Challenges for Internationally Trained Professionals

By Lesley Perrin

Ken Li arrived in Canada from China on September 18, 2006, at age 38. He is presently employed in a job similar to his previous position in China that carries with it a bright future. His message to any new immigrant, especially an internationally trained professional, is not to stop trying until you have achieved your employment goal. However, he reflects that new immigrants have so many challenges after arriving in Canada that they can become overwhelmed. This often leads to an individual becoming literally paralyzed from proceeding further. Such feelings are very much part of Ken’s story.

Ken’s degree was in electronic engineering; and in China, he was employed by a world leader in the computer industry for eight years. He worked first in the IT department and later advanced to analyzing departmental and business needs beyond his IT responsibilities. He thought he had readied himself for his transition to the Canadian employment market by surfing the Internet for titles, job descriptions and postings while in China. However, he found it was not that simple once he arrived in Canada.

He reflects that during the first two months he became frustrated in trying to write a good resume, because he specifically could not identify and communicate how his training and experience could ‘fit’ a job in his field in Toronto. This led him to become inactive in proceeding further. Ken had only limited savings to sustain him and he was feeling the pressure. He was not sure what to do, but of course, something had to be done. He had to keep trying.

One day while travelling on a bus, he had noticed a sign in a second floor window on Midland Avenue for an Employment Resources Centre (ERC) along with Seneca’s banner that was also visible. He decided to return and he simply walked in looking for options and assistance. He discovered that Seneca was delivering the Re-employment Services for International Professionals (RESIP) program funded by Employment Ontario. Having attended the orientation he became re-motivated to pursue his goal, because now he had confidence that he would obtain support and guidance – which he did.

After the four-week job-preparation program, Ken began working with RESIP Job Developer, Abdi Farah, to get an eight-week placement. Abdi helped him find a potential one that was in the IT field, but Ken was not sure if this one was right for him. He had determined in the program that his target was to be a Business Analyst as this was similar to last position in China. However, with Abdi’s assistance, Ken realized that he could benefit from this placement and move closer toward obtaining his goal.

At this time, Ken decided he would apply himself fully to this new opportunity. He did well in the position gaining praise for his job performance from his supervisor who was willing to be a reference. Most significant though, he now had some ‘Canadian experience’. In addition, Ken had obtained a mentor through the Mentoring Partnership program, which allowed him to better search and network in his field while also obtaining job leads through the ERC.

As a result of this combination of interventions and events, including learning new interview skills and being prepped for interviews through RESIP, he obtained a business analyst position with an excellent remuneration package. However, as part of his new life in Canada, and of greatest importance to Ken, he was now currently employed in his field. So, as Ken’s story illustrates, never stop trying to find your path; and this especially includes seeking out the professional help you need to make your goals a reality.

Lesley Perrin is an Employment Consultant with Seneca College in the Faculty of Workforce Skills Development. Currently, he is assisting with the RESIP program delivered at the Seneca Employment Resource Centre – 3660 Midland Avenue.