” I received my Permanent Residence approval in July 2022 while pursuing my master’s degree in the United Kingdom. Initially hesitant to move to Canada due to concerns about settling and job search challenges, I decided to move permanently in 2023. I joined several pre-arrival programs and indicated Calgary as my settlement location, which led to receiving Calgary-specific information.
In October 2023, while still in the UK, my employment counselor, Carmen Goussous from the CCIS NW office, registered me for the “New Career Directions” (NCD) program organized by CCIS. Carmen was instrumental in my preparation to move to Canada, providing continuous support and sharing job opportunities that aligned with my career goals. The NCD program, coordinated and anchored by Sami Alzein, began in January 2024 and lasted a week. It covered vital topics such as the Oil & Gas Market in Alberta, Job and Experience GAP Analysis, Skills Matrix (Soft & Hard), Career Development Plan, LinkedIn Profile Building/Networking, Resume & Cover Letter Development, and Job Descriptions Tailoring Techniques.
Post-program, Carmen’s ongoing support and guidance were crucial in my job search and interview preparation. Nidhi Sachdev was vital in connecting me with a mentor who has also become a friend. Additionally, I participated in the “Calgary: A New Chapter” program, thanks to Carmen’s recommendation, which helped me with essential tools and information as a newcomer. Kerry Han and Andrea Ciurte supported me by providing referrals for my current job.
Through the connections I made at CCIS and the tailored resume and interview preparation, I secured a job referral and eventually got the job. The information gathered from various sessions helped me blend seamlessly into the Canadian work culture. I am deeply grateful to CCIS and especially Carmen Goussous, Sami Alzein, Nidhi Sachdev, Kerry Han, and Andrea Ciurte for their unwavering support, follow-up, and guidance, which significantly contributed to my success in the Canadian workforce “
Learn more about our Northwest Calgary Office here: https://ccisab.ca/ccis-nw-calgary-office
