I understand the networking thing....
 

Hi all,

Another newbie to the site so go easy. :eek:

My wife and I have been to Canada on several occasions - having fallen in love with the place first time around - and we're seriously considering making the move more permanent. Friends of ours have recently submitted their applications for PR (after speaking with us first) so they've got a headstart on us.

This may have been asked before (and I've read some of the articles in the wiki) but my question is based on qualifications versus experience. I've been an IT Consultant for 4 years now and prior to that I worked for an Egyptian-owned retailer (as a buyer first, then in IT) specialising in SAP software for the Retail industry. I don't actually have any IT qualifications but then very few of my peers have either. Does this prohibit my chances of obtaining work in a similar field in BC? I could go back to buying but I don't have any quals in that either.

I have an HND in Business Studies (Marketing) which I obtained from Newcastle Poly some time ago, so I ssume that's worth something.

We're considering applying with my wife as the main applicant. She's a self-employed antique furniture restorer and we have first-hand experience that Vancouver is desparate for someone like her (and she's got the quals and has served an apprenticeship to back her up). Also, she doesn't just specialise in antiques - which is fortunate!!

Anyway, that's my starter for 10.

Discuss!

Re: I understand the networking thing....
 

I would personally just get jobs, then Work Permits and Residency after that. Easiest way of approaching immigration, but that is because we did that. But in part, getting yourself known to employers is a way of getting past Qualification issues, experience conveys itself better in person than on a resume. Go and read all the Wiki pages on employment in Canada - invaluable advice there.

Good luck!

Re: I understand the networking thing....
 

Don't expect anyone to know what an HND is. You may be able to use it as evidence of prior learning towards a qualification Canadians know about, but this is just speculation.

I don't know too much about the IT industry. One friend used to work for CNC Global Consulting but she had some sort of certified SAP status from Korea. My gut feeling is that if you have experience of SAP in a retail environment then it should be possible to find work here, but the networking route will likely be more successful than through job agencies.


As for your OH then yes, absolutely. Mrs JonboyE earns her crust in a very similar manner (ceramics, not furniture) and she gets more work than she can handle.

Re: I understand the networking thing....
 

This one? You left too early, sounds like you could have got your wife some restoration work there too :thumbsup:

"I'm building a glass pyramid over the Egyptian escalator where my body will be mummified, so my customers can see me forever," he declared proudly. "It's a listed monument, so they can't take me away. They can't."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisf...diana.monarchy

Re: I understand the networking thing....
 

That's why I left the place. I think there may have been a loss of plot on his part!!

Re: I understand the networking thing....
 

Thanks for that confirmation JonboyE. I work for another global Consultancy it's the same here: it's all about who you know....

Mrs Bigstar14 has had a good contract with the Four Season's hotel here in London and she's already met a restorer or 2 in Vancouver. They've no interest in any corporate work so hopefully if we get there, she'll continue to keep me in the lifestyle to which I've become accustomed!

Re: I understand the networking thing....
 

If she is interested in furniture finishing (new high quality stuff rather than antiques) then I could give her a list of 4-5 shops that would be very interested in her services.

If not, there is plenty of work for a self-employed restorer and/or re-finisher.