Some Advice

[Ced_3231]

Hi,

I have a degree from here in Canada and left back to where I came from until my immigration was fixed. But after I came here, I found that the experience from home country was not given much attention.

Anyone have an advice on what to do? Does getting a job like tim hortons, etc. help but isnt it embarrasing to write on the resume? Or is volunteering the answer?

Thanks

 

[abelkwh]

Wake up dude! u need to start from fresh even if u have a Canadian degree, u have yrself to blame by not working here right after u graduate and what u have back home or anywhere that is a developing country is useless here and it has no recognition at all! Even some of us, who have worked in developed countries, also have to start from fresh, even with many yrs of experience. SO wake up dude and be humble!

 

[Canadian Career Coach]

It's great your post secondary education is from Canada as you've already passed one hurdle and don't have to worry about getting any educational equivalency done.

I would go back to the school you graduated from and see what the school's Career Centre can help you with. As an alumni you will be entitled to a number of things. They often can help with networking and directing you to open opportunities and this way they'll see you as an extension of your former school. If you are in a position to volunteer, I would also see if the Career Centre can give you any leads in this area, that could help (down the line) with securing a F/T position later.

 

[Ced_3231]

Abelkwh, it is not about being arrogant or etc. it is about managing your resume and what to answer in your job interview when they ask you, "why didnt you find a job in your field rather than working in TH or subways etc.", what are you going to say? I dont have a work visa??? I couldnt find a job??

That is not a professional answer.

So there are two things that have to be done:

1) The whatever that has to be done

2) Management of it during interviews (saying you did not have a work visa is not an excuse)

 

[newtone]

Hi,

I have a degree from here in Canada and left back to where I came from until my immigration was fixed. But after I came here, I found that the experience from home country was not given much attention.

Anyone have an advice on what to do? Does getting a job like tim hortons, etc. help but isnt it embarrasing to write on the resume? Or is volunteering the answer?

Thanks

The reality is you need Canadian experience, you can start by doing volunteer jobs because they dont stress on the experience as much. Tim Hortons jobs arent that bad, it teaches you customer service, time management and multitasking. Its not embaressing at all to put in your resume, you'll have to sell yourself to the employer. How you do it comes with experience and how you can relate to the Canadian market. What we call chai walas back in the developing countries dont have any skills but Tim Hortons staff have many skills and you'll have to start from scratch, thats how all immigrants start from. As I said its the reality of the situation.

 

[David_TVO]

Hi,

I found that the experience from home country was not given much attention.

In interviewing highly skilled New Canadians, I was really surprised at how difficult it was for immigrants to get their experienced recognized. I think the Canadian Career coach has given you some great advice. I can only add, remember you are not alone, and creating networks in Canada will help to develop links that can lead to a new career.

Video: New Canadians on Finding Work
http://www.tvo.org/TVO/WebObjects/TVO.woa?videoid?760336315001

Video Series - Voices of New Canadians
http://www.tvo.org/cfmx/tvoorg/theagenda/index.cfm?page_id=3&action=blog&subaction=viewPost&post_id=14150&blog_id=323

 

[RN]

Hello,

I believe the best advice depends on your current financial situation and your educational background.

The great advantage you have is that you have a Canadian education credential.

The best thing for you to do is to volunteer with an association which is most closely in line with your education. Once you do this, you can have some Canadian experience and Canadian references as well as be able to network in your choosen field. DO NOT UNDER ESTIMATE THE GREAT BENEFIT OF NETWORK. Try to go to events in your field and meet with people in your field. I believe some associations such as maytree foundation opportunities for mentorship. Find out about associations that offer mentorship programs for new immigrants.

The other option is for you to complete a certificate program by national associations (by writing a recognized national or international exam). Although, its much much (a lot more, Cant emphasize enough) common for immigrants with credentials to not get a job in their field, it is not uncommon for Canadians to not get a job in their field, especially with basic (e.g. science) degree. Look online for the types of jobs that you are thinking of, and see if their is a certificate program that will put you on the edge greater than other applicants. For example, for individuals with bachelors degree in business or IT, credentials such as project management certification, CISA designation, Business Analyst etc. may work. Of course, this will definately have associated cost.

Try to get a job, any kind of job that is related to your field of study.

I would not encourage you to work at Tim Hortons if it is not related to your future career. But for example, if your career before was restaurant management, then it may be a good idea.

But of course, if choosing between not working at all and associated starvation versus working at Tim Hortons, Tim Hortons is better (used to work there in high school and I now teach health care professionals). The important thing is that you should not get stuck in low paying job as this is common for immigrants. Hence, if you do this, make sure you still have time on your hand to volunteer in your occupation or to network with individuals in your occupation.

This are my thoughts.