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The Art of Reinventing Ourselves Throughout Our Career

Diverse business people cheeringIn today’s world, the only certainty we have about the job market and the professional world, in general, is the need for change. Throughout our careers, we will face various challenges and changes that will demand adaptability and often creativity. We reside in a fast-paced society where everything moves quickly, and there’s pressure from all directions. How can we then reinvent ourselves professionally to stand out amid competition and stay in tune with market changes? In this article, we’ll explore the importance of continuous learning and fostering a creative mindset in creating opportunities in a highly competitive job market.

THE POWER OF CONTINUOUS LEARNING

Continuous learning is the key to reinventing yourself professionally. Knowledge gives you the freedom and wisdom to lead your career, make assertive decisions and keep up with changes in a fast-paced professional world.

Learning new skills and keeping up with industry trends ensures you remain relevant and in demand. You might discover entirely new career paths or find innovative ways to apply your knowledge. The business world is full of surprises, from economic shifts to technological advancements. Continuous learning helps you adapt to these changes, making you more resilient in the face of uncertainty.

CULTIVATING A CREATIVE MINDSET

A creative mindset is about approaching problems with new perspectives and thinking outside the box.

It can be an asset in your career, regardless of your profession. Creativity can help you find innovative solutions to problems, come up with fresh ideas, and stand out in a competitive job market.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH SPECIALIZATION

Specialization is another cornerstone of career development. It’s about identifying niches where your unique skills and expertise can shine. Becoming a specialist in your field is crucial for career advancement as it offers in-depth knowledge, credibility, and trustworthiness. Specialists are often highly valued in the job market, enjoying better job opportunities and higher salaries.

A PASSION FOR EMPOWERING OTHERS

For some, career fulfillment extends beyond personal success; it’s about helping others thrive. I share a deep passion for assisting individuals in developing their careers. Guiding them through their professional growth, sharing knowledge, and watching them prosper is an immensely gratifying experience. Always consider carrying out meaningful work that will have positive impacts on other people and society.

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

Entrepreneurship is the picture of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. It’s about taking calculated risks, pursuing innovative ventures, and driving change. Whether it’s starting a new business or launching a groundbreaking project within your organization, entrepreneurship is amazing for personal and professional growth.

In conclusion, the art of reinventing yourself throughout a career is a journey of continuous learning, adopting a creative mindset, specialization, a passion for empowering others and possibly embracing the entrepreneurial spirit. It allows us to succeed in a competitive job market. It’s about realizing that our potential is limitless, and our careers are waiting for our next steps. So, let’s embark on this journey together and reinvent ourselves daily in search of our professional growth.

LinkedIn LogoWritten for LinkedIn by Juliana Barros, Career Specialist | Job Developer | Learning & Development | LinkedIn Learning Champion | Workforce Specialist at JVS Toronto

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New report on skilled immigrant women’s pursuit for employment in Canada

In the rich tapestry of immigrant experiences, the narratives of skilled immigrant women often stand out for their resilience, ambition, and the unique challenges they face. A recent research report conducted by JVS Toronto in 2023, titled “Breaking Barriers and Empowering Change: Unveiling the Triumphs, Challenges, and Identity Struggles of Skilled Immigrant Women in Pursuit of Employment,” delves deep into the lives of women-identified participants of JVS Toronto’s Canada InfoNet pre-arrival program, shedding light on their journeys, hurdles, and remarkable successes. The research is based on survey and focus group data, of women who participated in the program from 2020 to 2022.

Here are some of the highlights of the study:Cover of the report

Barriers to Employment

The study uncovers the multifaceted challenges immigrant women encounter in their quest for employment in Canada. Notably, the lack of Canadian work experience emerges as a significant barrier, with 44.9% of respondents citing it as a major hurdle. Additionally, navigating regulated professions and balancing family responsibilities pose formidable challenges. The report reveals how childcare availability affects job searches and underscores the complex interplay between motherhood and career aspirations.

Pre-Arrival Success

Despite these obstacles, skilled immigrant women who receive support from pre-arrival programs like Canada InfoNet have better employment outcomes upon arrival in Canada even though they continue to face systemic barriers when compared to other groups. An overwhelming 82% of these women found employment within six months of arrival, a testament to the efficacy of such initiatives. Their proactive approach to job searching, often commencing before setting foot in Canada, speaks volumes about their determination and preparedness.

Navigating Career Changes and Identity

For some immigrant women, the journey involves significant career transitions, either due to regulated professions or the need for reinvention in a new environment. 29.5% of respondents grapple with navigating regulated professions, while an additional 44.8% find themselves charting new career trajectories in unfamiliar industries. The report highlights the emotional toll of such changes, as many grapple with a loss of identity tied to their previous occupations. For these women, the level of job satisfaction varied with the ones reporting lower satisfaction also reporting a significant loss in self-esteem. The connection between their sense of identity and sense of self was closely tied to their occupational identity. The report also shows how making this decision before arriving in Canada as a result of one’s own choice leads to a stronger identification with their new career and are more likely to consider that a permanent change. Yet, amidst the challenges, there’s a sense of empowerment as these women forge new paths and redefine success on their own terms.

Recommendations for Empowerment

The report also offers actionable recommendations for empowering immigrant women. It calls for gender-sensitive support systems tailored to the unique needs of female immigrants, especially those with children. Integrating settlement, employment, and childcare services could streamline their integration into the workforce. It also emphasizes the importance of mental health support, particularly in the wake of the isolation experienced by remote workers.

In the stories of skilled immigrant women, we find narratives of resilience, determination, and self-discovery. Despite facing formidable barriers, these women exhibit unwavering courage and adaptability. As we reflect on their journeys, it is imperative not only to recognize their triumphs but also to amplify their voices and provide targeted support.

By empowering immigrant women, we enrich our communities, foster diversity, and propel collective progress towards a more inclusive society.

Download the report here

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JVS Toronto’s 76th Annual General Meeting

Many thanks to all of you who joined us at JVS Toronto’s 76th Annual General Meeting on September 20th, our first in-person AGM since 2019. We are grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of our clients, employers, donors, staff and volunteers over the past fiscal year. It was a pleasure to see everyone face to face again as we celebrated another year of empowering individuals to fulfill their employment potential.

The AGM featured a business portion, followed by a heartwarming award ceremony where we recognized and celebrated the achievements and contributions of our clients, employers, and volunteers. During the event, we warmly welcomed our incoming Board of Directors and our newly appointed Board Chair, Ariella Fuhrmann, who succeeds Avi Pollock. Ariella has been part of JVS Toronto’s Governance Committee since 2015 and formally joined the Board in 2020.

As we reflected on the past year, we were reminded of the broader impact of employment on our economy, society, and communities, and how it guides our commitment to positive change.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our staff, volunteers, donors, funders, employers, and community partners for their continued support. Your dedication fuels our mission and propels us forward on our journey to empower individuals and create a positive impact.

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Ask the Employment Specialist: How do I Look for a Job While Working?

man conducting a job search onlineDear Joanna,

I am currently working full-time as a social worker at a local community agency. Often, I work overtime hours and am on-call 24/7. I love my work and the clients, but there is no room for any promotion, professional or career growth at this agency. I have been a dedicated and successful employee for over eight years. During these years, I have acquired several certifications, degrees, have learned countless skills and gained relevant experience on my resume.

I am ready for a new job, and the next step in my career path. How do I look for work when I am working full-time?

Job Searching and Working (JSW)

Dear JSW,

I congratulate you on your desire to continually learn and grow in your career. You sound like a talented and competent professional who deserves to be promoted, recognized and presented with better opportunities in the labour market.

There is a consensus amongst the experts in the field that it’s better to look for work while you are working , as candidates currently employed tend to be more attractive to hiring manager. Andrew Klappholz adds that “being gainfully employed automatically takes a lot of the pressure off and frees you from the desperation that makes many unemployed people take jobs they don’t want.”

It is definitely difficult to balance your current job responsibilities and tasks with the time commitment of looking for another job, so it might take you longer to find the dream job. So, while you are working, I recommend the following tips, as presented by writers quoted above:

1. Think through whether you want to be transparent with your own boss.
Usually, it is a good idea to keep your job search quiet and do not share this with anyone at work. Some firms have a policy to fire people who are actively searching for work. You’re your job hunt on a need-to-know basis, warns Hein. However if you trust your manager and he/she is supportive of your learning and growth, you might want to share your frustration at work and see if there are growth opportunities within your organization. Can you transfer to another department? Can you apply for a senior position. If the answer is not, then it is time to start looking in the labour market for your dream job. I will leave it up to your discretion if it is best for you to be straightforward with your boss.

2. Access more information for your job search.
As an engaged member of the workforce, you’re likely to have access to lot more information in your field that could benefit you than if you were unemployed. “Keep your eyes and ears open for things and make mental notes,” one expert, Tammy Gooler Loeb, suggests, “You may have the opportunity to get more information about what’s going on that may feed your job search.”

3. Creative Networking.
Use your time off, lunch hours, after work hours, weekends and during personal and vacation days if need be, continues Loeb, to meet people in your network. Invite professionals in your field for a drink or a cup of coffee, after work. Request information interviews and connect with as many people as possible ,who you think could help you with your job search without betraying your current employer. Make sure that you explain to individuals who receive your resume that you are currently employed and that your search is confidential.

4. Don’t job search on company time.
When you are at your current job, you should stay focused and productive. In fact, I recommend you over perform, exceed the manager’s expectations, never say no, and accept new projects and responsibilities. Don’t hurt your productivity. In your cover letter or resume applications, you can list specific times to reach you, especially for the recruiters. Do not use company email address or phone numbers when on the job hunt. Use your personal email and telephone contact details on LinkedIn, Twitter and throughout the entire process.

5. Never say anything negative about your current employer.
It is definitely tempting to spill your guts, but hold on to yourself for now. Bad-mouthing your company or boss is not going to get you a job. Remain positive and focus on your skills, experience and expertise relevant to the position. Market yourself as someone who has gone as far as you can go in the company, and that you are looking for a more senior position that is not available in your place of employment.

6. References.
Don’t use your current boss as a reference. Receiving a reference check call could put your supervisor in a compromising position. You should only use someone from your current workplace if you trust that they will keep your job search confidential.

7. Don’t rush!
Take your time to explore all your options and opportunities in the labour market. Make sure that you have done all your homework, and put yourself in the best position to secure the job that you want before leaving. If you have a an opportunity to job shadow or try out a new possible job, then consider taking a couple of vacation days to do this. You want to ensure that if you do decide to leave your current employment that you are making an informed decision.

I wish you lots of success and courage to move to the next step in your career.

Joanna

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Ask the Employment Specialist: How do I Handle my New Difficult Boss?

Drawing of a typewriter with the words "Dear Employment Specialist"

Dear Joanna,

I have been working at the same company as an administrative assistant for almost six years with the same supervisor. She recently retired, and it was a sad day for me and my colleagues as she was an inspiring, competent leader who knew how to train, motivate and respect her team.

I have recently been assigned a new boss who likes to micromanage and has a tendency to be distant and punitive. I feel like quitting my job that I love, where I am a top performer as well.

How do I handle this new boss?

Signed: New Boss Problem (NBP)

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