Yannick’s Journey to a Leadership Role in Canada
Yannick, a determined professional from France, was thrilled when her permanent residency to Canada was approved. She didn’t just wait to start her new life, she got ready for it. Her goal was clear: find a good job fast and fit into Canada’s work world. Before arriving, she joined the SOPA (Settlement Online Pre-Arrival) program. It gave her useful tips on job hunting and taught her how to connect with people at work, skills she now uses as a manager of a diverse team.
When Yannick arrived in Vancouver, Canada in the summer, she faced some challenges. She needed to settle in, find daycare for her child, and get to know her new home in British Columbia. But she stayed focused. She used her time wisely, learning from SOPA how to improve her resume, use job search tools, and meet people online through LinkedIn. Her hard work paid off. In just three months, she landed a job in communications and public relations, a role that fits her skills and lets her lead a team to success.
Now, Yannick loves her job. She manages a team with people from different backgrounds and works hard to make it a positive place for everyone. She says SOPA’s advice helped her understand Canadian workplaces and build strong ties with her coworkers. Yannick’s story shows how planning and effort can lead to a great career in Canada. She’s excited to keep growing and wants to help other newcomers do the same.
Here’s what Yannick shares with immigrants starting their job search in Canada:
What challenges did you face while job hunting, and how did you overcome them?
“Many people advised me to take an entry-level position to make ends meet initially. However, I realized that doing so would leave me with less time and energy to focus on securing the role I was truly aiming for. Fortunately, I stayed focused on my objectives, remained patient, and ultimately landed a position that aligns with my career goals.
Of course, the lack of money can be triggering, but I knew I needed to be cautious not to get caught in a negative loop. I focused on staying aligned with my long-term goals rather than settling for a position that might delay my progress.”
How did you find a job in your field or a related one?
“I attended as many workshops as I could on targeted resumes, ATS, cover letters, and networking. While I was already familiar with the resume and cover letter process, I couldn’t have imagined just how crucial LinkedIn and networking would be in a successful job search. I’m glad I kept an open mind because embracing these tools ultimately helped me secure a position in my area of expertise.
I understand the importance of networking in Canada, so even after securing a job, I began volunteering for various projects. I am now honored to serve as a board member for an organization that supports migrant women in achieving success.”
How did SOPA change your job search approach in Canada?
“What makes SOPA unique, in my opinion, is its focus on workplace behavior. I particularly remember the course on ‘Complex Conversations’ and am so grateful I had the chance to take it. Having attended a management school, I recognize this as the type of content that would have been invaluable at the time. The course format is exceptionally well-designed, with videos and examples that are both easy to understand and memorable.
I now feel confident in handling difficult conversations and conducting annual reviews, not only with my manager but also with the members of my team.”
What tips can you share with other newcomers?
“I would emphasize two key points:
First, listen and stay open-minded. Attend as many workshops as you can, even if the topics seem similar. Each session offers a unique perspective, and you’ll always gain something valuable from the speaker’s approach or the experiences shared by other attendees.
Second, keep a positive mindset. Job searching can be challenging, especially in a new country and even more so if you’re navigating it in a language that isn’t your mother tongue. However, never underestimate your past experiences and skills. You are valuable, and soon, the right employer will recognize it and be honored to welcome you to their team.”
Special Comments
“I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to my personal Employment Facilitator, Josephine Wang, who provided invaluable advice and support when I needed it most. Her patience and guidance were essential to my success, and I cannot thank her enough.”
Testimonials from the SOPA Team in British Columbia
“I wanted to share my sincere appreciation for Yannick. She has been an exceptional client throughout the Job Search Strategies and Soft Skills courses, demonstrating a positive attitude and a strong commitment to her learning. I have truly enjoyed her energy and enthusiasm, and I am especially impressed by how proactive she has been in reaching out whenever she had questions. Seeing her succeed and secure a leadership role where she can thrive and continue her passion in her field brings me immense joy. I am confident she will continue to make remarkable strides in her career!”
—Josephine Wang, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
“In January 2024, I had the pleasure of having a one-on-one session with Yannick Hilaricus, a high-level professional specializing in Marketing and Communications. Fluent in both French and English, she impressed me with her dedication and clear focus on her goals. Before her arrival, she worked hard to plan her career move to British Columbia and stayed very goal-oriented. After arriving, she showed great resilience and adaptability, finding a job in her chosen field within the French-speaking community in BC. Her success reflects her hard work and the value she brings to any team. I sincerely wish her continued success in her career.”
—Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC
Story prepared in collaboration with Yannick Hilsaricus, Josephine Wang and Anna Romaniuk.
Final edits by Albina Ziatdinova, Communications and Engagement Coordinator, SOPA