Born in Dehradun, India, Aman Chawla led an adventurous life as a member of the Indian Navy for over a decade. Looking for new challenges within the company sector, Aman and his household determined to discover Canada as their subsequent vacation spot. Chawla now works with newcomers, serving to them of their settlement journey in Fredericton, New Brunswick.
Inform us about your life earlier than shifting to Canada.
I joined the Indian navy by way of the brief service fee, which suggests I served for an preliminary 10-year tenure that could possibly be prolonged as much as 14 years. Throughout my time within the Navy, I used to be posted on warships for the primary six years, travelled extensively and even had the uncommon alternative to command an amphibious warship as a younger lieutenant.
Even whereas serving within the Navy, I began making ready myself for the company world in India. I accomplished my post-graduation in human assets and obtained a undertaking administration certification. This helped me develop expertise that have been transferable to the civilian job market.
When the time got here to go away the navy, my spouse and I made a decision to discover alternatives overseas, and Canada turned our best choice. We initially thought-about Eire and Australia, however in the end selected Canada on account of its immigration insurance policies and decrease value of dwelling, particularly in smaller provinces like New Brunswick
What have been among the preliminary challenges you confronted?
The preliminary interval was fairly difficult, each personally and professionally. Coming from Mumbai, the chilly climate in New Brunswick was a major adjustment. Discovering a home and a job as a newcomer was additionally tough. Nonetheless, I used to be proactive in connecting with folks on LinkedIn and scheduling in-person and digital conferences with key stakeholders within the area, such because the CEO of the airport and the Chamber of Commerce. This networking helped me get referrals and study concerning the native job market.
How did you navigate the job search course of in Canada?
My navy background proved to be an asset in the course of the job search course of. The talents I developed, resembling adaptability, agility, and the flexibility to study shortly, have been extremely valued by employers. I additionally leveraged my earlier expertise in undertaking administration and human assets, which have been transferable to the Canadian job market. I initially labored as a coordinator at Ignite, a business-focused financial improvement company. Inside a 12 months, I used to be promoted to the position of workforce improvement specialist, the place I used to be in a position to leverage my very own experiences to assist different newcomers and worldwide college students navigate the job market.
Inform us about your work at Ignite.
The Connector program at Ignite is a part of a nationwide program that goals to attach newcomers and worldwide college students with established professionals of their subject of curiosity. As a workforce improvement specialist, my position is to match these people with “connectors” – skilled professionals who can present steering, networking alternatives, and insights into the native job market.
The thought behind this system is to leverage the ability of private connections, as I’ve discovered that it’s usually not simply what you already know, however who you already know, that may make a major distinction to find employment.
How have you ever been in a position to leverage your personal experiences as an immigrant to tell your work?
My private experiences as an immigrant have been instrumental in shaping the strategy I take at Ignite. Having gone by way of the challenges of discovering employment, navigating the Canadian job market, and adapting to a brand new cultural surroundings, I’ve a deep understanding of the ache factors and limitations that newcomers usually face.
This firsthand data permits me to empathize with the people I work with and tailor my help accordingly. I do know the significance of acquiring the fitting certifications, the worth of networking, and the have to be proactive in a single’s job search. I additionally perceive the emotional and psychological toll that comes with beginning over in a brand new nation, and I try to offer a compassionate and inspiring surroundings for the newcomers I work with.
What are among the key challenges you’ve noticed within the immigrant group, and the way are you working to handle them?
A key problem is the lack of knowledge or understanding of the Canadian job market and the precise certifications or {qualifications} which may be required. Many newcomers arrive with the belief that their worldwide credentials and expertise will straight translate, solely to face disappointment once they encounter limitations.
What recommendation would you give to different immigrants, particularly these contemplating shifting to smaller provinces like New Brunswick?
One of many key items of recommendation I’d give to immigrants is to think about smaller cities and provinces, quite than instantly gravitating in the direction of the bigger metropolitan areas. Whereas the larger cities like Toronto and Vancouver could seem extra interesting, the price of dwelling could be considerably larger, and the job market could be extra saturated. In smaller cities like Fredericton, the price of dwelling is decrease, and there could also be extra alternatives for newcomers to search out significant employment and set up themselves.
What’s the most rewarding facet of your work with immigrants?
Probably the most rewarding features is seeing the transformative affect this system can have on people’ lives. I’ve witnessed newcomers who have been initially struggling to search out their footing in Canada, acquire a renewed sense of confidence and course after connecting with the fitting mentor. It’s a testomony to the ability of human relationships and the significance of constructing a supportive community when navigating a brand new nation and job market.
The put up Small cities have large potential, says Indian-born Aman Chawla first appeared on Canadian Immigrant.