Networking your way to success

Credit to Author: Staff Writer| Date: Tue, 19 Apr 2022 14:18:09 +0000

Building relationships as a newcomer is important for your career growth in Canada

 When launching your career in Canada as a skilled immigrant or refugee, the relationships you make along the way can mean all the difference. You may have arrived in your new country with a long list of skills and experiences, but you may not have a strong, local network of peers or advisors who know that. Certainly, the pandemic has made building new relationships all the more challenging. But a strategic approach to networking, whether in person or online, can help you establish the connections that can boost your career success in Canada.

Musenga Simwawa, a client success coach for Windmill Microlending, a registered not-for-profit that helps skilled immigrants and refugees achieve career success in Canada, agrees.

“Most, if not all, newcomer professionals have to press reset on their careers when they arrive in Canada, simply because Canadian employers do not readily recognize international education and experience,” says Simwawa, who immigrated to Canada himself in 2010. “That’s why networking, with individuals, organizations and professional associations, as part of your job search strategy, is critical for newcomers.”

Why networking makes the difference

There are three main reasons why networking is so important to launching your career in Canada.

Networking allows you to showcase what you can bring to an organization, shifting the focus away from what you’re missing (like Canadian experience).

As well, an authentic personal connection made through networking can provide you with a powerful local reference, building your credibility with potential employers. This becomes particularly important when you consider that many jobs in Canada are never even publicized but rather promoted by word of mouth. Opportunities in Canada’s “hidden job market” are often filled with referrals from people’s networks.

Finally, networking helps newcomers like you better understand your field’s Canadian context and nuances, and what Canadian employers are looking for in their employees.

“Networking helps newcomers access information regarding the Canadian job market. It involves asking questions, searching for information, and talking to people and organizations to build your knowledge and connections,” says Simwawa.

So, we know we should network, but now the question is where and how? Simwawa has some strategic suggestions to share.

Get involved with professional associations

His first recommendation is to join a professional organization.

“Joining a professional organization or association allows you to meet people from your profession who can be incredible sources of information and insights,” he says. “You can learn about industry trends, changes and opportunities in your field.”

Professional organizations will often host professional development workshops, conferences and networking events that provide opportunities to learn and meet new people.

Keep building your online connections

The pandemic has taught us that life didn’t stop in the face of public health restrictions. We just pivoted our work and relationships online. This trend isn’t going away. Being active online in today’s “new normal” is more important than ever to help establish your professional reputation and credibility.

Learn about more skills for success in the “new normal” of the Canadian workplace.

Having an active profile on LinkedIn is the best tool for online professional networking. You can join sector-based groups, share news from your field of expertise, and comment on the pages of other people’s professional accounts or industry organizations. You can also ask your connections for online informational interviews via Zoom.

Depending on your profession or trade, other social media platforms may be just as important as LinkedIn — for example, Twitter for social justice fields and Instagram for visual design or product development. Be sure to use your social platforms’ search functions to follow industry-specific hashtags like #MedLab for medical laboratory professionals, for example.

Beyond social media, find and attend virtual workshops, job fairs and networking events, where you can learn while also meeting others in your field.

Get volunteering

Simwawa’s next tip is to volunteer. Not only will you meet new people, but volunteering can provide work experience in the Canadian context.

“Volunteering is another way a newcomer can network to learn more about the Canadian work culture. Volunteering can be a valuable way of getting the Canadian experience you need and familiarizing yourself with the skills that matter in the Canadian workplace,” Simwawa explains.

Find a mentor

Finally, Simwawa suggests seeking out a mentor if you think you would benefit from one-on-one guidance.

“Mentorship helps newcomers build their networks, even if you are starting from square one. This feeds into maximizing your opportunity to land a job,” he says.

“I can testify to how our Windmill clients have benefited from our own mentorship program. It leverages the knowledge and experience of clients who have already succeeded in getting accredited in Canada and found jobs in their fields. They serve as mentors and pay it forward to new Canadians who, like them, dream of achieving career success in their new country.”

Learn more about the Windmill Mentorship Program here. 

Build authentic relationships

The key to all of these networking options is authenticity. Networking works best when you build honest, mutually beneficial relationships.

“Your focus should be on building authentic relationships rather than asking everyone you run into for a job,” Simwawa says. “So, when an opportunity does come up, they will think of you because they know you and trust you.”

Learn more tips for effective networking including how to approach a networking opportunity in our Skilled Immigrant Career Success Guide. 

The Immigrant Career Planning Guide presented by Windmill Microlending shares how newcomers can reach their full career potential by taking advantage of in-demand areas and employment opportunities across Canada. Growing opportunities await you, whether you’re just starting your career, looking to move up, or retrain for a new field. Now is the time to accelerate your career in Canada. Windmill’s Career Success and Planning Centre offers tools, tips and online digital resources to help skilled immigrants and refugees reach their professional goals, sooner. Visit windmillmicrolending.org to take the next step in your career, today.

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