My name is Brindha and I’m a software engineer who pivoted to data analytics. I have a total of seven years of experience in the tech industry in India. After moving to BC, I worked in Best Buy’s IT department for six months at their Burnaby office. However, I had to take a career break for personal reasons. When I decided to re-enter the workforce, I enrolled in the YWCA Tech Connect program, where I learned how to navigate the BC tech industry. Through this program, I discovered the NewToBC Library Champions Project, applied for it and was accepted. This is how I became a Library Champion and learned about embracing new opportunities as a newcomer in BC.
My Path to Empowering Newcomers in Canada
I first heard about the Library Champions Project through the YWCA Tech Connect program. We had a guest speaker from the Vancouver Public Library who spoke about the library services. The presentation inspired me to join the project.
In the Library Champions Project, my main volunteer role involves outreach. The purpose is to inform new immigrants about the many library and community resources available to them. These resources can help them in their settlement process and overall life in Canada. Through my volunteer work, I share a lot of useful information with newcomers to Canada, especially women in tech, which has helped people land jobs. Personally, it’s deeply rewarding to know that sharing information has positively impacted someone’s life.
Supporting Newcomers Through Information and Outreach
Whether it’s guiding someone to a resource they didn’t know existed, helping them navigate settlement services or simply answering a question with care and patience, I realized that these small moments of connection can lead to life-changing opportunities. It’s beautiful how access to the right information at the right time can empower someone to find a job, learn a new skill or feel more confident in their new community. Being a Library Champion and embracing new opportunities as a newcomer in BC showed me that even the smallest efforts can ripple outward, creating meaningful change – giving people confidence and hope!
I also had the opportunity to share my lived experience as a new immigrant to Vancouver during a panel at the “NewToBC Community Dialogues: Immigrant Settlement Facts, Figures, and Issues for Library and City Staff, Service Providers & Newcomers.” The experience addressing a big crowd was incredibly memorable.
The Impact of Conversations
The people I have met through this project have shared useful information with me, whether about upskilling programs in the tech industry or employment-related programs. Even casual conversations with someone at the library can be enriching. During a Library Champions Project Celebration event in 2024, I had a casual conversation with someone sitting next to me. They mentioned the ISSofBC Career Path program, which turned out to be timely information for my sister who was job searching at the time. She eventually landed her first job in Canada through ISSofBC—all thanks to that one conversation.
The Power of Libraries in Newcomer Integration
Libraries in BC play an important role in supporting newcomers by providing essential resources and services that help them integrate into their new communities.
Personally, I find the following services/resources helpful.
If you’re considering becoming a Library Champion, my tip is to embrace the role with an open heart and a curious mind. You don’t need to have all the answers – your willingness to listen, share and connect is what truly matters. Take the time to learn about the resources available, ask questions and lean into the training provided.
And, I recommend newcomers in BC is visit their local library. Libraries are welcoming spaces filled with resources, support and opportunities designed specifically for newcomers. Whether you’re looking for language classes, job search assistance, settlement guidance or simply a safe place to learn and connect, libraries are here to help.
Navigating the BC Job Market as a Newcomer
While volunteering, I secured a position as Project Coordinator for the Employer Navigator Pilot Project and a Data Analyst, working as an internal business partner with other programs and projects at the Immigrant Employment Council of BC (IEC-BC). In this role, I work with BC employers to provide solutions to the challenges and barriers they face in recruiting, hiring and retaining newcomer immigrant talent. I would say the Library Champions Project, along with the people I met through it, played a significant role in shaping my career goals. I plan to continue pursuing this impact-focused path.
IEC-BC offers a range of services and resources specifically designed to support newcomers in their employment journey in British Columbia. From mentorship programs and job-matching tools to employer engagement initiatives, IEC-BC helps bridge the gap between skilled immigrants and employers. IEC-BC aims to address barriers newcomers often face, such as credential recognition, cultural differences in the workplace and networking challenges. Whether you’re looking for job opportunities, professional guidance or tools to enhance your employability, IEC-BC is here to empower you to succeed in the Canadian job market.
Lessons Learned as a New Immigrant in BC
Through my experience of being a newcomer in Canada, I would like to offer some advice to other newcomers here. Firstly, understand the job market—it’s a tough landscape out there in 2025, with a challenging economy and a highly competitive job market.
Many newcomers come from cultures where networking is an unfamiliar concept. However, it’s important to understand that building professional connections and networking are important for success. Think of networking as a skill—it can be learned and improved over time, just like embracing new opportunities as a newcomer in BC.
Additionally,
- Leverage newcomer employment services offered by various settlement organizations.
- Keep working on both your soft skills and hard skills.
- Ensure you have a well-prepared resume and cover letter tailored to each job application.
- Attend workshops on Canadian workplace culture if they are available.
Finding meaningful employment in BC takes time, patience and a lot of effort. Don’t hesitate to ask for help, prioritize your mental health during the job search process and surround yourself with a community of support. It can get challenging at times but persistence will pay off.