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How Things Are Done—The Canadian Way

Navigating the Canadian Work Culture as a Professional Immigrant

Author

Kufre-Mfon Effiong-Robert
May 05, 2024

Hello, new local👋

In today’s Newsletter:

  • Tips for thriving in the Canadian workplace

  • An exclusive interview with Esther Peters

  • Resources for you!

Entering the Canadian workforce as a newcomer can be both exciting and challenging particularly if you are coming from a place with little to no structure. Yet, understanding and adapting to the system is crucial for your success. If you are looking for your first job in Canada, you’ll stand a better chance if you portray yourself to be familiar with the local work culture. 

You’ll find that Canadian work culture is characterized by teamwork, equality, professionalism, and effective communication. In the workplace, Canadians value collaboration, mutual respect, and open communication channels.

To thrive in the Canadian workplace, you should focus on :

  • Developing effective communication skills, including active listening, conciseness, clarity of speech and professionalism.

  • Building strong relationships with other professionals, colleagues and supervisors through networking, teamwork, and mentorship.

  • Being reliable and punctual. Meeting deadlines, and arriving on time for meetings, appointments and work-related activities are taken very seriously in Canada.

  • Maintaining a healthy work-life balance as this is important for your overall well-being and productivity.

  • Practicing equality and inclusivity. The workplace in Canada is extremely diverse. It will not be uncommon to find people of diverse nationalities, cultures, and varying sexual and personal orientations. You should aim to treat everyone equally and respectfully.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 🌟

This week, we had an interview with Esther Peters, a newcomer who now works as a Business Management Analyst with TD Bank Canada, one of the the top 3 banks in Canada and also runs Labellaz Signatures, a sweater brand. Here’s what she had to say about her journey in Canada 👇

Can you share your journey as an immigrant professional in Canada including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them?

“When I arrived in Canada as a wide-eyed international student in 2016, I had no idea what to expect. My first "Canadian work experience" was at the KFC, where I spent four months taking orders and mopping floors. Talk about a humbling start! 

My next opportunity was at the Vancouver Island University Alumni Call Center where I worked 20 hours/week calling alumni, updating their contact information and collecting donations. That job gave me the contact center and customer service experience I needed to land my big break at TD Bank in September 2017!

As a customer account specialist at TD, I got a front-row seat to people's financial struggles. I listened to angry customers talk about their late auto loans, and unemployed people surrendering their vehicles and this built my empathy skills, and my ability to have difficult conversations with grace and kindness. This prepared me for my next role as a Transitional Team Leader, in March 2022.

In this position, I got to be the TD brand ambassador, training newbies and making sure they felt like they belonged. Talk about a dream job for an immigrant like me! I loved connecting with people who were in the same shoes I once wore and helping them realize their full potential.

Of course, it hasn't all been smooth sailing. The dreaded imposter syndrome has reared its ugly head more times than I can count. But I've learned to silence that little voice of self-doubt by reaching out to my mentors and leaning on my supportive managers.

I transitioned to a co-op intern on the BOSS team in August 2022, and I've been able to expand my portfolio and truly thrive. Now, I'm a Business Management Analyst, supporting the business, using my Master’s degree and experience and using AI to train my colleagues. Who would have thought the graduate student flipping burgers at KFC would end up here?

My journey to becoming a professional in Canada has been anything but linear. But through it all, I've learned to embrace the twists and turns and to never underestimate the power of a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

If there's one thing I've taken away from this experience, it's that the Canadian dream is alive and well. With hard work, resilience, and a little bit of humour, anything is possible. So to all my fellow immigrant professionals out there, keep pushing forward - your moment is coming!”

What resources or support networks did you find most helpful when settling into your professional life in Canada?

“One of my most powerful tools was the humble coffee chat. At TD Bank, we take this ritual very seriously. It's like a secret handshake that opens doors to professional knowledge, lifelong friendships, and career-changing insights.

I've lost count of the number of times a casual coffee chat has led to an "aha!" moment that propelled me forward!

Another key to my success was learning to embrace feedback. In the beginning, it felt like a punch in the gut every time my manager pointed out an area for improvement. But then I realized - this is gold! Pure, unadulterated, career-boosting gold.

You see, feedback is like a crystal ball into your blind spots. It shows you the things you didn't even know you didn't know. And in the Canadian workplace, that knowledge is power. So, I started leaning into it, using it as fuel to level up my skills and impress my colleagues.

Lastly, I couldn't have done it without the support of my mentors. It's like having a personal cheerleading squad but with way better advice. My mentors have been there for me through thick and thin - celebrating my wins, commiserating over my losses, and always pushing me to reach for the stars. They've opened doors, shared insider tips, and even helped me navigate the dreaded "Canadian experience" conundrum.

So there you have it really - my secret weapons for navigating the Canadian professional jungle. Coffee chats, feedback, and mentorship. It's a simple formula, but it works like a charm.”

LOOK WHO’S HIRING! 💼

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HERE’S WHAT’S UP 🤝

TOP RESOURCES FOR YOU 🗃️

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