Finance, Toronto, Fresh Graduate

[EdbertH]

Hello everyone

This is my first post in the forum and I'd like to ask few questions here if I may.

First, some info about myself:
I'm 19 years old from Jakarta, Indonesia and I have zilch working experience (that's right, zilch, zero, none)
Currently I finished undergrad with terrible GPA in the University of Melbourne and so I planned to rectify it by taking and finishing a postgraduate course with excellent scores/grades and perhaps grab a GMAT test and score really high up to prove/show that I am committed even though my undergrad history is terrible and I have no work experience.

I am looking for work/career in the finance sector, preferably front office job, where I can deal with clients and investors directly. The reason why I am looking at canada is because in my view, canada seems to have a lot of potential. It's one of the G8 countries, one of the largest economies in the world and a large portion of canada's economy are situated in financial services sector. In addition, living in canada seems to be a blast because of the stereotype of how "canadians are nice, polite, good, etc etc" and the population is not too high (i prefer quiet and peace while not working at all). Oh yeah, my target city is Toronto, Ontario, since it's a major global financial district.

However, so far, I have received mixed opinions and suggestions about working and living in Canada. Some people said it is highly unlikely for a guy like me to find work and immigrate to Canada due to reasons such as LMO, lack of skills and experience, etc etc. Others said it's easy if you can secure a job with a Canadian employer. So, I'd conclude that getting a job would at least get me temporary work visa and then work my way there if the job's permanent to PR status is the realistic way.

Please note, I am looking for an entry level job and I am willing to commit a lot of time and effort to prove that I am your boy/man (to the employers).
Questions:
1. Given these information, how likely am I going to receive a job offer in Canada in the fields that I wanted?
2. How long does it take (estimation) to look for a job, getting accepted for one and then applying for work permits and finally getting the work permit and finally, getting ready to fly to Canada? Which process is the longest among these?
3. Are there feasible alternatives that I can take to stay in Canada (perhaps have a friend/family vouch for me, etc etc)

So, for those who read this and are willing to provide realistic and accurate advice/answers/suggestions, I highly appreciate your time and willingness to help.

Thank you and have a good day

 

[amikety]

If your grades are that bad, are you sure a post graduate program will accept you?

1) Finance is one of the most common degrees in Canada. There are lots of people here with them that already legal to work. Without an insane stroke of luck, getting a job in that field is basically impossible. Convincing the Canadian government your company needs to hire a foreigner is even bigger of a stretch.

2) I've been job hunting INSIDE Canada for 18 months. I'm still unemployed and I have relevant, extensive work experience including management. Personally, I don't think your plan is realistic. Lots of people have that plan and I have yet to hear back from a single one saying it's working. Also see #1. I doubt an employer would get permission to hire a foreigner.

3) After you complete your post graduate program, you could apply for a PhD study program in Canada. That's one of the things Canada is looking for right now, although I think their focus is in science programs.

Whatever you decide is up to you, but I would suggest the study route. It earns you credit towards a PR and gives you a chance to work in Canada after graduation as well.

 

[EdbertH]

Thank you for the reply.

Right now I have a full offer available for a postgraduate course in Sydney, Australia. So, I think I can get a postgraduate degree.

Looks like it's true that getting a financial entry level job there is difficult for a total foreigner...

 

[Rossei]

amikety is absolutely right in advicing you.

Let me add up to it with the trend Canada follows in hiring for entry-levels:

Most undergrad programs here are combined with co-op/intern options. I would say more than 50% of the students take this opportunity and pass undergrad with working experience in different companies. They are valued the most for entry-level jobs in Canada. Some secure jobs while they're at school though the co-op/internship. I would say these people are the top priority in hiring. Good GPA is a plus point here.

Then comes the students with outstanding GPA w/o any working experience. There are immigrants with foreign degrees and tons of experiences looking for any job.

Moreover, an entry-level job is most competitive in your field. There are 3 universities in Toronto itself and many more want to settle down here from all over Ontario and Canada for its economy and fast life.

Now put yourself in this picture and find where you fit in.