No matter if you’re just starting out in Canada or have been here for years, networking is an invaluable professional skill. Fortunately, as an immigrant in Canada, there are multiple ways to build your network.
Joining associations is an excellent way to network with professionals in your field and gain insight into the Canadian job market. By identifying associations that pertain to your career path, you can save time and energy while increasing your chances of meeting like-minded individuals.
1. Reach Out to Your Contacts
One of the first tasks new immigrants must do upon arriving in Canada is reaching out to their contacts back home. Doing this helps you build your professional network and establish connections with people who can assist with job searches.
Though this may take some time, the effort will pay off in the long run as it can be extremely helpful for job searches and building friendships within your community. Furthermore, volunteering can be a great way to socialize and stay connected to those around you.
Networking in Canada is an invaluable asset for discovering new job prospects and advancing your career. It may open doors that are not advertised, thereby increasing your chances of securing employment as an immigrant in Canada.
As an immigrant in Canada, networking is a skill you can hone and develop over time. While it may take some effort to build your professional network, with the right approach it can be an invaluable asset that helps you with job searching and success in Canada.
2. Join Associations
One of the best ways for an immigrant to make a life in Canada is by joining associations. Associations provide an invaluable platform for networking and creating new connections with people who share similar career objectives, interests or work experiences. They’re an invaluable resource.
Associations in regulated professions (like accounting, law and engineering) can be invaluable resources as they allow you to demonstrate your international credentials to Canadian employers. Many of these groups offer certification programs and workshops on how to effectively showcase your abilities.
To maximize your time and efforts, research which associations are most advantageous for your goals and objectives, then select an appropriate membership plan. Once a member, make sure you stay active by attending all networking events they offer. Moreover, take advantage of professional development opportunities by learning new skills or gaining leadership experience – but do so in such a way that makes you feel like you’re making a difference.
3. Network Online
If you are searching for a job in Canada or exploring another professional path, networking can provide the skills and connections necessary to be successful.
Networking in Canada often revolves around attending events where professionals from their sector can connect. While this is an effective way to make new contacts, it’s also essential to be strategic with how you network.
A strategic approach to networking will save time and energy by concentrating on a specific set of connections that are pertinent to your objectives. Furthermore, it allows you to prioritize the quality of insights available from each person or organization within your network.
If you are an internationally trained professional in a highly regulated field (like accounting, law or engineering), it can be challenging to have your work experience and credentials recognized in Canada. Fortunately, there are associations dedicated to aiding skilled immigrants in these industries re-find their career paths.
4. Network Face-to-Face
Face-to-face networking remains one of the most effective methods for immigrants in Canada to build their professional network. Not only does it allow you to form deeper connections with people, but it also prevents miscommunication that often arises when communicating digitally.
For successful face-to-face networking sessions, pay attention and engage in meaningful conversation. Doing this will show that you are attentive and present-minded – an attribute which will be highly valued by potential employers.
In addition to face-to-face meetings, coffee chats with potential employers or job seekers are an excellent way to learn more about their values and culture as well as prepare for interviews. Plus, these chats give you a sense of the type of work environment in which you would feel comfortable working.
No matter your background, building a professional network is an integral part of transitioning to Canada. Not only will it give you access to invaluable resources and opportunities, but also invaluable connections.
