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Dreams do come true!
My name is Roxana and I emigrated from Romania on September 2010. I came alone, with all my life in a luggage in Windsor, ON, where I had my grandmother and my uncle's family living here since 2001. I knew that it's not going to be easy to find a job in my field. I am a civil engineer with two master's degrees in management and distribution of natural gas. I was eager to pursuit a career in distribution of natural gas field ( I had 5 years of experience in Romania).
I started to attend an 'Administration" course at school, only to improve my English skills and get some connections. After I finished the course, I was asked if I wanted to volunteer to get Canadian work experience. I had a great experience volunteering for three months at the best company in distribution of natural gas in 'Construction & Growth' department. It was the best work experience I had so far. The manager of the department became my mentor and thought me how to become a licensed engineer here in Canada. He gave me so many advices, I couldn't achieve anything without his support. I knew where I wanted to work and I couldn't give up to my dream job. I applied many times for jobs and I got a job interview at the same company in Thunder Bay. I was ready to leave my family again and move to another city for my dream job. Unfortunately, I didn't get the job but I got a lot of experience.
I didn't give up, though!
After one year, I found my soul mate, also a Romanian man and we got married one year later, on Valentines Day. I was so happy!! We had to move to Chatham, a city close to Windsor where we didn't know anybody. I started to work in production, as a production member only to get some experience and hopefully somebody will give me a chance to prove what I am capable of. It was very hard, but it helped me a lot to understand how is to work in a job which is way below to your education. After one year as a production member I quit my job and start volunteer again, at the Municipality Chatham-Kent in Public Works department. Working here as a volunteer opened doors for me to meet new people and make new connections in the community. In parallel, I continued to apply for jobs at the gas company ( their head office is in Chatham) and attend some Auto Cad courses at the college to improve my drawing skills.
After a few job applications, finally I got a job interview for an engineering position at the head office. I was so excited!!
I got a contract position even though I was pregnant in 6 months. I couldn't believe it! This is all I wanted: someone to give me a chance to work in my experience field. I was done with my project just before I born my beautiful baby girl.
Now, I am in maternity leave, and I will apply again for jobs at the gas company. At least, they already know me I have more chances to get a permanent job as an engineer.
In my opinion, the secret for success here in Canada is volunteering, networking, mentorship and never give up on your dreams.
Thank you Canada for changing my life!!
My name is Roxana and I emigrated from Romania on September 2010. I came alone, with all my life in a luggage in Windsor, ON, where I had my grandmother and my uncle's family living here since 2001. I knew that it's not going to be easy to find a job in my field. I am a civil engineer with two master's degrees in management and distribution of natural gas. I was eager to pursuit a career in distribution of natural gas field ( I had 5 years of experience in Romania).
I started to attend an 'Administration" course at school, only to improve my English skills and get some connections. After I finished the course, I was asked if I wanted to volunteer to get Canadian work experience. I had a great experience volunteering for three months at the best company in distribution of natural gas in 'Construction & Growth' department. It was the best work experience I had so far. The manager of the department became my mentor and thought me how to become a licensed engineer here in Canada. He gave me so many advices, I couldn't achieve anything without his support. I knew where I wanted to work and I couldn't give up to my dream job. I applied many times for jobs and I got a job interview at the same company in Thunder Bay. I was ready to leave my family again and move to another city for my dream job. Unfortunately, I didn't get the job but I got a lot of experience.
I didn't give up, though!
After one year, I found my soul mate, also a Romanian man and we got married one year later, on Valentines Day. I was so happy!! We had to move to Chatham, a city close to Windsor where we didn't know anybody. I started to work in production, as a production member only to get some experience and hopefully somebody will give me a chance to prove what I am capable of. It was very hard, but it helped me a lot to understand how is to work in a job which is way below to your education. After one year as a production member I quit my job and start volunteer again, at the Municipality Chatham-Kent in Public Works department. Working here as a volunteer opened doors for me to meet new people and make new connections in the community. In parallel, I continued to apply for jobs at the gas company ( their head office is in Chatham) and attend some Auto Cad courses at the college to improve my drawing skills.
After a few job applications, finally I got a job interview for an engineering position at the head office. I was so excited!!
I got a contract position even though I was pregnant in 6 months. I couldn't believe it! This is all I wanted: someone to give me a chance to work in my experience field. I was done with my project just before I born my beautiful baby girl.
Now, I am in maternity leave, and I will apply again for jobs at the gas company. At least, they already know me I have more chances to get a permanent job as an engineer.
In my opinion, the secret for success here in Canada is volunteering, networking, mentorship and never give up on your dreams.
Thank you Canada for changing my life!!
