Halan’s New Beginning: From Preparation Abroad to Employment in Just 3 Months

After arriving in British Columbia from Chillan, Chile, Halan quickly found his footing in Canada’s job market and successfully secured employment within just three months. With a background in administrative support and a passion for helping others, Halan was determined to continue his career in his new home in Canada.

Halan’s success wasn’t by chance, it started months before he even set foot in Canada. By preparing ahead of time with SOPA’s courses and counselling, he gained the tools, confidence, and mindset needed to adapt quickly. His hard work, adaptability, and the guidance he received through the Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) program all came together to make his transition smoother and his job search more successful.

“With SOPA I learn more about the work environment in Canada, how people interact and some good practices to communicate in your work. All these helps me to adapt to secure my job.”

Preparing Before Arrival

While preparing to immigrate to Canada, Halan signed up for SOPA’s personalized services, including one-on-one employment counselling, the Job Search Strategies course, and the Soft Skills: Complex Conversations course. These courses and services gave him a clear action plan and the confidence to face the challenges ahead.

Through these courses, he learned to create targeted resumes and cover letters, use his NOC code to search job postings effectively, and navigate the unspoken rules of workplace culture in Canada.

Overcoming Challenges

Like many newcomers, Halan faced challenges when he first started his job search.

“The only challenge I faced was that it was difficult to find a job at the beginning. Networking actually helped me find one.”

His persistence, combined with SOPA’s preparation, helped him stand out and land a role in his field.

Support from SOPA Counsellors

SOPA’s Employment Services Advisors remember Halan as a proactive and positive client.

“He showed a genuine passion for learning and consistently went above and beyond to understand the Canadian job search and hiring process,” shared Josephine Wang, Employment Services Advisor at SOPA, MOSAIC BC.

“With just a little guidance and a few supportive words, he was quick to absorb suggestions and adapt them to his approach,” added Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor at SOPA, MOSAIC BC.

Advice for Other Newcomers

Halan knows firsthand that moving to a new country is more than just finding a job, it’s about learning how things work and adapting to a new culture.

“To settle in another country requires understanding the culture and how things work. It also involves adapting to different rules, social norms, and daily practices, which can be challenging but essential for successful integration.”

His advice to others preparing to move to Canada is simple: take advantage of the support available, and prepare as much as you can before arrival.

Life in Canada

Outside of work, Halan is also enjoying the little surprises of life in Canada. One that stood out to him?

“Many people love dogs and treat them like they are their children.”

He also hopes to share a taste of home by bringing traditional Chilean dishes like sopaipillas con pebre, churrascos, and empanadas de pino fritas to his new community.

A Smooth Transition

Reflecting on his journey, Halan is grateful for the support he received:

“I just want to express my appreciation for the work SOPA does for immigrants. What stood out the most to me was how they helped me adjust to life in a new country and made the transition feel less overwhelming.”

Halan’s story is a great reminder that with preparation, guidance, and determination, newcomers can build a successful career and fulfilling life in Canada.

Story prepared with a help of Halan Briones Merino, SOPA BC Client and Josephine Wang, Anna Romaniuk, SOPA BC Employment Services Advisors.

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