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Getting out of this Catch-22 situation
BE CAREFUL: you can get stuck here for a really long time - even as a skilled professional
Oluwaseye Adesina
July 07, 2024
Hello, new local👋
In today’s Newsletter:
Breaking into the Canadian Job Market
Here’s a chance to create Impact
Jobs + Top opportunities of the week
This is my first email to you in July so happy [belated] Canada Day and welcome to H2!
Don’t worry, I won’t ask if you’ve achieved some of your 2024 goals or finished those online courses you signed up for. But…but…have you though?
Hmmmn!
So there’s this frustrating fix many Canadian immigrants get into due to ignorance and self-doubt. Yes, I know I said in my last newsletter to lower your expectations and start with a lesser job, especially if you’ve been job searching for donkey years. However, if you’re not careful, with all the bills and maybe black tax back home, you can get stuck in low-skilled or unrelated jobs for a long time.
The truth is you don’t have to do the low-end job for too long. I recommend giving yourself 6 months max to transition from that sausage-flipping job to something more aligned with your desired career goals.
Here's the way out:
Volunteer Work and Internships: Even if you’re currently flipping burgers, try to simultaneously volunteer for impactful projects and internship opportunities. These roles will help you build your resume and also expand your professional network. You can get started with Volunteer Canada or Charity Village.
Professional Associations and Networking: If you’re a qualified professional with little to no Canadian Job experience, another way to break into the job market is by joining professional associations related to your field.
Join a Bridging program: Bridging programs are designed to help internationally trained professionals gain the credentials and experience needed to work in their field in Canada. If you live in Ontario, try the Ontario Bridge Training Program. Also in Alberta, they have an International Qualifications Assessment Service to get your foreign certifications assessed for work and study. You can also make inquiries to find a Bridge program that works for you in your province.
If you can't get a Canadian Job, try getting a Canadian Credential: Sometimes, an additional education or certification can make a significant difference in your job search. Obtaining a Canadian certification opened doors of opportunities for me in ways that surprised me.
If you’re super new here, you need to edit your CV and optimize your LinkedIn ASAP. I know there are a lot of scams out there so I’ll be sharing a legit contact with you to get this done easily and at a super affordable cost. Click here to talk to Mariam.
Ultimately, you need persistence, creativity and resourcefulness to break into the Canadian Job Market. Don’t over-glorify the process so much that you start to accept the mediocre barest--bottom-of-the-barrel minimum.
Keep your eyes peeled for information and always stand on business.
Do you have a story that captures the challenges and triumphs of starting afresh as a professional in Canada?
We're looking for inspiring journeys, thought leadership, and valuable insights from African [or Non- African..??] professionals who have immigrated to Canada.
Have you grown and thrived in your Career since you made that big move? Do you have thoughts, learnings, advice, or resources you‘d like to share with more people?
Here's your chance to share your experience and impact the lives of others!
What’s in it for you?
Contribute to a Positive Impact: Help and inspire new immigrants in Canada.
Become a Thought Leader: Share your valuable experience and knowledge.
Build Your Brand: Get recognized by over 50,000 African professionals considering moving to Canada.
Reach a Wide Audience: Be featured in our publication reaching over 50,000 professionals.
Does this sound exciting to you? Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch
INSPIRE ✨
"Sitting at my desk in downtown Toronto, I often think about how I got where I am today. I recall my former job at a sausage factory, where I spent eight hours a day on my feet. Today, I help newcomers by reviewing their résumés, and providing suggestions on how to prepare for interviews”
Tunde Omotoye's inspiring journey from a Human Resources Associate in Lagos to a Senior Business Operations Analyst at BMO Financial Group in Toronto is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing initial struggles, including working long hours at a sausage factory and as a traffic controller to pay for school, Tunde persevered. Beyond his professional success, Tunde gives back to the Canadian community by offering pro bono guidance to newcomers, helping them navigate the job market and achieve their own dreams in Canada.
TEA O’CLOCK
COMMUNITY CORNER 🔗
Transitioning into Canadian professional life comes with its fair share of surprises. From workplace customs to everyday interactions, the cultural journey is full of eye-opening moments. As people who have navigated the rollercoaster of cultural transitions, we know firsthand how impactful those 'aha' moments can be.
We are eager to learn about your own experiences – the good, the bad, the unexpected, and the downright hilarious! Reach out to us below 👇
LOOK WHO’S HIRING! 💼
Wave HQ
Vale
Wattpad Entertainment Inc.
HERE’S WHAT’S UP 🤝
Canada’s Digital Tax is Here: How could it affect you?
Hopes might be dashed as international students face uncertainty over Canadian residency
TOP RESOURCES FOR YOU 🗃️
Education and Skill Development
Break into the Canadian job market with these top strategies
Unlock your future with Skills Canada, a non-profit that connects young Canadians to skilled trades and technology careers
Navigate your career path in Canada! Read this for key trends, opportunities and salary ranges in the 2024 job market
Canada started a new plan in 2024 to help skilled workers like you get a work permit faster. Here's everything you need to know about it
Searching for skills development? Meet SCC - your partner for comprehensive solutions across all Canadian industries
Health and Well-being
Looking for easy ways to eat healthier? Here are 21 tips from Canada's Food Guide
Stuck on Junk food? This is how to eat healthily as a newcomer in Canada.
Cultural Integration
DON’T MISS THESE! 👔
Financial Inclusion, Business Financing & Networking for Immigrants | Learn More
WOMEN's EMPOWERMENT, Social Impact, Diversity, Equity & Entrepreneurship | Learn More
Green Summit and Social Impact Business | Learn More
Idea Lounge for Female Creatives + Entrepreneurs | Learn More
Toronto Big Business, Tech & Entrepreneur Professional Networking Soiree | Learn More
Send Money Globally with Ease Using LemFi
LemFi is a cheat code if you just moved to Canada and you want to send or receive money from Nigeria, US,UK, Kenya and over 20 countries. Here’s a few things you can do:
Open free multi-currency accounts with LemFi and get local banking details like account and routing numbers in over 20 currencies including USD, GBP, EUR, CAD, NGN and more. This allows you to receive money directly into local accounts as if you were a resident, eliminating costly international fees.
What’s more? You get CAD 30.00 when you verify your account and send over CAD 250. Use Lemfi to send and receive money today!
SOME TOOLS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT! 👔
Botx - improve your business with no-code AI agents for workflows, chatbots, and solutions
Brand24 - protect your brand with this top AI social listening tool
Supermoon - simplify customer support with AI: train your assistant, connect key channels, and save time daily.
Thunderbit - boost work productivity with this app and automation builder for business users
mymind - effortlessly remember everything by keeping all your notes, bookmarks, inspirations, articles, and images in one private place
You definitely know someone else who’ll benefit from this newsletter. Don’t gate keep😌