DESTINATION CANADA ORIGIN STORY

How this book came into origin

THE STORY BEHIND THE BOOK

Hello Reader:
I have a story to tell you. It is a personal story for writing DESTINATION CANADA: Tools for Succes. This story is about success: a story of Canada and immigrants destined for Canada. I am an immigrant like you. I came to Canada not as an immigrant but to study. I fell in love with Canada, applied for permanent residency, and was granted Canadian citizenship. Before stepping foot in Canada, I learned that Canada offered the best first-class education in the world, a developed and peaceful country with a charter of rights and freedoms for its citizens. I found this to be true. What I did not know, however, was that it takes hard work and effort to build this country. It takes hard work to succeed economically or financially. It takes an effort to integrate into a new cultural environment.

I wrote this book to dispel misinformation about this great country and to give you the facts to decide whether to immigrate. I wrote it to assist with making an informed choice about leaving your loved ones behind and immigrating to a new country. I have good news for you. Canada is the best country to immigrate to. I have lived in the country for over 30+ years, am a proud citizen, and am fully integrated in all respects. I love the country, its values, and its ideals. Besides, I am a career advisor and know how to navigate the employment and hiring process.

While Canada is regarded as one of the best countries to immigrate to, it has its fair share of myths. I have learnt that Canada 'raining money' from the sky is one of its biggest myths. One must work to earn money. Sometimes, one must work two or three jobs to break even. Working long hours is not an exception. It is increasingly becoming the norm. Having a university degree is essential. A degree, diploma, or certificate is the base of knowledge; it is the foundation for pursuing a career in your area of expertise. Applying the knowledge learned, in addition to life-long learning, is critical to being current and maintaining one’s career and work longevity. Furthermore, unlike most countries, Canada is a skilled-based society and not so much a credential society. It is the experience and skill that Canadian employers would weigh in the hiring decision and not necessarily your degree or diploma.

Canada presents a host of challenges for many immigrants. Language is one of them. It is tough to succeed in one's profession even in the best of times, especially when one does not speak sufficient English or French. It is hard to navigate the world of work if one is not culturally competent. There are certain behaviours Canadian employers expect of fellow Canadians and newcomers. I offer solutions to these challenges in DESTINATION CANADA: Tools for Success . I have navigated through these cultural differences and embraced the nuances of the workplace culture with an effort to succeed. And so will you. If you want to settle, adjust, adapt, and integrate into the Canadian society successfully, I recommend you read my book.

My final message and advice. Upon arrival in Canada, the first thing on your to-do list is to contact an immigrant service or government agency to utilise the services of a competent employment consultant. The career and employment consultant will guide you with what you need to secure employment in your desired profession or return to training. This could be language training or upgrading skills in your field of training. Looking for or finding a job in Canada is not easy. It takes skill. The book will help you understand the process. I wrote this book to cast aside many myths that potential immigrants have been led to believe about Canada. Know about your destination before deciding to immigrate. Canadian employers have certain expectations of the employees they would like to recruit, be they Canadian or immigrants. DESTINATION CANADA: Tools for Success will equip you with the knowledge and tools to succeed in your new country. Immigrate to Canada! Be well-informed with the mindset to succeed!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Chapter 01: A Journey to Paradise on Earth!

    If you want to live in a country with political freedoms, the freedom to speak your mind without the fear of imprisonment or other forms of persecution, I have got you covered.

  2. Chapter 02: Making an Informed Choice to Immigrate to Canada

    This chapter helps decide whether to immigrate or not immigrate. Get the facts from an experienced career consultant with education in Canada and roots abroad. You will know what to expect and prepare to cope with uncertainties in your new country. Reading this chapter will give you the confidence to immigrate.

  3. Chapter 03: Preparing to Live your Dream(s): Settlement Issues

    Knowing what you need to succeed in your new country is the key to integrating successfully. It is not easy to immigrate and settle in a foreign country, let alone in one of the regions of your country of origin. I lay out the path to overcome the challenges of settling, adjusting, and adapting to a new cultural environment.

  4. Chapter 04: Employment Counsellor: An Eye to Work World

    While a career consultant is not necessarily going to find you work for you, he or she has a wealth of experience in the world of work. He or she has a network of contacts in the business community. I highlight this in this chapter.

  5. Chapter 05: Degrees, Diplomas, and Trades Licenses: What Does Holding a Degree Really Mean

    Degrees, diplomas, certificates, and licenses are important; the credentials do not guarantee an automatic ticket to employment. Skills and other factors matter.

  6. Chapter 06: International Qualification Assessments: What You Need To Know

    Your country's academic credentials might not be comparable to Canadian credentials or be recognized. I discuss the processes of having your international education and experience recognised.

  7. Chapter 07: Learning Job Search Skills: How to Find a Job in Canada

    It takes skill to find work and sell yourself to Canadian employers. Know where to get help. The world of work has become too noisy and competitive. The chapter provides the tools you need to succeed in your job search.

  8. Chapter 08: Job Interview & Recruitment Process

    You don't get a job offer through a resume. It is the resume that gets you an interview. Only a human resources professional will interview you and offer you a job. The chapter walks you through the interview preparation process. Learn tested and proven strategies.

  9. Chapter 09: Canadian Employers’ Expectations of their Employees

    Most Canadian employers have certain expectations of the employees they would like to recruit. Do you know them? If you do, skip this chapter. If you don’t, then ignore it at your peril.

  10. Chapter 10: What Canadians Expect of Fellow Canadians and Newcomers

    Although there are universal moral truths that apply to all societies, there are certain behavours that are unique to Canada. How Canadians behave and interact with one another is different from how people behave in other cultures across the world. I discuss all these differences in the book.

  11. Chapter 11: The Realities of Canada: The Truths & Myths

    The myth that Canada is ‘raining money’ from the sky is the biggest myth. It takes hard work to earn a living and live a decent and comfortable life in Canada.

  12. Chapter 12: Role of Canadian Government & Business Community

    Immigration is the responsibility of the Federal Government of Canada. Its job is to bring in skilled workers so Canada can prosper. It does not create jobs. It is the business community that does. Profits are the drivers of employment.

  13. Chapter 13: Money & Asset Management

    Money and asset management may not have been among the subjects that was taught to you in elementary school through secondary school. Canada is a developed country. The cost of living is high. If you are not used to managing money, your settlement funds could run out fast within the first few months of settling in Canada. This chapter provides you the tips for managing the cash at hand until you have secured employment.