Olawole Taiwo Luro is a considerable proprietor of technology and believes if you don’t get on board with it, you’ll fall behind. A Career Consultant/E-Learning Specialist, Taiwo helps clients find meaningful work related to prior learning and career experiences through guided self-exploration, group and personalized occupational coaching services.
Seven years ago, Taiwo made a change in his career, to move from his home to Canada.
“It was a rollercoaster of emotions to reach that decision at that point in my career life. Coming to Canada provided many positive opportunities and a fast track to what I currently do as an E-Learning Specialist at Manitoba Start.”
Manitoba Start is the first place newcomers can gain access to support to find work. Prior, Taiwo was the supervisor for the Careers Services Unit and a Career Coach and Facilitator. As a newcomer himself, Taiwo utilizes his knowledge and experiences that have influenced his practice, bringing both a professional and cultural perspective to help others in a similar situation to where he was seven years ago.
For every newcomer coming to Canada, Taiwo has this advice, start with a plan. There are individuals within his community and professional life who are simply looking for a means to pay their bills. But what does that mean in terms of actual work, an industry, or a position?
“If you don’t create a plan for what you want to do for any amount of time, you will not be able to stay focused on an occupational area you’ll be able to grow in. I want to encourage every newcomer to begin with a plan of what work they want to do.
According to Taiwo, Manitoba is unique compared to all the provinces and territories due to its outstanding support systems for newcomers, helping them find employment and integrating into the Canadian life fabric. These support systems can fast-track them into a career giving access to language, self-learning initiatives, and technology training.
Remote delivery of education has been a staple during the pandemic. Although it provides a unique opportunity for both learners and educators alike, there are drawbacks.
“Learning in a face-to-face environment provides for a community of learners. That’s the first network you get to work with, and you feel that connection, and you feel like you’re part of a group. In online learning, we can replicate that through live sessions it’s not quite the same. Now you can’t share contacts, and you can’t share personal issues affecting you.”
It can be quite a challenge to adjust to these new learning environments, says Taiwo. It can be a challenge to create a practical learning and work environment at home, especially for newcomers and individuals with young children. Even if your situation is challenging, the best advice Taiwo has for newcomers is you can’t get enough education.
“Technology is the wave of the future, and you’ll do yourself a lot of harm if you don’t embrace it. One great way to get established and launch your career in Canada is to develop skills. Take a course, attend a professional development event, and just find ways to upgrade your skills. Coming from abroad already prepares you with the foundational skills and experiences you need for success. It’s like a cake. All you need now is the icing, and that extra training is the icing.”
As some final advice, Taiwo encourages immigrants and newcomers to connect with their community.
“People are leaving everything behind, and it can feel isolating. Find a way to get involved with a religious, cultural, social and educational group to build supports and hit the ground running.”
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of U Multicultural.
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