Hi All, just wanted to ask you all couple of questions regarding the Canadian job market. I have recently immigrated to Toronto from Pakistan. I have almost 3 years of corporate credit banking experience plus Msc finance from a UK based university, and currently a CFA level 2 candidate. I have been applying for jobs here, but so far no luck. Could you all tell me, what jobs should I apply for? I dont know many people here, so networking is an issue for me, so basically I am just left with online applications. Secondly, I have heard the market in Alberta is quite good, so should I move to Alberta and apply for jobs there or just send job applications from Toronto. Looking forward to hearing from you all.
I hope you have a friend that can get you in the door. Toronto is a very tough market now for Canadians with Canadian experience and credentials. The idea of you finding your way in the near term to the front office is pretty much zero. Some kind of entry level admin/analysis job might be do-able if you can make some connections. But Level II in Toronto? Meh. Toronto has more Charterholders than anywhere in the world per capita. Its not a value add credential there, but rather the floor for good jobs. Level II won’t even raise eyebrows. The job market in Alberta is better, but its still not easy for an outsider. You’re going to have to hammer the networking circuit like crazy and take any little break you can find. Calgary is a very closed club, once you’re in, you’re set, but its hard getting in. You’ll probably again need to start at the very bottom and just bust ass so hard that no one can see past your accomplishments. Back office/compliance type jobs are likely all that are in your grasp and you’re going to have to work very hard to get them. I fear with the MSc though you may be viewed as overqualified. You’re in a dangerous spot. I do wish you luck. Your written English is very good for someone from Pakistan, so this will help you. Network my friend. You need to be out making friends in every corner of the market every night.
Hey geo thanks for the prompt reply & your help here. It’s near to impossible for an immigrant to find a decent job here in Canada. I think you are right, for entry level positions I might be overqualified, but there is nothing much I can do, as for associates positions they want the called “Canadian Experience”.
Earlier, I also thought of the MBA route, but I am not sure if it’s the right time risking that much money. I mean the concept of getting into massive debt and completing MBA doesnt entice me much. I think, I should be more aggressive in my job search, and take whatever position I am offered.
^ Thanks!!
Just curious, do people who immigrate to Toronto just expect a job waiting for them? What are the expectations for educated immigrants moving here? Do people do market research before making such a life changing decision?
It’s just strange to me that so many people come here and will ‘figure it out’ as they go along, which just doesn’t align with their vocational training.
The prospects of “free health care” and soul crushing amounts of snow are just too appealing to turn down apparently.
Time to build the Wall.
Snow is fantastic. I love the snow. What isn’t very fun is the -35 (F or C don’t matter then) mornings in January. After a week of that, there is no soul left to be crushed. One friend of mine from Africa immigrated to Canada in the dead of winter, to Edmonton of all places. After never experiencing temps below 15 degrees his whole life, his first month in Canada was typical 5 hour daylight Edmonton at -35 (and typical -50 wind chills). Yet they remain. Must be something about the place. In spite of its weather, Canada is a very accepting country with strong social institutions. Its appealing to immigrants that want to give their kids a shot at something bigger. Unlike the US where your parents wealth is a big factor in your outcomes, Canada has a more European like levelling playing field, but combined with more free market tendencies. Canada plays a good balance between European socialism and American liberalism and I think that’s attractive to immigrants. Hence they come.
Don’t worry buddy. I have the same credentials and also a cfa level 2 charter and similiar work experience. and yes, it’s hard to find work too. either over or under-qualified =(
Keep in mind winters in Alberta are a lot different than winters in Toronto. Having grown up in Alberta and lived in Toronto, I can tell you they’re not on the same level.
That being said, you do get used to them, and harsh winters make the gorgeous summers all that much better. There’s also lots to do in the winter with the rockies next door (if you’re in Calgary). Also, for January through March you’re pretty much just hustling from heated place to heated place, so the big bummer is having to be indoors so much.
@VWJetty, I have heard the market in US is quite good for CFA candidates as compared to Canada. Here, every other guy is a charterholder.
@sparetime, Thanks man… winters are about to come and i am already worreid :S
Weather in Canada sucks both in winter and summer. It’s too cold in winter and too humid in summer. Once you visit California, your definition of nice weather will change.
that may be true. but i kinda got sucked into back-office for a while. and then my division closed its doors and moved elsewhere, and i’m trying to jump into a more middle offie role (risk management, corp fin) and it’s like pulling candy for a fat boy — it’s not easy to get back-office scent off your resume =(
I agree for Montreal/Toronto/Winnipeg. Humidity is a killer. I actually find -10 days in Montreal 10x colder than -30 in Calgary in feel. The gloom and humidity is a killer. Shoveling snow in the glorious sunlight here at -30 is exhilarating. Sunny, dry, prairie summers are the best weather in the world though. Calgary, Edmonton or Saskatoon from June 1-Sept 30 are the best. 25 degrees everyday. Cool evenings. Big thunderstorm at 630pm nearly every night to cool things off. No humidity. Perfect.
^ I coulddo without the mosquitos thogh…one of the biggest advantages of BC
Summers in Saskatoon are amazing. Except they only last 2 months. June and September can be quite chilly at times (plus you’ll get the occasional dump of snow in early October or late September).
Toronto’s winter is much milder, but be prepared for a lot of ice. The higher temperatures in the winter mean there’s a lot of freezing rain and other fun stuff like it.