My name is Michelle, and I’m 26 years old. After graduating with an M.Sc. in Biochemistry from UBC Okanagan, I faced the challenge of finding a job in today’s highly competitive market. Even with a strong academic background, I struggled to confidently present myself to employers and wasn’t sure how to showcase my strengths effectively.
The JCF program strengthened my job search skills, including resume and cover letter writing. More importantly, it helped me build confidence and taught me how to effectively highlight my strengths during interviews. Through practical exercises and feedback, I learned how to present myself professionally and communicate my value to potential employers.
After completing the program’s eight-week training, I further advanced my skills by completing a Mini-MBA at UBC Sauder with tuition support from the program. Around the same time, I secured a role at a biotechnology start-up specializing in rapid test development. I was also promoted to Volunteer Ambassador Program Coordinator at the Community Mental Wellness Association of Canada, where I had been actively volunteering.
The quote I’d like to share is:
“Job hunting can be frustrating at times, but every resume you send and every interview you do gets you closer to something that actually clicks. Keep tweaking your approach, ask friends for feedback, and don’t beat yourself up over the nos. You’ve got this!”
The OCCA-JCF program is funded by the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and the RBC Foundation. It offers Canadian workplace training through the partnership of the OCCA Communities Association and Okanagan College in Central Okanagan. OCCA also connects the JCF participants with employers, providing subsidies to help them gain valuable Canadian work experience and overcome typical job search challenges encountered by immigrants.
We respectfully acknowledge that the OCCA is operating on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan Nation.
Please note that we will have a photographer on site during the events. If you prefer not to be featured in any photographs, kindly contact OCCA at info@occabc.ca.
