From Uncertainty to Confidence: The Course That Oriented Me in the Right Perspective
How SOPA Helped Me Prepare for Canada Before Arrival
As I read your email, Kristy, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on achievement and feedback point by point. The SOPA program has been a game-changer for me, and I believe others planning to move to Canada should know how it can help them too.
The certificate gives me a sense of accomplishment and the course orients me in the right perspective where I stand in the job market. I have received valuable suggestions on getting my resume professional and impressive to suit the position offered. I’ve saved all documents generated or made available during this course so that I can go through them again. Similarly, the accessibility of this course for two more weeks is a bonus feature.
SOPA is a good initiative, especially for those who are capable and desirous of adding to the creative workforce in Canada. My wife has already enrolled for the Job Search Strategies (JSS) course in addition to her other courses. We will be pleased to endorse SOPA on social media platforms.
Looking at my professional background, it is a tough task for me to go through the processes to be eligible for a job in the same category listed in NOC. Perhaps it would take a couple of years to be eligible to apply for the position—or maybe the initiative would be restricted due to age-limiting criteria, medical fitness aspects for seniors, and any workplace accommodations for hearing-impaired (but well-compensated with aids) persons. I have not contacted an employment counsellor yet, but I will look into that after I know the essential eligibility criteria with specifics as above.
My SOPA Experience
When asked, “How would you describe your SOPA experience?” my answer is simple:
This is a totally new learning platform for me as pre-arrival services. It certainly changed my mindset and approach in dealing with questions when planning for relocation to a culturally different place. The course contents are informative and very practical for job seekers from immigrant backgrounds. The step-wise modules helped me learn and assimilate slowly. Practice sessions taught me things that might not have been taught in my native country. Assignments kept track of individual involvement and understanding of the module.
“If you are preparing to move to Canada, SOPA can help you just like it helped me. It’s not just about learning—it’s about changing your mindset, understanding Canadian workplace culture, and gaining practical tools for success before you even arrive. From resume building to interview preparation, SOPA equips you with everything you need to start your job search with confidence.” Arvind
To summarize, my experience with SOPA was that of learning, interacting, and improving for personal benefits—which ultimately would add up to societal gains. Overall, it was an excellent and memorable experience.
What Did I Learn?
When asked, “What did you learn from the SOPA program that helped prepare you for your job search?” my answer is:
Many things. Starting from courtesy in interactions, methods to gain focused knowledge, effective implementation of that knowledge, and respect for the culture and society where I am going to live and work. Specifically, the modules on targeted resumes, preparations for interviews, self-promotion, and analysis of the job market were very useful for me.
Why This Matters for You
If you are preparing to move to Canada, SOPA can help you just like it helped me. It’s not just about learning—it’s about changing your mindset, understanding Canadian workplace culture, and gaining practical tools for success before you even arrive. From resume building to interview preparation, SOPA equips you with everything you need to start your job search with confidence.
Story written by Arvind Bamanikar, Consultant Physician, SOPA Ontario Client
Story edited by Albina Ziatdinova