How I Learned to Sell My Skills in Canada
Post updated on January 24, 2023
Michael Garcia, an IT professional from Singapore, was a SOPA client and a model student. Constantly searching for new ways to be productive, he registered for our program and feels it provided him with information on what to expect to live and work in Canada. Michael is also answering some of our questions, so you can learn more about Michael and our pre-arrival clients. Thank you, Michael, for answering our questions!
SOPA has provided me with enough information on what to expect when you live and work in Canada. It has mentally prepared me on how to sell myself to the company.
Michael
What is your profession?
I am an IT Professional with a focus on network, desktop support and infrastructure.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
I am easy to get along with and can easily learn new things. During my free time at work, I usually surf the net and find ways to improve productivity.
What’s the greatest piece of advice a manager or co-worker has given you?
To work smart and handle my priorities well to avoid stress.
Name two things you consider yourself to be very good at.
Interacting with people and I.T. stuff.
What are you going to do when you retire?
Build my own IT service business in Canada.
What did you learn from your SOPA course that has made you better prepared to work in Canada?
SOPA has provided me with enough information on what to expect when you live and work in Canada. It has mentally prepared me how to sell myself to the company.
Michael highlights that the Job Search Strategies course mentally prepared him on how to ‘sell’ himself to a company. So, after his arrival, he met with an Employment Counsellor at the Regina Open Door Society to gain access to the local job market advice and resources. Since his resume and cover letter were well prepared as a result of the SOPA course, he was immediately ready to apply for jobs and volunteer in the IT sector to gain experience and build his network.
Equipped with new knowledge, skills and confidence in Canadian job search techniques, he gained employment in his field at a Saskatchewan educational institute in Regina just weeks after arriving! We are very proud of your success, Michael! And we wish you all the best in reaching your goals for your retirement in Canada.
Prepared by:
Lisa Williams | Job Search Strategies Facilitator, SOPA Saskatchewan
Lisa Williams is an experienced facilitator and project leader with roots in assisting her community members overcome barriers to employment. As a cultural Anthropologist, she is thriving on the SOPA project, as she is passionate about working with newcomers and helping them feel more prepared to move to Canada. Lisa enjoys working online with clients in their home country, but is the most fulfilled when she gets the chance to meet her clients face to face after they have arrived!
