On March 28th, I had the privilege of being the main presenter at a Sector Specific Networking Event aimed at newcomers and immigrants preparing to arrive in Canada, specifically in the provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. This online symposium, organized by Altered Minds Inc., was part of their Settlement Online Pre-Arrival (SOPA) program, which offers personalized employment support and crucial guidance to new immigrants to smoothen their transition to Canada.

I mentioned in my other posts that I am not very comfortable with public speaking, but I can not say no to activities like that aims to provide learnings and guidance to immigrants coming to Canada. I was once in their position and I know how attending activities or programs like what Altered Mind, Inc.’s provides can be of big help in their journey.

As I proceeded with my presentation before an eager virtual audience, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey. Fifteen years ago, I arrived in Canada from the Philippines with hopes, dreams, and a determination to build a better life for my family. My early days in Canada were filled with challenges and adjustments, from understanding the new cultural landscape to navigating the job market. Like many immigrants, I took on various jobs, each one teaching me invaluable lessons and bringing me closer to my goal.

The Path to Becoming a Licensed Financial Advisor and Mortgage Agent

During the presentation, I shared how from being a Human Resources professional for more than 2 decades, I decided to make a career shift. There were important moments that shaped my path to becoming a Licensed Financial Advisor and Mortgage Agent, unfortunately these moments weren’t great experiences. I did not have great experiences with the insurance agents I trusted to help me find the right risk protection for my family. It was the most expensive lesson that I learned since I came to Canada, had I not just relied on an agent because they are family friends, I wouldn’t have to pay thousands of dollars for my visiting mom’s hospital expenses. Same with my home buying experience, if only knew before that mortgage brokers exist, and I did not just believe that my bank mortgage agents will do the job, I could have benefited from programs that are meant to help first time homebuyers; when we upgraded to a bigger home, I could have been informed of option of having an investment property and I could have saved thousands of dollars for not renewing my mortgage with the same bank.

These experiences made me recognize the importance of financial literacy, not just for myself but for other immigrants who were also starting their lives in Canada. I pursued education and certifications in finance and mortgage brokering, dedicating countless hours to study and professional development with the motivation that I do not want other people to experience what I experienced.

In my presentation, I emphasized to the attendees the importance of perseverance and continuous learning. My journey was not a straight path; it involved overcoming numerous obstacles and embracing every opportunity for growth. I shared how networking, seeking mentorship, and staying informed about industry trends were crucial in my development.

Since the core of this event is to provide insights of having a career in the financial industry, I focused on providing practical advice and encouragement to the newcomers, leaving my audience with the following:

Embrace Continuous Learning: The Canadian job market values education and professional development. Invest in courses and certifications relevant to your field.
Build a Strong Network: Networking is essential in Canada. Attend events, join professional groups, and connect with mentors who can guide you.
Understand Financial Basics: Financial literacy is key to success. Learn about budgeting, saving, investing, and building credit.
Persevere Through Challenges: Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Stay resilient and keep your long-term goals in sight.
Seek Support Services: Utilize programs like SOPA that offer valuable resources and support tailored to your needs as a newcomer.

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I’ve known the invaluable role of the SOPA program in supporting newcomer since I learned about this program in 2016, I even shared an article about their program in this channel. The program's personalized employment support and guidance are instrumental in helping immigrants’ transition smoothly into their new lives in Canada. SOPA provides a comprehensive approach, from pre-arrival preparation to post-arrival support, ensuring that newcomers are well-equipped to succeed.

Sharing my story with fellow immigrants was a profoundly rewarding experience. I left the event feeling inspired by the resilience and determination of the newcomers I met. Their journeys are just beginning, and I am confident that with the right support and resources, they will achieve their dreams in Canada, just as I have.

As I continue my work as a Licensed Financial Advisor and Mortgage Agent, I remain committed to helping other immigrants navigate their financial journeys. I am hopeful, that even through a simple experience sharing in a talk like I did or through this blog, I can help build a community where every newcomer feels supported and empowered to reach their full potential.

Transitioning to a new culture, language, and societal norms requires not just resilience but a lot of support, let’s continue to support one another!