JCF SUCCESS STORY

My Success Story with the OCCA Job Connect for the Future Program

 

Before joining the OCCA Job Connect for the Future program, I had been applying for jobs for almost ten months. I sent out more than 50 applications and only got 4 interviews, and none of them worked out. After so many tries, it was hard not to feel discouraged. I knew I had something to offer, but I just didn’t know how to show it in a way that employers could really see it.

 

During the first few days of starting the program, we did a personality assessment exercise. This ended up helping me more than I could’ve imagined. When I got my results, it felt like someone had finally put words to things I had always felt about myself but couldn’t explain. I suddenly had a clear understanding of my characteristics, how I work, and how these traits actually matter in a job setting.

 

A few days later, I had a job interview, and because everything from that class was still fresh in my mind, I went in with a lot of confidence. I wasn’t struggling to come up with answers. I was able to actually talk about my soft skills, my values, and the unique things I bring to a team. It made me realize that interviews aren’t just about technical skills, they’re really about who you are, how you think, and what kind of energy you bring.

 

That exercise gave me the vocabulary I needed and helped me finally understand why my personality and work style are strengths. It honestly changed the way I approached my whole job search.

 

I ended up getting the job and now I am starting my third month in this new position. This has been an incredible opportunity for me to start a professional career in Canada knowing I am able to improve everyday and strive for so much more.

 

The OCCA Job Connect for the Future program didn’t just help me get ready for a job; it also helped me understand myself better. And that made all the difference.

 

The quote I’d like to share is:

Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.— Bobby Unser

 

-Laura, JCF Cohort 5

 

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.