Financial Specialist
To secure a position in the financial sector as a manager, where he could utilize his skills and experience was the goal of Olawale when he made Ottawa his home. Prior to arriving in Canada Olawale was a Client Manager in a private bank in his home country.
Early on Olawle identified that employers sought Canadian experience and the necessity to start his licensing exams to secure a job in the financial sector. Olawale participated in a Global Experience @ Work Program in February 2011. “The program organized by the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce for foreign trained professional three months ago was positive and progressive” says Olawale.
Upon meeting with employers present at the event, Olawale was called for an interview with a top private bank. After a series of interviews he eventually got an offer as a Personal Banking Officer. Olawale is now on paid training with the bank and has also completed his licensing requirements.
Commenting on the program Olawale says “The Global Experience @ Work program helps to secure a job in the chosen sector…..it gives you the right start with the opportunity to grow in your chosen career. I am very grateful for the opportunity and hope it continues to integrate other immigrants into the system. Once again a very big thank you to the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce"
Software Developer 
A Sun Microsystems certified programmer with years of foreign trained experience, Josue choose Ottawa as his new home with its vast opportunity in the high tech sector. Like majority of newcomers, it was not open doors with employers. The greatest challenge that Josue encountered was employers seeking Canadian experience and credential recognition. At a Global Experience @ Work special event organized for IT professionals, Josue met companies in the IT sector one-on-one.
He was given the opportunity to present his work experience and portfolio face to face with potential employers. Following the event he was selected for an interview with one of the participating companies and was offered a two month contract.
Upon displaying exceptional skills and experience Josue was offered a full time position with the company and now works in his chosen field. “I think these events that the Ottawa Chamber of Commerce facilitates are extremely important for people looking for an opportunity to meet with potentials employers, especially for immigrants who do not have Canadian experience but have technical skills and a lot of experience to offer to the employers” commented Josue.