Shahi said:
hey Mtlguy,
I appreciate your help.... my query really is related to ...what sort of jobs i can get when i first reach there... i am an MBA and Comp engineer.. and what about monthly expenses...if you could share some info..this would really help me...
thanks
Shahi
Hello Shahi,
To help you with your queries, I think i can provide you with my own experience (being a computer engineer and have lived in Montreal, QC for more than 1 year now).
So assuming your background, i think you would prefer to live and work in an English community. So there are only handful of places you can do your job search. (Areas of Montreal where english speaking community lives (West mount, West Island, Atwater, downtown area )). Small cities like Lennoxville has also 90% English speaking community. They also hire computer engineers. Best way is to look into their local newspapers (contact local recruiters, they can sometime find you jobs faster). craigslistDOTca, monsterDOTca, a very good website where you can find jobs related to IT industry tailored for new immigrants is (wwwDOTjobs4canadaDOTcom). Also quebec government has their own job banks only for immigrants and they help you initially finding jobs in Quebec.
But computer related jobs mostly require english speaking professionals so language should not be a problem.
Major companies where computer engineers can work in quebec are:
1- Bombardier (they look for controls, system and computer professionals)
2- Pratt and Whitney
3- Ericsson Canada
4- IBM (with their canadian head office in Montreal)
5- Telecom and Mobile providers (Bell, AT&T)
6- CMC (Microprocessor, VLSI desingers)
Now living expenses vary hugely based on where you live. Montreal is most expensive in QC. You have to pay min 400 CAD / mth rent for a shared apartment + food + transportation + mobile etc. So I would suggest you to live on sharing bases, cook at home and don't use cellphone for your initial stay (cost can be bring down to a min 600 CAD and can go upto min of 1000 CAD/month (based on canadian standards)).
Now again these costs are in montreal downtown, if you chose to live far from downtown and use a bike for transportation cost can go further down. I know some people who live within 400 CAD / mth (everything including
i hope this answer your question.
thanks