Thriving In your Career
Thriving in Your Career as an Immigrant in Canada: Proven Strategies for Success by Paul Adeyeye Moving to Canada six years ago was one of the scariest things I had ever done. I was excited but anxious at the same time. My biggest fear? Starting over. Leaving certainty for uncertainty. My promising career would be put on hold, and so would my wife’s—but we did it anyway. I got my first job just three weeks after landing. How? We had just moved into our first apartment and needed internet. A friend connected me with someone who could set it up. He was from Sri Lanka. As he installed the internet, I casually mentioned that I wouldn’t mind working for his company. He simply replied, No worries, I’ll talk to my manager for you. That was it. That experience taught me my first career lesson in Canada: a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. Sometimes, a complete stranger can be instrumental in your next big break. Canadians are kind, but to receive kindness, you must be open, confident, and willing to ask questions. If you’re an immigrant looking to build a thriving career in Canada, here are key strategies that can help: 1. Master the Art of Networking Many jobs in Canada are never publicly advertised, making networking an essential tool. It’s not just about collecting LinkedIn connections; it’s about building genuine relationships. Attend industry events, join professional groups, and seek mentorship from those who have walked this path before you. And don’t be afraid to ask. You never know who might be willing to help. 2. Enhance Your Skills and Credentials While experience matters, continuous learning is highly valued in Canada. If your credentials aren’t recognized, consider bridging programs, certifications, or online courses. Investing in professional development can open doors to better opportunities. 3. Understand Workplace Culture and Soft Skills Canadian workplaces emphasize teamwork, collaboration, and communication. Beyond technical skills, soft skills; like adaptability, emotional intelligence, and professional etiquette can make a huge difference in how you integrate and advance. 4. Leverage Your Unique Strengths as an Immigrant Your background, experiences, and global perspective are assets. Many companies prioritize diversity and inclusion, and immigrants bring problem-solving skills, multilingual abilities, and resilience. Highlight these strengths in your interviews, resume, and everyday interactions. 5. Consider Alternative Career Paths and Entrepreneurship Not every immigrant lands in their desired industry right away. Some pivot into new careers, leveraging transferable skills, while others take the entrepreneurial route. If traditional job hunting isn’t working, explore high-demand fields or business opportunities that align with your strengths. 6. Prioritize Financial Stability While Growing Your Career It’s tempting to take any job just to make ends meet, but strategic planning is crucial. Consider short-term survival jobs if necessary, but always keep your long-term career goals in focus. Financial stability creates the foundation for future success. 7. Give Back and Build Your Legacy Career success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder, it’s about lifting others along the way. As you grow, look for ways to mentor newcomers, share insights, and create opportunities for others. Your journey can inspire someone else’s breakthrough. Final Thoughts Thriving in your career as an immigrant in Canada requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Keep learning, keep networking, and most importantly, keep asking. The opportunities are there, you just have to reach out and grab them. Paul Adeyeye, MBA Business Consultant, Sales & Personal Finance Coach.Host of The Thriving Immigrant Podcast.Canada’s Top 20 Outstanding Black MenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-adeyeye/ | hi@pauladeyeye.comTwitter & Instagram: @deyeyepaul Paul Adeyeye is an award-winning author, certified insurance, investment professional, and financial educator with a passion for educating immigrants and families about financial and business principles relating to financial planning, retirement planning, business development, education planning, and entrepreneurship. He has more than15 years of professional experience, spanning different industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Information Technology, Finance, and Retail. However, he discovered his passion for empowering and educating immigrants to take control of their future when he realized the gaps in financial literacy among them. Whether through his social media platforms, online courses, financial literacy workshops, bi-monthly financial health clinics and mentorship programs, or his “The Thriving Immigrant” podcast, his goal is to inspire people while providing them with the information they need to build a prosperous future. In 2020, he released his book “The A-Plus Entrepreneur: A strategic guide to help your business thrive at all times” to help people maximize their potential and live their best lives. Background Paul Adeyeye is an award-winning author, certified insurance, investment professional, and financial educator with a passion for educating immigrants and families about financial and business principles relating to financial planning, retirement planning, business development, education planning, and entrepreneurship. He has more than 15 years of professional experience, spanning different industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Information Technology, Finance, and Retail. However, he discovered his passion for empowering and educating immigrants to take control of their future when he realized the gaps in financial literacy among them.Whether through his social media platforms, online courses, financial literacy workshops, bi-monthly financial health clinics and mentorship programs, or his “The Thriving Immigrant” podcast, his goal is to inspire people while providing them with the information they need to build a prosperous future.In 2020, he released his book “The A-Plus Entrepreneur: A strategic guide to help your business thrive at all times” to help people maximize their potential and live their best lives. Sample Topics 1. Sales and Business Development Get comfortable to sell Learn how to use social media to build loyal clients and sell your products. Learn how to strike engaging conversations.2. Personal Finance Budgeting Debt Management Emergency Fund Investment Retirement Planning Tax-efficient wealth-building strategies3. Entrepreneurship Learn how to discover your potential and monetize it. Basic steps to starting a business. How to attract your first set of customers. How to keep yourself motivated as a business owner. 4. Digital Marketing Learn how to use social media to gain authority in your space. How to use Twitter to
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