Embracing Success: Advice for New Immigrants from My Canadian Journey

IMAN BUKHARI - ADVICE FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: INSIGHTS FROM MY JOURNEY

Greetings, I'm Iman Bukhari, born in Pakistan. My family and I moved to Singapore for a period before immigrating to Canada when I was around 11 years old.

My pronouns are sheher. I have the privilege of having received substantial education in Canada, atting junior high school and high school here.

EMBRACING VOLUNTEERING

One crucial advice I often share with newcomers is how volunteering can significantly transform your experience. Upon arrival, I realized that involvement was fundamental to integration and personal growth.

Volunteering became my gateway for networking, skill development, and community engagement. I always recomm that new immigrants volunteer as much as possible. This activity opens many doors, allowing you to meet people and make valuable connections.

If you have a specific career path in mind, search for associations related to your field and offer your time there. Volunteering helps build your professional portfolio, expands your network, and creates opportunities for future employment. My personal experience underscores this point as I struggled to find jobs that matched my qualifications post-graduation from communication studies.

NAVIGATING THE JOB MARKET

Finding a job in Canada was challenging even though I completed my education here. As a recent graduate with a degree in communication studies, it took me an entire year to secure employment relevant to my field of study.

This struggle is not exclusive to immigrants; local graduates also face similar challenges due to the high demand for experience. During my job search, volunteering played a pivotal role in building skills and connections that eventually led to employment opportunities.

My message to those who are finding it tough to find work after graduating is this: you're not alone. Engage actively by volunteering, which can make all the difference.

BUILDING COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Connecting with local communities through platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp is essential for immigrants. Various ethnic communities have active groups that provide support, information, and resources.

For example, Calgary's Filipino, Indian, and Pakistani communities are active on these platforms and offer immense assistance - from helping find accommodation to sharing job leads. These groups can be invaluable during your transition period offering practical advice and emotional support.

Immigrant-serving organizations and government-led programs also play a critical role by providing essential services like language classes and job readiness programs.

PRE-ARRIVAL PREPARATION

Preparing before landing in Canada can significantly ease the adjustment process.

If possible, engage in pre-arrival activities such as updating your resume, applying for jobs online or through specific immigrant-focused platforms and connecting with community groups via social media.

A proactive approach like this helps you hit the ground running when you arrive, reducing the time and stress associated with settling into a new country.

For refugees facing additional challenges, there are specialized resources and organizations tlored to their needs that assist them in integrating smoothly.

LEVERAGING COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Leveraging existing community resources is crucial. Many volunteer-led groups and immigrant associations offer practical support such as furnishing or helping secure accommodation.

These resources allow new immigrants to focus on job searching and integrating into Canadian society without the immediate pressure of securing essentials indepently.

CREATING A BETTER CANADA

Inspired by the notion of making Canada an even better place, I established the Canadian Cultural Mosc Foundation. Our mission combat racism and improve race relations through educational initiatives, technological advancements, arts promotion, and dialogue forums.

I believe in the potential for a brighter future and see Canada as a land of opportunity for immigrants despite challenges related to racism and colonialism.

My journey and experiences have given me profound insight into what new immigrants experience. Volunteering, community connections, preparation, resilience, and hope are crucial elements that can lead to building a successful life in Canada.

Resilience is key, and by harnessing every opportunity avlable, you can craft an enriching existence for yourself in this country.
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