Before Jessica Landed in Canada, She Was Already Building Her Career
Moving to a new country comes with many decisions, questions, and adjustments. For newcomers preparing to build their careers in Canada, having time to understand the job market, workplace expectations, and job search process before arrival can make an important difference.
Jessica Durango began that preparation while she was still outside Canada.
With a professional background as an industrial engineer in Colombia and experience in engineering and supply chain, Jessica joined SOPA and began preparing for her career transition before landing.
Preparing Before Arrival
From the beginning, Jessica was an engaged participant in the program. She attended one-on-one employment counselling sessions prepared and ready to apply what she was learning.
Before arriving in Canada, Jessica completed SOPA courses including Working with Others, Workplace Communication, and Job Search Strategies.
She also participated in an orientation session with SOPA staff, where she received settlement guidance and referrals to relevant newcomer services.
Throughout her preparation, Jessica asked questions, applied the strategies discussed during her sessions, and continued working toward her career goals.
By the time she arrived in Canada, she had already worked on her resume, learned more about Canadian workplace communication, and developed a job search strategy connected to her professional background.
Settling Into Life in Canada
Jessica landed in Canada on June 9. Soon after arriving, she began working part-time at a clothing boutique while continuing to pursue opportunities in her own field.
She shared an update about her first weeks in Canada:
“I landed in Canada on June 9th. Since June 18th, I’ve been working part-time at a clothing boutique, which has been a great way to settle in. This week I also had an interview for a position in my own field, supply chain, and the process is going well so far. I should hear back with a final decision this coming Monday.
Overall, the adaptation process has been good. The first couple of weeks I really missed Colombia, but I’m doing much better now and feeling more settled.
I also want to thank the SOPA program; it has been such a huge support during this transition. I recently received my engineering equivalency documents from WES as well.I hope all is well with you, and I’m truly grateful for everything I learned through the program.”
Jessica’s first weeks reflected both sides of the settlement journey: adjusting to a new country while continuing to move forward professionally.
Her First Interview in Her Field
Not long after arriving, Jessica reached an important milestone in her Canadian job search.
On July 6, she attended an interview for a Product Manager position. It was her first interview for an opportunity in her field in Canada.
She got the position. Jessica later shared:
“On July 6th, I went to an interview for a product manager position, and I got the position! That was my first interview for an opportunity in my field, and I got it. Getting the position felt like a miracle to me, but I’m also very aware that it’s the result of your courses, advice, and tips throughout the whole process, from preparing my resume to the interview itself. Thank you so much for all your support. Today I’m starting my fourth week at my new job.”
Every single step, from the moment I enrolled to learn with you all, has counted toward making my transition from Colombia to Canada such a beautiful and positive experience.
I’m deeply grateful to the entire SOPA team for the time you invested in me, for everything you taught me, and for sharing your experience with me.
Two months after arriving from Colombia, I already have these wonderful experiences to share.
Putting Pre-Arrival Preparation Into Practice
Jessica’s experience shows how preparation before arrival can support newcomers once they are in Canada.
Before landing, she had already spent time learning about job search strategies, workplace communication, and resume preparation. After arriving, she was able to apply that learning as she continued her job search and prepared for interviews.
Her first interview in her field resulted in a job offer.
The progression in Jessica’s story is clear: preparation began before arrival, continued through the first weeks of settlement, and helped her move toward opportunities connected to her professional background.
Why Starting Before Arrival Matters
Jessica’s journey highlights the value of beginning career preparation before moving to Canada.
The pre-arrival period can be used to learn more about the Canadian workplace, prepare application materials, strengthen job search skills, and develop a clearer plan for the next steps after landing.
Jessica did not wait until she arrived to begin that process. She had already started building the knowledge and tools she would later use in Canada.
Don’t wait until you arrive to start preparing.
If you are planning your move to Canada, connect with the SOPA team to learn more about pre-arrival employment, settlement, and career preparation support available to you.
Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) is an Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funded program that delivers free pre-arrival services for job readiness, success and retention.
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