Building Careers Before Arrival: Inspiring Newcomer Journeys with SOPA British Columbia
From Experience to Opportunity: Lieu’s Path to Career Success in Canada with SOPA
Meet Lieu Ngo, who is originally from Vietnam and now lives in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. With over 10 years of experience in sales representation, purchasing, and quality control within the manufacturing sector, Lieu has consistently exceeded customer satisfaction metrics. She is highly organized and detail-oriented, with exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Her ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize deadlines has allowed her to excel in fast-paced environments. Additionally, she is proficient in using MES, SCM, and SMTT systems, along with Microsoft Office Suite.
Although Lieu is currently seeking employment, she is incredibly grateful for the support she received from the SOPA Pre-Arrival Program. The program helped her tailor her resume, craft effective cover letters, and develop key soft skills, all of which are crucial for a successful job search in Canada.
Here’s what Lieu had to say about SOPA: “Currently, I am unemployed, but SOPA’s course helped me a lot with targeted resumes, cover letters, and soft skills. That is the most important part of preparing for job searching. I am lucky to have the support of Ms. Josephine Wang. She is such a nice person, professional, and kind.”
Words from SOPA Employment Advisors: “It has been a pleasure working with Lieu throughout the SOPA program. She has shown great dedication and enthusiasm in completing all the courses, especially in areas like tailoring her resume, writing effective cover letters, and building essential soft skills for the Canadian job market. Her proactive approach to learning and her consistent effort to improve her job search strategies have been truly inspiring. I’m confident that her hard work and commitment will lead to success as she pursues her career goals in Canada.” —Josephine Wang, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
“Lieu’s enthusiasm and dedication to exploring opportunities in logistics and food technology are truly inspiring. Her proactive approach and willingness to explore new career paths show her determination to succeed and make a meaningful contribution to her new community. She is thoughtful, hardworking, and motivated, and I’m confident she will make a lasting impact in her chosen fields.” —Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
From Business Coach to Social Worker: Catherine’s Path to Success in Canada
Meet Catherine Atuhaire, originally from Kampala, Uganda, now living in Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. Back in her home country, Catherine worked as a business coach, mentoring women and young girls to help them succeed in business.
Recognizing the importance of planning ahead, Catherine joined the SOPA Pre-Arrival Program before moving to Canada. The program provided her with the tools and knowledge to navigate her transition and job search effectively.
Here’s what Catherine had to say about SOPA and the strategies she uses for her job search: “I used pre-arrival services and am still contacting the organizations that the SOPA employment counsellor provided to me. Even though I haven’t secured a job yet, I am grateful for SOPA and the courses they provided. I now know how to develop a Canadian resume, cover letter, and different job search strategies. It boosted my confidence in terms of marketing myself, for example, using the 30-Second Summary for self-introduction.“
What tips would you share with other newcomers? “Sign up for SOPA’s employment courses—you won’t go wrong.”
Words from SOPA Employment Advisors: “Catherine has shown great dedication and enthusiasm throughout the course. She actively participated in all the lessons and completed her assignments on time. Her willingness to learn and ability to ask thoughtful questions showed her strong commitment to growth. I have no doubt that Catherine will continue to succeed and achieve her goals.” —Josephine Wang, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
“Catherine’s passion for supporting others is evident in her mission to work in social services. Her dedication and commitment to helping vulnerable women and children are truly inspiring. I’m confident she will have great success in making a difference in her new community.” —Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
Navigating the Canadian Job Market: Ikram’s Path to Success with SOPA Pre-Arrival Program
Meet Mohammad (Ikram) Ikramul Ghani Khan, originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, now living in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. Before relocating, Ikram worked at a private bank, gaining valuable experience in administration, procurement, and security.
Ikram completed multiple SOPA courses, including Job Search Strategies, Soft Skills: Complex Conversations, and Workplace Communication. He worked closely with SOPA advisors to refine his job search strategies and prepare for the Canadian job market.
Here’s what Ikram had to say about SOPA and the strategies he uses for job search: “SOPA’s Job Search Strategies Course was eye-opening for me. I learned about networking, and that networking is vital. I have to keep trying and look for skills development if required. Networking, working with employment service providers, skill path programs, and mentoring programs.”
What tips would you share with other newcomers? “You must have high adaptability and be open to starting fresh.”
Words from SOPA Employment Advisor: “Ikram demonstrated strong dedication and a proactive attitude throughout the SOPA courses. His enthusiasm for learning and networking stood out, and I am confident his hard work will lead him to success in Canada.” —Josephine Wang, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
“Ikram’s excellent communication skills and proactive approach to networking are inspiring. His positivity and eagerness to embrace new experiences will undoubtedly help him build a successful career in Canada.” —Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
Landing Success Before Arrival: Jaqueline’s Journey to Employment in Canada
Meet Jaqueline Willens, originally from São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, now living in Vancouver, British Columbia. With over a decade of customer service experience, including three years as a retail store manager, Jaqueline successfully transitioned into a new sector before even arriving in Canada.
Jaqueline found the SOPA Pre-Arrival Program through the IRCC website and used its resources to refine her job search approach. The Job Search Strategies and Soft Skills Courses helped her tailor her applications and confidently present her skills to Canadian employers.
Here’s what Jaqueline had to say about SOPA and the strategies she uses for her job search: “Accurate information that is very helpful in understanding the Canadian job market. I visit job boards, network, and search through different companies’ websites. SOPA courses helped me target my resume, narrow my search, and understand the importance of networking.”
What tips would you share with other newcomers? “Be open to different types of jobs and network with people in your desired field.”
Words from SOPA Employment Advisor: “Jaqueline’s commitment and proactive approach paved the way for her quick success. Her dedication and enthusiasm were truly inspiring, and I have no doubt she will continue to thrive in Canada.” —Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
Post prepared by SOPA British Columbia Team: Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC and Josephine Wang, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
Edits made by Albina Ziatdinova, SOPA Online Community and Social Media Monitor
