be daunting, particularly if you are a foreigner who’s a little unused to putting yourself out there. But here are five simple tips to help you build a strong network:

  • Use Online Platforms: Get on LinkedIn and other professional sites. These platforms are popular in Canada for connecting with people in your industry, joining groups, and finding job opportunities. Keep your profile updated, send connection requests and interact with posts to get noticed by others within your field.

  • Go to Industry Events: Yep, get out of your house! Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars in your field. These events are great places to meet people, learn about the latest trends, and show off your skills. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and exchange contact information. Remember, you’ve really got nothing to lose.

  • Join Professional Associations: Sign up for professional organizations related to your field. They offer special networking events, job listings, and mentoring programs. This is a fantastic way to meet experienced professionals and learn about the Canadian work environment.

  • Volunteer: Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people while helping out in the community. Pick organizations or causes that match your interests. This not only helps you build connections but also gives you valuable Canadian experience and references.

  • Ask for Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in your industry and ask if you can meet for a chat. These informal meetings let you learn about their career paths, get industry advice, and make new contacts. It’s a friendly way to expand your network and gather helpful info.

Networking might seem scary at first, but with a positive attitude and a genuine interest in others, it can become the most influential part of your journey in Canada.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 🌟

My Journey in Canada…how it’s going

This week, we had an interview with Genevieve, an HR Manager, who also runs a hair care line. Here’s what she had to say about her journey so far as immigrant professional 👇

Hi Genevieve, can you give us a little introduction and a background story of how you came to work in Canada?

"Hey everyone, I'm Genevieve, an HR manager specializing in people and performance. My Canadian adventure began in 2016 when I moved here for my MBA at Vancouver Island University. It was one of the best decisions of my life! Why? The MBA program was fantastic for making friends and integrating into Canadian society before diving into the workforce. The MBA included an internship, so I was on the hunt before I even finished. I landed two offers: one at Vancouver Island University and another in Vancouver at an engineering firm. I chose the Vancouver one because I wanted to be in the city.

Working at Integral Group in Vancouver was my introduction to the Canadian professional landscape. It was a wonderful experience. I started off as an HR coordinator. Within my first year, I got promoted to an HR advisor and by my second year, I was made a senior HR advisor.”

What are some of the challenges you’d say you’ve faced as a professional immigrant in Canada?

“Networking was a big challenge. During my internship, despite having a coordinator to help, it was still tough breaking out of my shell. Thankfully, she was hands-on, even introducing me to people at events, which really helped.

I also faced some discouragement with regards to the field I chose to pursue a career in. Breaking into the HR field wasn't easy. People warned me it was tough without Canadian experience, especially since it was a field that was fairly regulated, but I stayed focused because I knew what I wanted. My efforts paid off when I landed a role at a big four accounting firm without any prior connections there."

What are some culture shocks you’d say you’ve experienced in the Canadian workplace?

“ I’d say Canadian corporate culture was a shift from the hierarchical structure I was used to back home. Here, everyone, even interns, can voice ideas and see them implemented. It's really refreshing. It’s something I’ve also tried to encourage and implement as an HR professional in the places I work. There is also none of that sir or ma thing we’d have going on in Africa. Irrespective of rank or title, I noticed that everybody was addressed by their first name. That was a little shocking for me too.

I was homesick my first few weeks in Canada but then, getting into school really helped. I got to meet other Nigerians, Indians and some people from other cultures with whom I shared a common goal. Embracing and sharing cultural differences has also been rewarding. From explaining my colorful wardrobe to sharing Nigerian traditions, I’ve had a lot of fun connecting with colleagues."

What experiences in particular have stood out for you so far on your professional journey in Canada?

“ From my initial internship to securing a role at a big four firm, my career journey has been filled with memorable milestones. I've been fortunate to work with amazing colleagues everywhere I've been. They’ve been super helpful, super supportive and I really couldn’t be more grateful. Getting a job at one of the big four firms with no prior connection is definitely something that’d stand out for me throughout the rest of my career. I think it’s a testament to what being determined and knowing what you want can get you.”

What advice would you give newcomer professional immigrants?

“I have a couple of things to say. First I’d say, stay Determined. Don't be disheartened or discouraged by stories of struggles or how difficult it may be to get what you want. Stay focused on your goals. If you want to break into a specific field, keep at it!

Second I’d say is to network aggressively. Join professional bodies. I’m currently a member of CPHR and I’ve attended a lot of events and met with some really amazing professionals because of this. Networking will help you get in a lot of places. Connect with both fellow immigrants and locals to get insights and support. Always do a good job. I made the decision to always leave a good impression of myself. Even with people and employers I no longer work with. I endeavor to keep in touch and then check in from time to time.

Again, building a community of friends from diverse backgrounds is very important. During my time, having such a diverse support network helped me bridge the cultural gap and made settling in easier.

I’d also encourage a newcomer professional to join professional networks. Joining professional bodies like CPHR was invaluable. They offered events, seminars, and networking opportunities that were instrumental to my growth.

Finally, I’d advise any newcomer to be open-minded. Be ready to learn and unlearn because you’ll definitely be doing a lot of this. Don’t get so stuck in your own ways. Be willing to embrace new experiences and perspectives and a lot of doors will open for you!”

Could you tell us a little about your hair care line?

“Oh sure! It’s called Sosa Naturals. I founded it to cater specifically to people who had African hair, with its curly/wavy texture as it is often sidelined in the haircare product market. I actually researched for about two years before I launched the line. Right now, I’m not as fully invested as I’d want to be because my professional life still comes first. Going forward however, I hope to be able to dedicated more time and resources to growing the brand.”

COMMUNITY CORNER 🔗

We hoped you loved hearing from Genevieve! We’d love to hear from you too😊

We are eager to learn about your own experiences – the good, the bad, the unexpected, and the downright hilarious! Reach out to us below 👇

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