I’m Ana Alcayde from the Philippines. I arrived here in Canada in August 2009. My target occupation here in Canada is to work in any finance related job. It took me nine months to get a job related to my work experience. I’m now working as Finance assistant in Manulife Financial.
While in the Philippines, I attended Canadian Immigration Integration program (CIIP). Just after the orientation I began connecting with the colleges and settlement agencies that CIIP referred us.
One of the challenges faced by newcomers is lack of Canadian work experience. Once I arrived in Canada, I focused on how to get a mentor or to get in the internship program. I registered in Enhanced Language Training Program of Durham Continuing Education (DCE). It’s a four month program which consists of 2 month in classroom training and 2 months work placement. I got my work placement with the Ministry of Revenue (MOR) where I got to connect with other internationally trained immigrants. When my placement is about to end, I started receiving calls from potential employers.
I had my credentials assessed and pre registered online in Career bridge. In less than a month after I was given access, I applied for an internship which matches my background. I received an invitation for an interview. I was interviewed by the Human resource personnel and was able to apply those I learned from CIIP and DCE. The next interview was with the hiring manager. The questions were more work related and the last was with the AVP.
It would be great for new comers to have a positive outlook. It’s not an easy task to find a job.