As service providers, we are glad to see the journeys that
many of our clients make. Though these journeys begin in their home countries,
their destination points always vary. We see individuals enter our doors with
different paths and goals, some of which could be a journey to communicate
better, to resolve settlement issues, to complete paperwork, to find work, or
even to simply feel connected to the new place that they have come to.
In the Labour Market Access for Newcomers of Canada (LMANC)
program, we see clients who are on a quest to find a career, a difficult
challenge to say the least. We accept clients with a variety of career
objectives and motivations, but one recent story serves as proof that new
Canadians can find their dreams with effort, passion, and positivity.
Dusan was a
student in our LMANC co-op program for a brief two days, and his story is
nothing short of inspiring. He came to Canada as a computer technician, and he
was well aware of the challenges that were waiting for him in Canada. He began
his experience with NCP in Jane’s LINC class where he met a lot of new people.
Dusan knew that English was the first step in improving his prospects for
success in Canada.
As he
progressed from his language class, he began to develop a strong IT resume heavily
targeted to a computer technician role and applied for a multitude of jobs. At
first, he didn’t receive many calls back, but this didn’t stop him in his
search for success. As time went on, he finally got a call back and was invited
for his very first interview in his new country. He came in on a Friday and was
offered a job on the following Thursday. The entire job search process lasted a
month, but it involved lots of improvement and lots of persistence. Dusan
understood the challenges involved in finding work, and he addressed these
challenges by readily enrolling in our co-op program. He also knew that the
market was demanding, fast-paced, and difficult, but this didn’t matter in the
end. What mattered was his hunger to work in his new home.
“Fortune favours the prepared” is a quote that
often rings true with our students in search of career opportunities. Though
luck may sometimes play a part in the hiring process, luck often shines upon
people who have done the hard work to start them on the right path. Often, newcomers may be discouraged by the lack
of results that they get in their job search. They are also told horror stories
from their peers about how difficult it is to find work in Canada. From a
service provider’s point of view, we try to counteract that negativity by
urging newcomers to work hard and welcome luck when it knocks on your door.
Dusan is proof that hard work, positivity, and
learning are important factors in reaching success. We are extremely proud of
his accomplishments and hope that his spirit endures in everyone that aspires
to contribute to our great country.
