Previously, we learned about Karen Madi, a mentor from TELUS. This week, we learn more about her mentee, Nimaya Lodu from Sudan.
What’s your name and occupation?
My name is Nimaya Lodu and my occupation is Human Resources Administration
Why did you choose to get involved in the Career Mentorship Program? How do you hope to benefit?
Meeting my career goals can be challenging, and I feel getting involved in this program will help shape my career path and focus. The benefit(s) I hope to realize are interacting with professionals in my field and gaining a deep understanding of Canadian work culture.
Where did you hear about the program?
I first heard of it when I was browsing the internet for job and career opportunities, and then through the Edmonton Mennonite Center for Newcomers.
What are you and your mentor or mentee working on first?
Currently, we are looking into correct resume and cover letter writing.
What would you like people to know about the Career Mentorship Program?
This program is very important, it helps one to get focused on one’s profession and career goals. It is an opportunity for getting in touch with key professionals in one’s field, and understanding work culture through their experience and guidance.
What would you say to people who are thinking about signing up for the program?
They should not delay much, I would say let them get involved to realize their dreams in their chosen career. It is a great opportunity for them to have valuable time with the right people in their profession.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I am glad to be a mentee in this program; it has helped me to regain a positive job search attitude, which has almost declined. Thanks a lot to my mentor who is willing to share her experience with me.
I asked Nimaya if he was willing to share with our readers why he chose to come to Canada.
I came to Canada as a convention Refugee after staying in Uganda for over 20 years. This was due to the long civil war in my country (Sudan) which has claimed millions of lives, including my father. The war ended in 2005 with a signing of a peace deal which resulted to a birth of a new nation, “South Sudan”. Due to the bad memories of the war, I decided not to return. However, in Uganda, I found myself in a similar situation. The camp I lived in was always threatened and looted by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) which resulted in the loss of property and life. I found myself in a more traumatic and stressful situation which forced me to seek asylum overseas. Fear, loss of lives, and lack of peace has driven me to Canada.
I left my wife back in Uganda because I started the immigration process before I got married and including her in a very last minute was not accepted. I hoped that when I landed in Canada, I would get a good job quickly and could sponsor her to join me as a family. However, as I have to start life from zero in a country with different cultural setting. I found many challenges; this made me to think of building friendships and to be known by many people around, to get connections with key people who can show a direction to success, and give some encouragement. I also become conscious that I need to go to school and upgrade my skills to a Canadian standard. This led me to ask myself, which career courses are valued in Canada and if I go to school can I get employed right away after completing the course?
Therefore, within this complex situation, I thought it was a good to start the walk by exploring options and strategies to reach my dreams to successfully settle in Canada and enjoy the peaceful environment. When I was browsing the internet for job and career search I came across the ERIEC Career Mentorship Program which caught my attention and I decided to apply to be a mentee. My hope was that by joining the program I would be able to realize my career goals through the mentorship sessions which will open ways to make valuable friends and networks.
Being in a new country is challenging; having a mentor can help reduce some of the mounting complexity through the guidance, support, and inspiration I receive during the mentorship sessions. It is a chance to learn the culture so that I can be comfortable to relate with people I will always meet along my way. Attending intercultural and special job search technique workshops organized by ERIEC, and hearing testimonies from other speakers who immigrated earlier, help me to feel confident. It also re-energized my attitude towards looking for jobs and getting focused on my career. I feel now that I am not the only one – many have gone through this journey, and I am also now following the path.
Thank you Nimaya for your participation in our program!