8 questions with the SOPA Graduate

Update: In December 2017 Fahim found a job. We are very happy for Fahim and wish him all the very best in his first job in Canada.

Fahim Al Faruqui is an Information and Technology Services Professional from Bangladesh. He has extensive experience working in IT field and arriving soon in Halifax. Fahim has just finished SOPA’s Soft Skills: Professional Communication course and is sharing his experience with our Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) program. We hope Fahim’s answers will help you learn a little bit more about SOPA program.

1. How do you say in your native language: “Hello my name is…”

হ্যালো, আমার নাম Fahim.

2. Tell us a little bit about yourself. Let’s practice your 30 second pitch.

Hello! I am Fahim Al Faruqui, from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I have been working in ICT sector for several years. I am sincere, hardworking and a good team member, and like to learn new things. I respect others and I believe that success can be achieved by hard work. I do not like dishonesty and arrogance. I also have a big dream – to set my own company for ICT services one day.

3. When you think of Canada, what 3 things comes to your mind first?

Land of opportunities, cold weather, better life style.

4. What questions did you have about SOPA before registering?

I have never enrolled to such courses before so, I was wondering how these course would overall work, how resourceful and helpful the courses will be, and mostly how these courses can help me to settle in Canada. After completion of the course I have the answers!!!

5. Why did you decide to register for SOPA?

I learned about Settlement Online Pre-Arrival Service (SOPA) from IRCC website. From there I found out that these types of services will be helpful for a new immigrant like me and the courses were recommended by many people. Also, since I was planning to come to Halifax and knowing that ISANS (Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia) is directly linked with Nova Scotia, choosing this program sounded right. Furthermore, these courses are offered for free, to help people like me, and that encouraged me to participate even more.

6. How would you describe the SOPA program to a friend or colleague?

There are so many things to learn from the SOPA program before coming to Canada. I would highly recommended this program to my friends or colleagues.

7. How did your SOPA course prepare you for Canada?

SOPA course gave me a general idea about Canadian workplace environment before arriving there. I think this is a unique and very supportive opportunity, which I believe every new immigrant should join. I now have a picture on how to communicate professionally, search for jobs in Canada and more. Since, I haven’t arrived yet, I am planning to take some other courses of SOPA before I arrive!

8. What do you think could make the SOPA program even better?

SOPA program is organized by professionals. Facilitators are highly supportive and specialized in their fields. I believe these courses are designed with current trends and demands of Canadian workplace. I think SOPA program’s efforts will help and guide me to manage a job in Nova Scotia and settle in Canada soon. If I can help anyhow in this great and kind work of SOPA, please do not hesitate to contact me. I wish SOPA all the best in future success.

– Interview prepared by Christine Wall, Soft Skills facilitator at SOPA for Atlantic Provinces

Immigrating to Canada?

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