Employment

I obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in Software Engineering from the Azrieli College of Engineering in Jerusalem, Israel. Although I was born in Uzbekistan, I moved to Israel to pursue my studies, to learn and to live independently. A software engineer is a person who likes to solve logic problems, create interesting products and continually learn new knowledge. This profession is closely linked to computers, phone devices and other software devices which we use in our lives each day. My occupation makes me happy because I like to analyze and work out complex logic questions and issues. Of course, in the end, I take pleasure in the fruits of my labour.

My previous job was in an Israeli medical devices company, Early Sense. I was part of a team that created, "The EarlySense System" - an under-mattress sensor with a software application that continuously monitors a patient’s condition, e.g. his or her heart or respiratory rates and motion. This device alerts the nurse or doctor when the patient is in a critical situation. Ultimately, it helps to provide immediate assistance for better and effective medical intervention to patients. Up to this day, I am very proud to have been part of the project. During this critical time in our lives, hospitals, healthcare and nursing facilities here in Canada use Early Sense for monitoring patients who got infected with the COVID-19 virus. I am confident it has been helping in saving a lot of people during this pandemic.

When my family and I migrated to Canada in 2018, I wanted to continue my career as a software engineer. After more than a year of perseverance and hope, a head hunter contacted me and convinced me to apply again with The Stars Group. With a stroke of luck, I passed the second round of interviews and they gave me my first job in Canada. The Stars Group is a Canadian gaming and online gambling company that provides technology-based products and services in the global gaming and interactive entertainment industries. Currently, I am an Automation Developer who designs and writes programs that run automatic tests on their mobile Poker applications. There are many immigrants like me in the workplace. All of us have different accents. It is challenging to understand my teammates and other employees when they speak; however, I consider this a minor problem. I just ask my co-worker to explain, describe or show me what he or she wants to tell me.

There are differences in the management of the two companies that I have worked for. In Israel, I worked in a start-up. A start-up usually has complicated job responsibilities. Back then, I had more freedom in how to deal with the technical aspects of the task and had more flexibility because I undertook several positions. Now, I work for a huge global company. My responsibility is specific and limited because the organization has a clear hierarchy of positions and its operations are streamlined.

My honest advice to immigrants? Never stop trying. Persevere, believe in yourself and just go with your original plan, if you can. Forget about having a mindset, being an idealist and holding on to traditional rules. The world and the job market are constantly changing. Just adapt to your new life and your new career. Being a software engineer helped me a lot in my new career as an Automation Developer. Who knows? Like me, you might end up with two great careers!