Networking (meet people don't be shy)
The worst thing you can do after landing in Canada as an immigrant is to just stick to what is familiar (people and areas) and not take time to really see what it's really about. If that's your plan it may be better not to embark on this journey since you wouldn't be making the most out of the experience.
Besides my immediate family and one handful of friends who I knew from before, I knew absolutely no one. However that was the best part, that's where you get to step out of your timid comfort zone and get active.
Ask yourself this question. Did you really embark on a new journey as an immigrant just to get stuck in a boring isolated loop? If the answer is NO then this is the perfect opportunity to learn and start anew.
Regardless of who you are, you are going to have to get something from someone else. You are going to have to get people to do things for you so "networking" is the best way to begin to build this environment. You may be thinking; How do I network? How do I meet new people? This is scary I am shy! Well don't worry I have some tips for you below.
Networking Tips
Try these to begin networking in Canada.
- Meet up with old friends (This is easiest most simple to complete) this is not a challenge but a thing you can do.
- Take up a new hobby and join the program (golf, dancing, sailing)
- Take language classes (perfect and quite a strategic move)
- Find a place of worship (churches are all around)
- Go to sponsored events in the areas you are working or interested in. Lots of companies have these events all the time
Key points
There are a few things to note while networking:
- Be polite
- Don't be to scared. Canadian are generally friendly (they say sorry a lot) so take a chance
- Try to speak as clearly as possible. This is because of various accents so try to make it easy for people to understand you
- Attend job fairs to get an idea of what people are looking for in terms of skills and soft skills
- Connect on professional social media like Linkedin
- Take a business card or five
- Ask a question. Yes as simple as asking a question
- When engaged in conversation maintain eye contact
In a nutshell people
To be successful in Canada you will need to get things done through others, you will need advice and you will need support. Don't isolate yourself because very quickly you will find yourself in a new land with just a job, a tiny circle and maybe no friends! This is all within your control so start networking today.
Bonne Journée