Nasim Delfaninejad’s Success Story in Healthcare Profession
Nasim Delfaninejad is a healthcare professional, she worked as physiotherapist in her home country. She loves her profession, so when she was set to immigrate to Canada, she was also set to pursue her career goals as physiotherapist. We are here to share her professional journey in Canada.
Please summarize your employment journey in Canada. What steps you took while still overseas? Are working in the same field as in your country of origin?
Healthcare is a regulated profession in Canada, which means as a physiotherapist I went through extensive evaluation to start practicing and working in my field. I started the credential recognition process, with the regulatory body, before I immigrated to Canada. As soon as I arrived, I started preparing for the first component of the Physiotherapy National Exam. It was only after passing the first component that I was given the permit to start working in my profession.
How did SOPA change your approach to seeking employment in Canada?
As a newcomer, it is difficult to know how to approach the job market in a new country. SOPA made it so much easier to understand the expectations of the employers and the market. It was a wonderful portal to network with people who help new immigrants in every possible way.
What strategies did you use to find a job in your field, in a related field or in an alternative field?
I found networking extremely helpful. I started creating a network of amazing people through SOPA who helped me immensely before and after I came to Canada. SOPA introduced me to programs and groups of professionals in my field who were able to guide me further through this long journey. I will always be grateful for that.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of networking. It is imperative to make good connections and ask for help whenever you need it. Attend as many networking events as you can. Get out there and let people know you are looking for new opportunities. Stay hopeful and focused. It is not going to be easy, but it is going to be worth the challenges.”
Describe any challenges you faced in your job search process and the steps you took to overcome these obstacles.
As a healthcare professional, the biggest challenge was the long process of becoming licensed. As well as the fact that there were very few options that would allow me to start working in a relevant position. I followed the advice of other physiotherapists who had finished the process of becoming licensed before me, and thus knew the path very well. I tried to get as much support as I could to be able to become a licensed physiotherapist in Canada. I cannot be more grateful for all the help, guidance and support that I received.
Please provide any tips for other newcomers for finding employment in Canada
I cannot stress enough the importance of networking. It is imperative to make good connections and ask for help whenever you need it. Attend as many networking events as you can. Get out there and let people know you are looking for new opportunities. Stay hopeful and focused. It is not going to be easy, but it is going to be worth the challenges.
Prepared by SOPA British Columbia Team
