Settlement

This is a very heavy and deeply memorable topic for every new immigrant.

Before immigrating to Canada, I was in a national independent laboratory in China.

I was a senior engineer with special expertise, researching new methods for testing organic elements in materials using optical equipment and training employees. Before immigrating to Canada, I had a successful career as a senior test engineer for over 10 years. For joining my husband, I immigrated to Canada. I dreamed to use my knowledge to continue doing my own special skills work and contributed my knowledge and skills. But the reality is cruel. Like other professionals, in front of me, the two biggest obstacles are “the Canadian experience” and English.

My English level is very low, and I can't communicate with others, let alone communicate in technical terms. I realized that finding my professional job was just a dream for me. I had to improve my English skills to integrate into the local culture and life and open my mind to find another opportunity.

I was fortunate enough to discover that I could make videos to help my husband make online instructional videos, opening up a new way of working. I can be self-employed to create my own business. To do this means a big challenge for me, I need to learn more new techniques and skills, but I want to try. After a month, I finally did it. Almost every week, my husband and I make a video and put it on YouTube. We've posted 145 episodes of the show on YouTube and got almost 2900 subscribed so far and I'm really happy with that because it makes me more confident.

If I could give some advice to professionals who want to do the same job they do in their home country, I would say if your English is very good, congratulations, you should do your qualification soon. Then find out who regulates your chosen industry and determine what you need to qualify in Canada. Find people who are willing to offer you job opportunities to gain Canadian experience. If you are young, congratulations because you have so many options, you have time to gain Canadian experience or re-qualify through a Canadian college or university. Otherwise, if your English is weak and you are not young enough, what I would say is to open up and look for other opportunities to start a second career while continuing to improve your English skills.

Finally, lifelong learning can help you keep an open thought, sharp mind and positive attitude toward life, and you will discover what you can or cannot do.