Focus and Dedication: Important Keys to Success
When Dinny Mathew first enrolled in SOPA’s courses in search of a job in Canada, she stood out.
With more than a decade of experience in healthcare education, medicine and public health, and multiple academic degrees (Doctor of Medicine, MBA, Master of Public Health), Dinny was well positioned as an appealing candidate for Canadian employers.
Originally from India, she was based in the United States and had her eye on a future a little farther North, in neighbouring Canada. What Dinny needed, next, to unlock her full job seeking potential was the expert, pre-arrival guidance of a SOPA expert.
Focused and dedicated, she did her research, which led her to discovering SOPA’s services and program. She reached out to contact SOPA Ontario and was quickly enrolled in two consecutive courses, “Job Search Strategies” and “Working in Canada.”
Dinny wrapped up her SOPA courses in September 2020, and continued her job search efforts – this time, equipped with job search know-how for the Canadian work world. Just six months later, Dinny shared exciting news with SOPA:
“I am very pleased to announce that finally I got the position I applied for and will be moving to Canada in a few weeks. I want to extend my thanks to SOPA for being so helpful with everything that I needed. I used the skills learned in the course, especially for the resume build-up to apply for jobs.”
Dinny will be working in Prescott, Ontario and is due to arrive in April 2021! Her progress update ended with a thank you to her SOPA facilitator. “I would like to send a special thank you to my instructor, Elmira Alim, for her patience and helpful attitude.”
Elmira Alim, an experienced SOPA Job Search Strategies Facilitator based in Ottawa remembers Dinny’s focus and efforts. She noted, “Dinny has demonstrated a high level of dedication and enthusiasm for this course. She responded positively to feedback and successfully implemented knowledge gained from course materials. I wish her all the best in her journey to Canada.”
We applaud Dinny’s focus and dedication, which are two very important ingredients for newcomer success. Within six months of completing SOPA courses, she has built her pathway to success and will arrive in Canada in just a few weeks – bravo, Dinny!
Do you have a SOPA success story to share? Your experiences can help others who are following in your footsteps as you take the road to resettlement in Canada. If you are a current or past SOPA client and wish to share your story or offer some tips you discovered that will help others, contact us.
Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) is an Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funded program that delivers free pre-arrival services for job readiness, success and retention. Explore the free, pre-arrival resources, services and courses we offer at ArrivePrepared.ca.
Story written by Jennifer Barnable
At SOPA, Jennifer is an Employment Resources Coordinator who helps provide pre-arrival support for youth and adults planning for their next chapter in Canada. With nearly 20 years of experience as a public relations communicator and project manager, her work has taken her across government, industry, academia and NGOs. Jennifer takes particular interest in diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as culture, education and community building. She has been involved with supporting newcomers to Atlantic Canada for over 20 years through various organizations’ outreach and mentorship programs. Jennifer currently develops and facilitates two SOPA courses: “Ready to Work” and “Passport to Success.”
