When I first met my client, she had recently landed in Canada as a single mother, determined to build a new life for herself and her young child.
She had bravely left behind a difficult situation, escaping both abuse and discrimination. Despite these challenges, she arrived with hope and a clear vision for her future, supported by her strong English skills and impressive background—she had translated books and worked with international organizations.
For our first meeting, she brought a five-page resume, eager to highlight every achievement from her life. I took the time to explain the Canadian resume style, outlining what to include and what to leave out, and provided a step-by-step checklist to guide her revisions. This approach not only helped her tailor her resume for the Canadian job market but also empowered her to take ownership of her job search as a newcomer in Canada.
She expressed her appreciation, saying: “Thank you for taking the time to explain everything so clearly—it was really helpful.”
Tailored Support and Career Development
Over the following weeks, we held multiple sessions to help her set realistic goals, build her professional network, and gain valuable Canadian work experience. I encouraged her to volunteer with a local church, which allowed her to develop new skills and expand her connections.
Recognizing the challenges of balancing parenting and career development, we also supported her by connecting her child with after-school activities. This not only alleviated some of her stress but also gave her more time to focus on her professional aspirations.
Her passion for advocacy and social impact was evident, and she shared her dream of one day founding her own organization to help others achieve their goals.
Mentorship and Next Steps
Her journey is a testament to resilience and determination. It has been inspiring to witness her personal growth and smooth integration into the community, and I am confident she will continue to make a positive impact in her new home.
To further support her career development, we are planning to enroll her in a mentorship program, matching her with a mentor aligned with her professional goals.
Written by Reem, Labour Market Assistance Program Worker
To protect the client’s confidentiality, certain identifying details have been modified or omitted.