“Helping immigrant workers fit in”

The article “Helping immigrant workers fit in” by Marlene Habib which appeared in the Globe and Mail published in September 2011 discusses the current situation of immigrants working in Canada. It includes options for immigrants who are seeking help and guidance to finding a job in their work fields. The article includes successful programs many individuals have taken when they were jobless, such as the bridging program at Ryerson University which helped an individual get a permanent job after a period of struggle in poverty by preparing for interviews with real employers. It further gives information to readers that there are government orientated programs such as Canadian Immigration Program which “helps workers get jobs that recognize their experience and education” (Habib, pg. 2) The article mentions how it remains an issue for many new immigrants who come to Canada to find the job they are worthy off considering their education.

I agree that it is a difficult experience when immigrating to a country which one is not aware off in the language or culture. There is an enormous amount of cultural shock and “fitting in” is a lot harder than imagined by many immigrants in Canada. Getting a job seems to be one of the harder tasks while fitting in because I feel that until an individual understands the language there is a communication barrier between people working together. With this communication barrier the employee and employer are unable to communicate in a manner where they are able understand each other.

As mentioned in the article many individuals have sent out numerous amounts of resumes to employers but receive no response. I personally have seen my father experience that even to date. He sits at a computer for hours on weekends sending resume’s to companies throughout Canada looking for a job that could complement his education and work experience. In many cases he received a response stating that he cannot be hired as an employee because he has not enough work experience in one single workplace. He has to switch jobs almost every year because they fired him or as the employer says it “they let him go”. It may be easy to lose a job as an immigrant but to get a job in the first place is the difficult task. Furthermore, it brings down ones self-esteem where they are not courageous enough and give up on life. It is difficult for an individual who was successful at a career in their “home land” but as an immigrant in Canada they are facing struggle to fit in as a worker.

In addition, I agree to this article stating that companies have begun to hire employees who are immigrants because the working industry is now more diverse. There are teachers, police officers and doctors, who are off different ethnicity working together. New immigrants continue to face a struggle because they are unable to understand the language spoken but there is a lot more guidance for them compared to individuals who did not receive any help at all. I support groups who are helping many immigrants prepare for interviews because the interview is the basic point where immigrants can prove to the employer that they are skilled and would be the best choice for the particular job. Also, this type of support encourages immigrants that they are capable of working in Canada and gives them the push towards a higher self-esteem where they can be proud of their education received from another country.

In conclusion, the article “Helping immigrant workers fit in” by Marlene Habib has stated reasonable points that are currently still an issue for the immigrants coming to Canada but there is still hope for them. Canadian immigrants are now provided with the help and aid that encourages them to excel in Canada. Many immigrants have to face struggle and difficulties in the beginning but when successful they will be a part of Canada’s large working community. As stated in the article, the help provided is a step towards building a more diverse community and a job is one of the requirements to an immigrant once living in Canada. In short, work is required in order to provide self and family with the necessities of living and providing immigrants with a job would help them live a more subtle lifestyle.

Source of Article:

Habib, M. (2011, September 29). Helping immigrant workers fit in – The Globe and Mail. Home – The Globe and Mail. Retrieved October 27, 2011, from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/on-the-job/helping-immigrant-workers-fit-in/article2185279/

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