From Newcomer to Mentor: My Journey from Landing in Canada to Giving Back as a Citizen
By Keshav Kumar
In January 2018, I stepped into Canada for the first time. I had excitement in my heart and frost in the air, literally. I was hopeful, prepared, but unsure of how my story would unfold. Fast forward to today, I am settled with meaningful work. I have found a new sense of home. I have also become a Canadian citizen. Additionally, I mentor newcomers, guiding others on the same path I once walked.
When I first arrived, I documented my experience in a blog post, where I shared:
“My name is Keshav Kumar. I flew from India to the bustling city of Toronto in the latter part of January 2018. It is apparently the coldest month of the year. I came to become a permanent resident of Canada. When I first got off at Toronto Pearson International Airport, I was both excited and nervous.”
“I was excited. I was going to be part of a well-developed and culturally diverse country. It was home to people from all across the globe. With that said, I was nervous. I was thinking about how well I would do professionally. I was in a country I knew almost nothing about.”
I caught a fever in my first week. Despite this, I reminded myself of all the preparation I had done before arriving. This included working in my field. I scored high on the IELTS. I completed my MBA and got it assessed. I also saved funds and connected with pre-arrival services. One of the most instrumental supports during this time was the Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) program. Through SOPA, I gained a head start in understanding Canadian workplace culture. I achieved this before even setting foot in the country.
I enrolled in several online SOPA courses. These courses helped me build essential knowledge and skills, from workplace communication to professional etiquette in Canada. These courses gave me a clear picture of what to expect in a professional setting. I learned how to present myself confidently. This preparation became critical to my success during interviews and on the job.
“Andreea at SOPA helped with settlement-related issues. Albina supported me while I was taking extremely useful online self-paced courses. These courses included ‘Working in Canada’ and ‘Canadian Workplace Integration’. I also completed another great course ‘Soft Skills: Professional Communication’. These courses not only helped me secure my first position at Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), but also enabled me to excel in my role.“
Finding That First Job
Armed with this knowledge and a proactive mindset, I launched a focused job search. I applied for ten roles strategically. I received multiple referrals. This success was all thanks to the connections built through pre-arrival services like SOPA, JVS Toronto, and Planning for Canada.
“In the second and third week, I applied for ten jobs in a very targeted manner… In the fourth week, I converted two interviews into two separate job offers from two well-known Canadian banks. I joined one of the two institutions, RBC, in the last week of February 2018.”
That first role gave me not only a stable start but a platform for growth. At RBC, I began building relationships, volunteering at corporate events, and understanding the nuances of the Canadian workplace. SOPA’s courses had already given me an edge by preparing me for these scenarios. They helped with small talk with colleagues. They also helped me understand how feedback is exchanged in a Canadian office.
Giving Back: Becoming a Mentor
Six months into my job at RBC, I was selected for a mentorship role at JVS Toronto. This happened despite the usual requirement of two or more years of Canadian experience. After a phone interview, the team recognized the value in the practical insights I had gained. They offered me the opportunity to support newcomers. These newcomers, like me, had a background in finance and were navigating the early stages of their Canadian journey.
Now, as a Canadian citizen, giving back has become even more meaningful and fulfilling to me. At JVS Toronto, I mentor newcomers in:
- Adapting to Canadian workplace culture
- Identifying in-demand skills and industry requirements
- Navigating licensing and accreditation processes
- Enhancing professional communication and self-marketing
- Building confidence and professional networks
- Accessing job opportunities and training programs
Here is a photo of the Recognition Award I received from JVS Toronto. It is an honour. It symbolizes how far the journey has come.
A Canadian Passport and a Global Journey
Beyond work and volunteering, becoming a Canadian citizen has opened doors to my long-held passion: travel. Since settling in Canada, I’ve been fortunate to explore approximately 15 countries across four continents. Each trip reminds me of the global opportunities and perspectives that life in Canada has made possible.
Final Advice for Newcomers
Throughout my professional career in Canada – both during my tenure at RBC and as a self-employed business owner – I have consistently upheld the highest standards of ethics and integrity. These core values, combined with my professional approach, have been fundamental to my success across all endeavors.
To those preparing to move to Canada, here’s my advice:
“Feel proud of the past achievements and be confident about your ability to solve any problem (remember you have conquered many battles in the past, and you can do it now as well);”
“Network with institutions offering pre-arrival services and other Canadian working professionals;”
“Take online courses on ‘Working in Canada’, ‘Soft Skills: Professional Communication’, ‘Canadian Workplace Integration’ at Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA);”
“Tailor every resume and cover letter to the job description in question before submitting your application.”
Canada welcomed me when I arrived prepared, open-minded, and ready to contribute. Today, I am proud to help others. SOPA’s early support was one of the cornerstones of my journey.