Building professional connections is an important step in entering the Canadian job market. Many job positions are unadvertised and are learned from an individual’s networks. This can seem daunting for newly arrived professional immigrants transitioning to a new legal and technical work environment in Canada. 

There are actions you can take to develop a solid local network and successfully navigate your new environment. For example, you can acquire advice, support, and referrals by arranging online or in-person meetings with other professionals in your industry. This can make a great difference in the job search process. 

This page provides ideas and resources for formal and informal networking in Alberta. Remember that even informal networking can lead to job opportunities.

Formal Networking

Job-specific networking events can be more formal and are often set up for people in the same industry to meet and mingle. These events are a great opportunity for an initial introduction and exchanging information to connect through email, phone calls, or online platforms. Having a line of communication with other professionals in the industry is a great way to make inquiries or gain information for your job search.

Job Fairs

Job fairs are events organized by employers and businesses. Attending job fairs will allow you to meet and obtain contact information from potential employers, learn about job openings, and even submit applications. You can also showcase your skills and experiences in a relatively casual setting. Stay updated about industry-specific job fairs, as they are an ideal way to meet employers and other job seekers. 

A great place to find job fairs is Jobs Canada Fair, which allows you to filter upcoming job fairs by profession and locatiOnline Networkingon. In Calgary, the Calgary Career Fair occurs once every few months and provides opportunities to network with governments, national companies, independent businesses, and organizations that will support your career planning and job search.

Professional and Student Associations

Professional associations offer networking opportunities and resources to members. By joining an association in your industry, you may gain access to events, seminars, and training programs that can help you build your skills and connect with other professionals. For example, professional associations sometimes organize events for members, such as conferences, industry trade shows, and seminars. This is a great way to meet others working in the industry. It may also enable you to connect with others with similar backgrounds and interests and learn about innovations and new developments in their field.

If you are studying or upgrading at an academic institution, it is a good idea to participate in student associations, which often have industry connections. Getting involved in a student organization can also help a job candidate stand out from other job applicants.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a wonderful way to support an important cause, build new skills, and connect with others with shared interests. If you want Canadian experience, volunteering can provide opportunities to gain knowledge and technical skills to add to your resume. You can search for volunteering opportunities in your professional field. 

To find volunteer opportunities in your field, try the following: 

• VolunteerConnector is a resource that will assist you in finding volunteer opportunities, which you can filter by location, activity type, cause, and/or specific organization. You can enable notifications to stay informed when new volunteer postings are created, a feature especially helpful for seasonal volunteer positions.

• Volunteer Success is a Canadian online hub connecting volunteers to opportunities. You can search by location to find volunteer activities near you. 

• Centre for Newcomers offers support in finding volunteer opportunities in Calgary.

• Try contacting non-profit organizations directly. Choose a non-profit organization whose work you are interested in, or that matches your career goals. Look on their website to see if they have a Volunteer Coordinator or online form to express interest. Send an email expressing your interest in contributing to the organization’s goals as a volunteer.

  • For example, you can volunteer at The Immigrant Education Society

Cultural Events

Cultural events, such as festivals and community gatherings, can also provide opportunities to connect with others in your community. You can grow your network at these events by meeting people with similar backgrounds and interests who can inform and connect you to new opportunities.

Settlement Services

Many settlement organizations offer free programs and classes to eligible individuals for workplace language and skill development. Participating in these programs may allow you to network with others undergoing similar settlement experiences.

In Calgary, many resources are available for professional immigrants. Some of them are listed here: 

• The recently updated Calgary Newcomer Guide for Service Providers created by the Calgary Local Immigration Partnership (CLIP) is a helpful list of local immigrant-serving agencies.

• The Immigrant Education Society offers services and programs for Building Employment Skills, Learning English, and Getting Settled.

• Centre for Newcomers offers services and programs for Career Development and Job Search, Learning English, or Settlement Services. 

• Specifically for networking, the Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC) helps newcomer professionals build skills and connections through one-time, short-term, or group mentoring with local professionals. They also organize industry-specific workshops, panels, and other learning opportunities.

  
  

In Edmonton, many resources are available for professional immigrants. Some of them are listed here: 

• Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers offers services and programs for settlement, language classes, and employment. 

• Edmonton Immigrant Services Association offers Settlement Services and Language Classes

• The Edmonton Region Immigrant Employment Council (ERIEC) connects immigrants to local knowledge to join the workforce. They offer career mentorship and networking support.

  
  

Here’s a video with Practical Tips for newcomers in Canada who want to improve their networking.

"I am currently teaching at two of the largest public universities in Vancouver. When I look back at the journey I have taken as a newcomer, I can say that networking has been the best advice I have ever received. At the beginning of my job search, I was told that networking is the most effective way to find a job. But honestly, I had no idea what they meant by that. So, I started researching keywords like 'elevator pitch,' 'coffee chat,' and 'attending events.' I remember the first event I attended; I felt too uncomfortable to approach the speaker. However, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and start talking to him. He worked for my dream company and generously offered to have a coffee chat with me.

 

After that, I conducted extensive research on coffee chats and the typical questions asked during such meetings. The first coffee chat was the most stressful, but I learned step by step how to reach out to people, present myself through an elevator pitch, and gain valuable insights. I've had more than 10 coffee chats so far, and the most memorable one was with a famous marketer who suggested that I attend the Marketer of the Year event at BCAMA.

 

A few months later, I attended the event as a volunteer and reconnected with her. She introduced me to the Dean of Faculty, with whom I had a coffee chat. The dean advised me to apply for the instructional position they had available. And now, here I am, working as a faculty member!”

-Marry, Ph.D., Immigrant Professional

Informal Networking

Informal networking can occur in any context where people gather for social or professional reasons, typically in more relaxed or natural settings. If you seek a job or career advice, keep your eyes and ears open at social events, sports or recreational activities, or even when you meet friends-of-friends in cafes or restaurants. Remain open to growing your network by making connections. You never know what connections and friendships will lead to new opportunities.

Casual Chats in Daily Settings

In informal settings, you may discuss your educational and work background with friends or peers. In daily conversations, if someone asks what you do for a living (i.e., “What line of work are you in?”), feel free to share your background, work experience, and goals for finding work in Canada. 

Bringing up the fact that you are looking for a job in an informal setting with strangers and friends can be a proactive way of expanding your network and increasing your chances of finding a job.

Business Cards

Here are some key cultural aspects related to exchanging business cards in Canada:

Introduction and Handshake
When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to introduce yourself with a handshake. Offering and exchanging business cards is appropriate after the initial introduction and brief conversation.

Professional Presentation
Business cards in Canada are typically clean, professional, and well-designed. They include contact information (i.e., name, job title, company name, phone number, email address, and website). 

Respectful Exchange
Handle the card carefully and show interest in the other person's information. Take a moment to look at the card before putting it away (put it somewhere safe and avoid folding it).

Follow-Up Communication
After the networking event or meeting, send a personalized email or connect on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn to express your interest in continuing the conversation or exploring potential collaborations.

Mirror their Behaviour
Some professionals may rely more on digital contact exchange, while others still use physical business cards. It's always a good idea to observe the practices of those around you and adapt accordingly.

Meetup Groups

Meetup is a website where users can initiate and join informal and casual group events with like-minded people with the same interests or backgrounds. In the search bar, you can search for key terms that reflect the people you want to connect with. For example, you could search for ‘newcomers,’ ‘Portuguese,’ ‘pregnancy,’ ‘tech,’ or ‘hiking.’ Check out which events have been organized and whether they fit your schedule. Consider attending to expand your social circle and perhaps even lead to some professional connections.

Here’s another video where Gloria Pierre, founder and president of Clearly Speaking, explains how to effectively make memorable impressions and follow up on networking encounters.