Preparing for a Medical Career in Canada: Brenda’s Journey from Brazil to BC

Moving to a new country while pursuing a professional career requires patience, planning, and determination. For Brenda Amorim, arriving in Canada from Brazil marked the beginning of a new chapter — one focused on preparing for the future while navigating the process of revalidating her medical credentials.

Now living in New Westminster, British Columbia, Brenda is studying for the exams required to practice medicine in Canada. While continuing to work remotely in her previous role after arriving, she also began exploring resources that could help her better understand life and employment in Canada.

“I’m a physician from Brazil and now I am studying for the exams to revalidate my degree in Canada.”

Finding Support Through SOPA

As she settled into her new environment, Brenda searched for reliable information and guidance to help her prepare for the next stage of her journey.

“I was looking for resources to help my settlement in Canada, and I felt SOPA would be a useful resource.”

Through the Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) program, Brenda participated in the Job Search Strategies facilitated course and accessed Employment Counselling services. As she worked toward her long-term career goals, she wanted to better understand how the Canadian labour market functions, what employers expect from candidates, and how to approach her job search strategically.

The support she received helped her gain a clearer understanding of employment practices in Canada while providing practical tools and guidance that she can apply as she continues preparing for the next stage of her journey.

Learning a New Approach to Job Searching

One of Brenda’s most valuable discoveries was realizing that employment and job search practices can vary significantly from one country to another.

“I realized how the strategies to search for a job in Canada are different from Brazil.”

Through her participation in SOPA services, Brenda gained valuable insights into career planning and effective job search techniques tailored to the Canadian context. With support from her employment advisor and course facilitator, she explored strategies designed to help newcomers navigate the labour market more confidently and understand employer expectations.

This learning process helped her build awareness of how to position herself within the Canadian employment system while preparing for future opportunities.

For internationally educated professionals, understanding workplace culture, networking practices, recruitment processes, and employer expectations can be just as important as technical qualifications. Brenda’s experience highlights how learning these differences early can help newcomers feel more prepared as they move forward with their career plans.

Preparing for the Next Step

Although Brenda is not yet employed in Canada, her journey is defined by preparation, awareness, and intention.

While studying for her licensing exams and preparing for the next phase of her professional career, she has also invested time in understanding the Canadian employment landscape and developing practical job search skills.

With her remote work contract approaching its conclusion, Brenda is preparing to transition fully into the Canadian labour market using the knowledge, strategies, and confidence she has developed along the way.

Her story reflects an important reality for many newcomers pursuing careers in regulated professions. Success is not always immediate, and professional pathways often require multiple steps. However, preparation, learning, and informed decision-making can create a strong foundation for future opportunities.

A Commitment to Learning

Brenda’s dedication and positive approach were recognized throughout her participation in the Job Search Strategies course.

“Brenda was a pleasure to work with throughout the Job Search Strategies course. She demonstrated a strong commitment to learning, consistently approaching each session with a positive and proactive attitude. Her assignments were thoughtful and well-executed, reflecting both effort and understanding. She was also engaged in discussions and open to feedback, which contributed to her steady progress. It was rewarding to see her confidence grow over time. I’m grateful to have been part of her job search journey and wish her every success in her future endeavors!”

— Josephine Wang, Employment Services Advisor, Job Search Strategies, SOPA BC

Brenda’s Employment Services Advisor, Anna Romaniuk, also reflected on the determination she has demonstrated throughout her journey.

“It has been a true pleasure working with Brenda. Her determination, professionalism, and openness to learning truly stand out. Transitioning a medical career into Canada is not an easy path, yet she is approaching it with patience, strategy, and strength.

I have no doubt that with her dedication and the steps she is taking today, she will achieve her goals and build a meaningful career here in Canada.

Wishing you continued success, Brenda — your journey is just beginning, and it holds so much potential ahead.” 💛

— Anna Romaniuk, Employment Services Advisor, SOPA BC

Brenda’s Advice to Other Newcomers

Reflecting on her own experience, Brenda encourages newcomers to prepare as much as possible before arriving in Canada.

“Settling is a overwhelming process, with many documentation to look for, and the majority of things are only possible once you are at Canada. Although here are some people who already have a job offer when they arrive at Canada, many of the times it is not the case. You should do as much as you can before arriving at Canada, though.”

Her advice reflects a lesson many newcomers discover during their settlement journey: preparation can make a significant difference. Learning about employment, housing, community resources, and credential recognition processes before arrival can help newcomers feel more confident and informed as they begin building their lives in Canada.

Looking Ahead

Brenda’s journey is one of resilience, preparation, and quiet determination. While she continues working toward revalidating her medical credentials in Canada, she is building a strong foundation for the future through learning, planning, and informed decision-making.

Her experience demonstrates that preparation is not simply a step before employment—it is an important part of the settlement journey itself.

We are grateful to have been part of Brenda’s journey and look forward to seeing all that she will achieve in the years ahead.

Story provided by: Brenda Amorim