Preparing for a New Chapter: How SOPA Helped Mehrdad Navigate His Journey to Canada
Moving to a new country brings both excitement and challenges. For newcomers to Canada, understanding employment practices and workplace culture before arrival can make the transition significantly smoother. When Mehrdad Rajabi received his pre-arrival letter from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), he made a decision that would transform his immigration journey: he enrolled in the Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) Program.
A Seasoned Professional Seeking New Beginnings
Originally from Tehran, Iran, Mehrdad brings impressive credentials to Canada. With more than 23 years of experience as a research chemist at the National Petrochemical Company, Research & Technology (NPC-RT), he also serves as the strategic director of PUREAOX, a Canadian-based company specializing in home filter adsorbents.
Despite his extensive professional background, Mehrdad understood that success in a new country requires local knowledge and adaptation. He recognized the importance of gathering information before arrival and sought guidance on the best approaches to securing employment in his new home.
Discovering SOPA: A Bridge to Canadian Employment
Through SOPA, Mehrdad gained invaluable insights into the Canadian job market:
“Before enrolling in SOPA, I was unfamiliar with Canadian resume standards and job search strategies,” Mehrdad explains. “The program helped me understand these crucial elements thoroughly—from identifying my transferable skills and qualifications to showcasing my accomplishments effectively. I learned practical approaches to job searching in Canada, including networking techniques to uncover hidden opportunities, crafting targeted resumes and cover letters, and preparing strategically for both informational and formal job interviews.”
Building Confidence Before Arrival
With a stronger understanding of how to approach Canadian employers and apply for opportunities, Mehrdad now encourages other newcomers to be proactive even before landing in Canada. He recommends practicing and building confidence by applying for jobs and participating in online interviews from your home country.
“This proactive approach will boost your confidence and significantly increase your chances of finding suitable employment within the first few months after arrival,” he advises.
Mehrdad particularly acknowledges the support of his Job Search Strategies facilitator, Aneta Popa, who provided detailed feedback on assignments, offered valuable guidance, and responded promptly to his questions—all contributing to his increased confidence in the job application process.
Practical Skills for Real-World Success
“SOPA equipped me with practical knowledge on crafting targeted Canadian resumes and cover letters, along with valuable interview techniques,” Mehrdad shares. “Through their well-designed exercises, SOPA helped me solidify these essential skills.”
The program offers numerous courses to enhance your understanding of Canadian job search strategies and workplace communication skills. Additionally, SOPA connects participants with employment specialists who provide personalized one-on-one sessions tailored to individual needs.
A Dedicated Participant
Mehrdad recently completed the Job Search Strategies (JSS) course, demonstrating exceptional commitment and curiosity throughout. His active participation enriched the learning experience for everyone involved. His facilitator, Aneta Popa, shares:
“Mehrdad’s dedication to the JSS course was truly inspiring. As a facilitator, I deeply appreciated his curiosity and engagement throughout the program.”
Story Prepared by Aneta Popa, Employment Specialist and Team Lead with SOPA Alberta Team
Are you preparing to immigrate to Canada? Like Mehrdad, you can benefit from SOPA’s comprehensive pre-arrival services. Sign up today to gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need for a successful transition to Canadian life and employment.