web and Flash designer/developer looking to move to Alberta
 

Hi,

I'm a web and Flash designer/developer here in the UK and my wife and I are looking at moving to Alberta, Calgary or surrounding area.. after talking about it for the last 3 or 4 years..

I'm trying to find out as much as possible about jobs as I'm going out in July and really want to meet up with a couple of design agencies while I'm out there.

Is it acceptable in Canada to approach companies for an informal chat to introduce yourself / get a feel for the setup over there?

If a Calgary company have a job going, can I apply or do I need to sort visas etc first?

I've got 4 years experience, a Masters, and an Honours Degree in relevant subjects.. Do these count for much in Canada?


I'm new to the forum so thanks for any help or info!!

Re: web and Flash designer/developer looking to move to Alberta
 

Hi and welcome to the forum.

Yes, it is definitely acceptable to introduce yourself to companies and try and have a chat whilst out there - that's actually the recommended way to try and find a job as Canadians like face to face contact. Have a read of the Job Hunting section of the Wiki (on blue bar at top of page - just click on it, then on Canada, then on Job Hunting) to find out more info and for other useful stuff i.e. how to Canadianize your resume etc.

You cannot get a visa without a job offer, so that needs to come first. Basically, you would get a job offer, then your potential employer has to apply for something called a LMO which is proof that they have advertised the job across Canada and been unable to find a Canadian willing, or able, to do the job. Then once you have your written job offer and LMO, you would apply for your Temp Work Permit (which you could try and upgrade to Permanent Residency if you wanted). Again, there is loads of info in the Wiki on visas so grab a cuppa and have a read.

Out of interest, how old are you and your wife? Are you both by any chance under 30?

:)

Re: web and Flash designer/developer looking to move to Alberta
 

Thanks for the quick reply christmasoompa!!

It's good to hear that Canadian companies like the face to face contact as it's the way I prefer to do it too.. I'm guessing the best way is to email them before going over with some links to portfolios etc and try and arrange to meet up..

I'll put the kettle on for a cup of coffee now and head for the wiki!!

I'm 29.. just gone.. and my wife's 27 later this year..

Re: web and Flash designer/developer looking to move to Alberta
 

In which case, do look into Bunac (just Google it). It's a working holiday visa for people under 30, and would give you a years open work permit for Canada. You can do any job in Canada, and could then try and upgrade it to PR if you wanted to stay longer. Worth looking into anyway, but don't hang around as there are only a certain number of visas available each year and they open for applications in December - last year they ran out in April so it could be any time now that they close.

Good luck and have fun reading! Do shout with any questions, there will always be somebody on here happy to help.

:)

Re: web and Flash designer/developer looking to move to Alberta
 

I'll look into it now..

Would be really good to hear from anyone who's made the jump across into similar creative jobs in Alberta to see how they've found it..


Thanks again!

Re: web and Flash designer/developer looking to move to Alberta
 

Welcome to the forum nibs.

Good advice from chistmasoompa...we know a couple (not in your field) who have just arrived here in Calgary on BUNAC. It was a neat side-step for them to get here on (largely) open work permits. It's much easier for an employer to contemplate taking you on if they have few or no hurdles to jump first.

And yes, networking with potential employers is a very good idea.

Kind regards,

Eamonn & Janet.

Re: web and Flash designer/developer looking to move to Alberta
 

Hi Eamonn & Janet,

Thanks for the reply.. especially as your blog is one that we've been checking in on now and again for the last year or so! It's been interesting to see things through your eyes and really helped us find out more about Canada..

Is Calgary commutable from places like Okotoks in the Winter?

Re: web and Flash designer/developer looking to move to Alberta
 

Yes.

If you don't want to drive it yourself, theres a commuter bus.

Re: web and Flash designer/developer looking to move to Alberta
 

:wub::D Thank you!

As rwin says, yes, winter or otherwise, it is commutable to Calgary from Okotoks and many do. Now, if your future job required you to be downtown Calgary in rush hour, you might prefer to base yourself in a Calgary community as it'll take you a good 17 or 18 minutes to drive from Okotoks to the southern edge of Calgary and to put that on top of what would otherwise be your commute time would be a lifestyle choice. If your career took you anywhere south of downtown Calgary (further south the better), or if home-working were a frequent option, or if being in downtown did not mean getting there in the peak of rush-hour, then a commute from Okotoks will clearly be that much easier.

Drop us a PM or email if we can help with specifics.

Kind regards,

Eamonn & Janet.

Re: web and Flash designer/developer looking to move to Alberta
 

Thanks for the info on commuting to Calgary.. definitely something we'd look at.. also maybe Bragg Creek area.. although that looks like more of a major commute to Calgary in winter!

Do you guys think it's better to email to try and setup a meeting, including links to online portfolios and CV / resume, or actually phone design agencies in the first instance in Calgary?

Also from what I've seen of companies out there all the major creatives in Alberta seem to be in the centre of Calgary.. are there any creatives or digital media people who can suggest companies/agencies that are worth a look either in Calgary or outside?

Re: web and Flash designer/developer looking to move to Alberta
 

Bragg Creek is a lovely spot. Maybe (a very subjective view here) lacks a few day to day amenities that might cause its charm to wear thin after a while. Versus Okotoks, or Cochrane or Airdrie, the commute to downtown Calgary may also be that bit more troublesome.

Whether you phone first and email later or do that in reverse, we think the important thing would be to make sure there was some phone contact. It definitely makes a difference here. If you are able to do no more than create enough interest in you to warrant acceptance of your suggestion of a visit and a chat when you come to Calgary on a recce, that will still be a good result. Getting face to face time with potential employers will help.

Hopefully someone will be able to answer your question on specific agencies or companies to approach.

Kind regards,

Eamonn & Janet.