From Johannesburg to Brampton: Nina’s Journey to Success
When you’re still outside Canada, it’s hard not to wonder if your experience will matter or if employers will even look at your application. Nina understands that feeling well. Before she moved from Johannesburg to Brampton, she had years of experience as a Sales Representative, but she wasn’t sure how things would work in a completely new country.
She decided to get support early. “I decided to sign up because the services SOPA was offering aligned with what I needed to prepare for my new life in Canada.”
For her, even taking that first step felt like doing something instead of just waiting and hoping.
Facing the Job Search From Abroad
Before arriving, Nina noticed something many newcomers experience:
“It seemed harder to get callbacks and interviews when I was outside Canada,” she said.
It’s a reality a lot of people don’t expect until they start applying. But instead of letting that discourage her, she focused on learning how things work here. Through SOPA, she got guidance on the practical things that make a difference.
“SOPA helped me understand the targeted job application process and LinkedIn optimization. They also helped with building my confidence to go after the jobs I really wanted.”
Nina didn’t hold back. She used every tool she could:
“I used LinkedIn, ChatGPT and Jobscan tool for every job I was applying to and it really helped to get noticed.”
After Landing in Canada
Once she arrived in Brampton, she felt a shift.
“My journey has been beautiful. It seemed harder to get callbacks and interviews when I was outside Canada but it got easier when I got in Canada. Your location in Canada when you apply for jobs also matters.”
With the groundwork she’d already done through pre‑arrival services, she didn’t feel lost. She started applying with more confidence and clearer expectations.
“Be serious with pre‑arrival services. You’ll realize that they really help you with your mindset and they’ll share a lot of information that you can use to make your life easier.” Nina
Just two months after starting her job search in Canada, Nina landed an offer as an Insurance Advisor.
“It took me 2 months to go through the interview process and to receive an offer.”
When she talks about it now, she doesn’t just mention the job — she mentions how her mindset changed.
“I became more confident that it was possible to get a job. It helped open my mind about alternative opportunities that existed with my transferable skills.”
Nina’s Message to Future Newcomers
If you’re preparing your move to Canada, Nina has one clear piece of advice:
“Be serious with pre‑arrival services. You’ll realize that they really help you with your mindset and they’ll share a lot of information that you can use to make your life easier.”
And her counsellor, Smriti Arora, saw the same dedication:
“Nina stayed committed to every session and remained open and adaptable throughout her job search, qualities that make a real difference when starting a new life in Canada.”
Approved to immigrate to Canada?
If you’re getting ready to move to Canada, Nina’s journey shows what’s possible.
Her words reflect the hopes, doubts, determination, and small victories that so many newcomers experience. Nina reminds you that you can succeed in Canada—with preparation, the right tools, and the belief that your skills have value.
Story prepared by SOPA Alberta Team, Smriti Arora, Employment Specialist