In December 2023, Sneha made the life-changing decision to move to Canada with her husband. Settling in the Lower Mainland, they found themselves surrounded by the energy of Vancouver but soon realized that the bustling city life can feel overwhelming. “Vancouver is lovely,” she reflects, “but at a certain point, it gets a little too much.” The challenge of finding larger affordable housing has them considering a move to Burnaby. “Upon landing Vancouver gave me a chance to explore the city, understand the geography and how to commute from other places.” Come with us on Sneha’s journey, From Uncertainty to Empowerment: How the Library Champions Project Shaped My Path in Canada.
A Career Rooted in Mental Health
A passion for mental health has driven Sneha since high school where she first took an interest in psychology. Pursuing both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the field, Sneha has explored diverse roles. From working as a therapist, to working for an NGO, to designing employee well-being plans in corporate settings. “This was what interested me most: helping organizations come up with an employee well-being plan,” she said.
After eight months in Canada, she found a role as a Wellbeing Advisor at the BC Liquor Distribution Branch. In this position, she’s been tasked with creating a well-being program for the BCLDB. “It’s very different from the past organizations I’ve worked with,” she notes, but it’s a step toward her goal of working on policies to improve organizational mental health. Sneha is excited about her new role and the opportunities it brings. “Working with organizations and focusing on employee well-being is where my passion lies.”
The Library Champions Project: A Social Anchor
When Sneha first arrived in Canada, she didn’t know anyone apart from her husband and a few acquaintances. “There was so much confusion about what I was going to do. How would I make friends?” she recalled. Joining the Library Champions Project helped her find that sense of belonging. “It set up a routine when I needed it the most. I met someone who lived in the same neighborhood as me in India. It was amazing to meet people and have social interactions at a time when I didn’t know anyone.”
In addition to providing social support, the project was invaluable in helping Sneha navigate her professional journey. Through workshops and connections, she learned about the certifications and licenses she would need to practice in Canada. “Someone spoke about resources on the Vancouver Public Library website. I found a tab for mental health profession resources that showed me courses that would help me upskill and stand out.” The support she received helped Sneha sort through the overwhelming amount of information.
Challenges of Professional Transition
One of the most significant obstacles Sneha has faced is obtaining the necessary certifications to continue working in her field. “The certification process is very slow,” she explains. She started the process in February and received her first correspondence in July. Despite these delays, she is determined to remain eligible for licensure.
Coming from a corporate background, Sneha finds transitioning to a public sector role requires more patience. “In the corporate world, small things would take days. Here, approvals can take months. The work culture isn’t different, but I’ll need a lot of patience.”
Advice for Newcomers: Patience and Persistence
The title of this blog, encompasses the journey Sneha took: “From Uncertainty to Empowerment: How the Library Champions Project Shaped My Path in Canada.: For newcomers looking to break into their pre-landing careers, Sneha offers her advice: “You can’t be tied to your first resume. Keep changing it. I rewrote mine to match the job requirements for each posting I applied to.” She also emphasizes the importance of reaching out to others in the industry, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. “I almost became shameless in who I would reach out to on LinkedIn. Most people were willing to help and assist me. I learned about what my career market looked like here, learned about courses I should consider taking, and got a better understanding of the landscape.”
Throughout her job search, Sneha struggled with patience for things to unfold. “I wasn’t very nice to myself. In retrospect, I can see that. I wanted to start working, but I didn’t know how to. It helped to have the social support to get through this.” She focused on staying proactive – whether it was connecting with professionals on LinkedIn or taking up new certifications like occupational first aid. “It’s easy to lose sight of what you want to do. But patience, talking to people, and constantly reworking my resume helped me stand out.”
Moving Forward
Looking ahead, Sneha is excited about the possibilities her new role presents. She’s already begun researching and designing a well-being program for the BC Liquor Branch and is eager to explore what works in the space of organizational mental health. She views this position as a step toward greater involvement in policy and planning in the field of mental health.
As she reflects on her journey, one thing is clear: the Library Champions Project played a critical role in getting her where she is today. “I wouldn’t be here without the Library Champions Project. When you’re new to a city, it’s very easy to feel lost. This project gave me an anchor.”