Success Stories of WUSC SRP Alumni

Overcoming Obstacles

Lama's journey was marked by determination and the willingness to overcome obstacles. She continued to network, and eventually, her efforts paid off. She recounts, "I then connected with an Employment Specialist at ISSofBC who provided invaluable assistance in crafting my resume. 

This connection was instrumental in securing my first full-time position as a Settlement Practitioner with AEIP Success. It was a long, frustrating, and exhausting journey, but it was absolutely worth every moment."

Her academic focus on SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Gender Expression, and Sex Characteristics) combined with her practical experience enabled her to contribute significantly to the non-profit sector. Lama's journey led her to become a full-time staff member within the Private Sponsorship Program at Rainbow Refugee Society, a position she currently holds with pride.

Advice to other SRP Students 

Lama's journey is an inspiration for other SRP students and alumni who may face similar challenges. She offers valuable advice: "You bring an abundance of knowledge, experience, and skills to the table. Don't let the notion of 'lack of Canadian experience' hold you back. Seek out employment specialists as soon as you land. Inquire about transferable skills and the types of resumes that best showcase your experience."

Lama strongly recommends seeking the support of pre-arrival programs before arriving in Canada to gain a better understanding of what you can achieve within a specific time frame. She urges newcomers not to let anyone discourage them by suggesting they can't pursue what they did back in their home countries, as this notion is far from the truth. She advises newcomers to trust in their resilience and fully utilise the services offered by the federal government.

One piece of advice Lama passionately emphasises is the significance of volunteering. She states, "I CAN'T STRESS HOW IMPORTANT THAT IS! You will establish most, if not all, of your work and personal connections through volunteering. In Canada, you can volunteer practically anywhere!" Lama's journey is a testament to the possibilities that await newcomers who are willing to persevere, adapt, and embrace the opportunities that come their way.

Bassam Alhamidi

Oct 24, 2023

Bassam Alhamidi is a Queen's University alumnus and a former SRP student who completed his studies in Political Studies in 2022. Having resided in Canada for six years, he now boasts two and a half years of experience working in the government sector.

Initial Challenges 

Bassam faced a considerable challenge in his job search – a lack of responses from employers. His applications rarely received responses, a situation that many newcomers can relate to. But Bassam was undeterred; he decided to keep refining his job applications and resume, making them more responsive to job ads and appealing to prospective employers.

Mentorship as a Key

In offering advice to fellow SRP students, Bassam emphasises the importance of mentorship. He highlights that mentors are valuable resources, given their deep knowledge of the sector, its intricacies, and the preferred job application styles that resonate with recruiters. The impact of professional mentorship, as Bassam attests, is immeasurable.He also shares practical steps for connecting with mentors, such as inquiring with professors or seeking guidance from those who are already working in the field. He recommends initiating this mentorship process during the last year before graduation, or even earlier. 

Additionally, Bassam underscores the value of summer jobs related to one's field of study, emphasising that they hold more value than co-op opportunities, as they can lead to job offers upon graduation.

Building Transferable Skills

Another piece of advice from Bassam is to focus on building transferable skills, particularly in writing and communication. He shares his own experience of acquiring skills in project management, Excel, and Data Analysis, which played a crucial role in securing two other jobs in his field.

LinkedIn and Resume Enhancement

Upon graduating, Ohonya recognized the significance of a well-maintained LinkedIn profile. It was through this platform that she secured her first job in Banking, highlighting the power of professional networking. Additionally, she actively engaged with university career resources, meeting with advisors to refine her resume and gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the competitive job market.

Benefits of Bachelor of Commerce

Ohonya's Bachelor of Commerce program proved to be a valuable resource in her journey. It provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the Canadian labour market, teaching her about employer expectations, the importance of building relationships, and the art of networking. Her experiences as a student included working numerous jobs, both large and small, to gain relevant experience, knowing that prospective employers might not fully recognize the work experience gained in a refugee camp.

Advice to SRP Students

Ohonya shares some invaluable advice with SRP students and newcomers:

• Learn to build networks and relationships actively. Networking opportunities can arise anytime and anywhere.

• Invest time in enhancing your job-hunting skills, especially in improving your resume.

• Be sure to secure a job before graduation. Seek out part-time employment opportunities throughout your university years to accumulate Canadian labour market experience.

• Be flexible in your job search. Explore opportunities in different parts of the country, as Canada offers diverse job prospects in various cities and provinces. Embrace the idea of moving to find a job that aligns with your career goals.

Ohonya's journey serves as a testament to the power of proactivity, continuous learning, and the importance of networking and resilience in the face of challenges. Her story is a source of inspiration for newcomer students seeking success in the Canadian job market.

The journeys of SRP students in the Canadian labour market are inspiring examples of resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges they encountered, they applied a combination of learning, networking, and resourcefulness to secure their positions. These stories serve as a testament to the possibilities that await newcomers in Canada, reinforcing the idea that with determination and the right strategies, they can thrive in the Canadian job market.

Paul Bal Gatkek

Oct 24, 2023

Paul Bal Gatkek is an SRP former student and an alumnus of the University of Windsor who completed his degree in Business Administration and Economics in 2020. Paul's journey in Canada spans nine years, during which he has faced unique challenges and demonstrated remarkable perseverance.

Early Challenges

Upon his arrival, Paul encountered a significant hurdle in his pursuit of employment opportunities that matched his educational qualifications. He explains, "Getting a job that requires a degree is a big challenge. 

This is because employers demand many years of Canadian work experience which tends to block chances of landing the jobs that you need. Despite his qualifications, Paul found that his path to securing degree-relevant employment was not straightforward.In response to his constraints, Paul accepted jobs that only required a high school diploma. These roles were a means of sustaining himself while he continued to seek opportunities in his chosen field. This experience, though challenging, highlighted Paul's adaptability and resilience.

Perseverance and Future Goals

Paul remains determined to overcome the challenges he has encountered in his career. He acknowledges that the journey has been tough, but he continues to work towards gaining suitable and relevant work experience that aligns with his qualifications.