Kervin WelschProject Systems Administrator| AESO Alberta Electric System OperatorQuebec City, Canada
Hello, community!
I'm in the process of seeking new career opportunities in project management outside of my home country and would like to prepare myself as best as possible for this transition. I understand that in addition to technical competencies and certifications in project management, there are various other factors that can influence the success of relocation to another country, such as language barriers, cultural differences in the workplace, and specificities of the local market.
I would like to ask you to share your experiences, tips, and resources that you find useful for someone in my position.
I am moving to Canada, but any experience that can be shared independent of the country would be helpfull.
KERVIN WELSCH ,
Since you are moving to Canada, I think it's best to ask the subject matter experts in the particular region.
Rami Kaibni & Kiron Bondale are both passionate about sharing knowledge and are willing to help. I believe you can count on them. =)
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
KERVIN WELSCH: When I moved to Canada years ago, I did bring with me lots of experience and credentials, and yet, I did find it difficult in the beginnign to find a job because literally EVERYONE was asking me for Canadian Experience - I wasn't sure how I was supposed to have Canadian Experience if I am new to the country. However, I started doing more professional development, volnteering, while looking for a job (I probably sent in more than 100 applications) and at the end, 8 months later, I landed something which wasn't what I was looking for but it was a start that will help me get my feet wet in the country so here is my advise to you:
1) Prepare from now to send you applications to different companies. LinkedIn is a good platform but also visit companies websites.
2) Contact recruiters on LinkedIn.
3) Be prepared for a plan B (some professional development for example while you're looking for a job.
Don't be discouraged and be resilient because it might be tough for you in the beginning. I am not trying to discourage you but rather be transparent with you and provide you with the reality of what you might be getting into. Some people were lucky and found a job immediately so I am not saying it is impossible, but you need to prepare for the worst case scenario especially financially.
Hope this helps - Good Luck!
...
1 reply by Kervin Welsch
Apr 05, 2024 8:14 AM
Kervin Welsch
...
Hi Rami,
Thank you for sharing your story and being transparent about your experience. I am studying the country and the project management market. Indeed, the Canadian Experience is a factor that doesn’t seem to make any sense, but it significantly influences the job market.
I will be moving to Canada in September. Since last year, I have been preparing myself by obtaining some certifications in my professional area, improving my LinkedIn profile, and saving money to ensure I am prepared in case I don't find a job within the first 6 months.
I have sent out a lot of resumes as well, but I have had just one interview, and that was only because my wife shared my resume with her company. Unfortunately, the position was closed.
As you mentioned, networking is a good strategy. Are there any other channels in Canada for creating a network beyond LinkedIn? Perhaps WhatsApp groups or any other tools to facilitate this connection?
Rami has nailed the key points. I grew up in Canada so didn't have to face the challenge of not having "Canadian experience" when I started working.
Networking extensively before and after you arrive is critical. As anywhere else, a warm introduction to a hiring manager beats a cold application 99% of the time.
Kiron
...
1 reply by Kervin Welsch
Apr 05, 2024 8:31 AM
Kervin Welsch
...
Hi Kiron,
Thank you for sharing your experience.
When you mentioned a warm introduction with the Hiring Manager, were you referring to LinkedIn? Or are there other tools more commonly used in Canada?
Saving Changes...
Kervin WelschProject Systems Administrator| AESO Alberta Electric System OperatorQuebec City, Canada
Apr 05, 2024 3:28 AM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
...
KERVIN WELSCH: When I moved to Canada years ago, I did bring with me lots of experience and credentials, and yet, I did find it difficult in the beginnign to find a job because literally EVERYONE was asking me for Canadian Experience - I wasn't sure how I was supposed to have Canadian Experience if I am new to the country. However, I started doing more professional development, volnteering, while looking for a job (I probably sent in more than 100 applications) and at the end, 8 months later, I landed something which wasn't what I was looking for but it was a start that will help me get my feet wet in the country so here is my advise to you:
1) Prepare from now to send you applications to different companies. LinkedIn is a good platform but also visit companies websites.
2) Contact recruiters on LinkedIn.
3) Be prepared for a plan B (some professional development for example while you're looking for a job.
Don't be discouraged and be resilient because it might be tough for you in the beginning. I am not trying to discourage you but rather be transparent with you and provide you with the reality of what you might be getting into. Some people were lucky and found a job immediately so I am not saying it is impossible, but you need to prepare for the worst case scenario especially financially.
Hope this helps - Good Luck!
Hi Rami,
Thank you for sharing your story and being transparent about your experience. I am studying the country and the project management market. Indeed, the Canadian Experience is a factor that doesn’t seem to make any sense, but it significantly influences the job market.
I will be moving to Canada in September. Since last year, I have been preparing myself by obtaining some certifications in my professional area, improving my LinkedIn profile, and saving money to ensure I am prepared in case I don't find a job within the first 6 months.
I have sent out a lot of resumes as well, but I have had just one interview, and that was only because my wife shared my resume with her company. Unfortunately, the position was closed.
As you mentioned, networking is a good strategy. Are there any other channels in Canada for creating a network beyond LinkedIn? Perhaps WhatsApp groups or any other tools to facilitate this connection?
Thanks for the support I really appreciated
...
1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Apr 05, 2024 9:42 AM
Rami Kaibni
...
Kervin, I am not aware of any Whatsapp Groups so if you're looking at something virtual beyond LinkedIn, then the only thing that comes to mind is to connect with the city's PMI Local Chapter (Depending which province you're planning to go to).
Saving Changes...
Kervin WelschProject Systems Administrator| AESO Alberta Electric System OperatorQuebec City, Canada
Apr 05, 2024 7:21 AM
Replying to Kiron Bondale
...
Kervin -
Rami has nailed the key points. I grew up in Canada so didn't have to face the challenge of not having "Canadian experience" when I started working.
Networking extensively before and after you arrive is critical. As anywhere else, a warm introduction to a hiring manager beats a cold application 99% of the time.
Kiron
Hi Kiron,
Thank you for sharing your experience.
When you mentioned a warm introduction with the Hiring Manager, were you referring to LinkedIn? Or are there other tools more commonly used in Canada?
Saving Changes...
Kervin WelschProject Systems Administrator| AESO Alberta Electric System OperatorQuebec City, Canada
Apr 05, 2024 3:13 AM
Replying to Danny PMP, PgMP
...
KERVIN WELSCH ,
Since you are moving to Canada, I think it's best to ask the subject matter experts in the particular region.
Rami Kaibni & Kiron Bondale are both passionate about sharing knowledge and are willing to help. I believe you can count on them. =)
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Apr 05, 2024 8:14 AM
Replying to Kervin Welsch
...
Hi Rami,
Thank you for sharing your story and being transparent about your experience. I am studying the country and the project management market. Indeed, the Canadian Experience is a factor that doesn’t seem to make any sense, but it significantly influences the job market.
I will be moving to Canada in September. Since last year, I have been preparing myself by obtaining some certifications in my professional area, improving my LinkedIn profile, and saving money to ensure I am prepared in case I don't find a job within the first 6 months.
I have sent out a lot of resumes as well, but I have had just one interview, and that was only because my wife shared my resume with her company. Unfortunately, the position was closed.
As you mentioned, networking is a good strategy. Are there any other channels in Canada for creating a network beyond LinkedIn? Perhaps WhatsApp groups or any other tools to facilitate this connection?
Thanks for the support I really appreciated
Kervin, I am not aware of any Whatsapp Groups so if you're looking at something virtual beyond LinkedIn, then the only thing that comes to mind is to connect with the city's PMI Local Chapter (Depending which province you're planning to go to).
...
1 reply by Kervin Welsch
Apr 05, 2024 10:31 AM
Kervin Welsch
...
Thanks Rami
I will go to Quebec City, So I will take a look in the Montreal Chapter.
Thanks
Saving Changes...
Kervin WelschProject Systems Administrator| AESO Alberta Electric System OperatorQuebec City, Canada
Apr 05, 2024 9:42 AM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
...
Kervin, I am not aware of any Whatsapp Groups so if you're looking at something virtual beyond LinkedIn, then the only thing that comes to mind is to connect with the city's PMI Local Chapter (Depending which province you're planning to go to).
Thanks Rami
I will go to Quebec City, So I will take a look in the Montreal Chapter.
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