“I arrived in Canada from Nepal in October 2003. I wanted to work as a Chartered Accountant, in my field of expertise, and was determined not to be diverted from my goal.
“I started exploring opportunities in the hidden job market but soon realized a job offer was not in sight. It wasn’t easy. I’d left my roots back home only to become a number here. A statistic that reflects how under-utilized the skills of new immigrants are. A number that stares at the plane overhead, wishing to be one of the passengers flying home.
“A turning point for me was the employment mentoring program at Skills for Change. There, I was introduced to my mentor, a Chartered Accountant in Toronto, and we met regularly to discuss my job search progress.
“He encouraged me to stand by my objectives, and was always there when I needed his guidance. With his help, my resume, cover letters and interview skills showed obvious improvements. Had it not been for my mentor’s support, I would not be sharing my story.
“In May 2004, I started as a Senior Staff Accountant at Deloitte & Touche. This time, I am happy to be a number. A number that says immigrants do get jobs in their area of expertise.”
Skills for Change is a United Way agency.
United
Way makes an impression on a homeless man.