Small cities have huge potential, says Indian-born Aman Chawla

Credit to Author: Baisakhi Roy| Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:48:23 +0000

Born in Dehradun, India, Aman Chawla led an adventurous life as a member of the Indian Navy for over a decade. Seeking new challenges in the corporate sector, Aman and his family decided to explore Canada as their next destination. Chawla now works with newcomers, helping them in their settlement journey in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Tell us about your life before moving to Canada.

I joined the Indian navy through the short service commission, which means I served for an initial 10-year tenure that could be extended up to 14 years. During my time in the Navy, I was posted on warships for the first six years, travelled widely and even had the rare opportunity to command an amphibious warship as a young lieutenant.

Even while serving in the Navy, I started preparing myself for the corporate world in India. I completed my post-graduation in human resources and obtained a project management certification. This helped me develop skills that were transferable to the civilian job market.

When the time came to leave the navy, my wife and I decided to explore opportunities abroad, and Canada became our top choice. We initially considered Ireland and Australia, but ultimately chose Canada due to its immigration policies and lower cost of living, especially in smaller provinces like New Brunswick

What were some of the initial challenges you faced?

The initial period was quite challenging, both personally and professionally. Coming from Mumbai, the cold weather in New Brunswick was a significant adjustment. Finding a house and a job as a newcomer was also difficult. However, I was proactive in connecting with people on LinkedIn and scheduling in-person and virtual meetings with key stakeholders in the region, such as the CEO of the airport and the Chamber of Commerce. This networking helped me get referrals and learn about the local job market.

How did you navigate the job search process in Canada?

My military background proved to be an asset during the job search process. The skills I developed, such as adaptability, agility, and the ability to learn quickly, were highly valued by employers. I also leveraged my previous experience in project management and human resources, which were transferable to the Canadian job market. I initially worked as a coordinator at Ignite, a business-focused economic development corporation. Within a year, I was promoted to the role of workforce development specialist, where I was able to leverage my own experiences to help other newcomers and international students navigate the job market.

Tell us about your work at Ignite.

The Connector program at Ignite is part of a national program that aims to connect newcomers and international students with established professionals in their field of interest. As a workforce development specialist, my role is to match these individuals with “connectors” – experienced professionals who can provide guidance, networking opportunities, and insights into the local job market.

The idea behind the program is to leverage the power of personal connections, as I’ve found that it’s often not just what you know, but who you know, that can make a significant difference in finding employment.

How have you been able to leverage your own experiences as an immigrant to inform your work?

My personal experiences as an immigrant have been instrumental in shaping the approach I take at Ignite. Having gone through the challenges of finding employment, navigating the Canadian job market, and adapting to a new cultural environment, I have a deep understanding of the pain points and barriers that newcomers often face.

This firsthand knowledge allows me to empathize with the individuals I work with and tailor my support accordingly. I know the importance of obtaining the right certifications, the value of networking, and the need to be proactive in one’s job search. I also understand the emotional and psychological toll that comes with starting over in a new country, and I strive to provide a compassionate and encouraging environment for the newcomers I work with.

What are some of the key challenges you’ve observed in the immigrant community, and how are you working to address them?

A key challenge is the lack of awareness or understanding of the Canadian job market and the specific certifications or qualifications that may be required. Many newcomers arrive with the assumption that their international credentials and experience will directly translate, only to face disappointment when they encounter barriers.

What advice would you give to other immigrants, especially those considering moving to smaller provinces like New Brunswick?

One of the key pieces of advice I would give to immigrants is to consider smaller cities and provinces, rather than immediately gravitating towards the larger metropolitan areas. While the bigger cities like Toronto and Vancouver may seem more appealing, the cost of living can be significantly higher, and the job market can be more saturated. In smaller cities like Fredericton, the cost of living is lower, and there may be more opportunities for newcomers to find meaningful employment and establish themselves.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your work with immigrants?

One of the most rewarding aspects is seeing the transformative impact the program can have on individuals’ lives. I’ve witnessed newcomers who were initially struggling to find their footing in Canada, gain a renewed sense of confidence and direction after connecting with the right mentor. It’s a testament to the power of human relationships and the importance of building a supportive network when navigating a new country and job market.

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