Go north, young gay!
Our career coach answers a question that’s been on the minds of many GLBT Americans since the 2004 presidential election: How easy is it to find a job in and move to Canada?
By Ed Vladich December 21, 2004
Advocate.com is proud to feature advice columnist Ed Vladich. Send your career-related dilemmas via e-mail to editor@advocate.com, with “Dear Ed” in the subject line.
Dear Ed:
I am a 37-year-old gay male. This coming spring I will complete an associate in science degree in computer science-emphasis on networking technologies. Within the next year I will also complete an associate degree in business management. I currently have approximately three years experience as a networking technician at a small state agency here in Ohio. Prior to this I had 15 years experience working as a customer service rep and administrative assistant with Simon & Schuster Publishing; the company office relocated out of state and I chose not to go. My partner is 35 years old, has a two-year business degree, and has managed a well-known department store for 10 plus years.
My partner and I are planning to relocate outside of the United States within the next two years and are seriously considering Toronto as a possibility. Could you offer us some practical advice, or suggest some useful resources about how to search for employment in another location such as Canada? What kinds of things should the cover letter say, and should I say in it anything about relocating? What would be the best way to contact potential employers? My former employer, Simon & Schuster (now Pearson) has offices in Toronto. What might be the best way to pursue new career opportunities with them? Would my prior employment with them help me?
We have already visited our local reference librarian and so far have found mostly statistical information about Toronto--unemployment, business performance, etc. Any help you offer would be most appreciated.
Thank you,
Movin’ On Up
Dear MOU,
You will be interested to know that since the U.S. presidential election, statistics out of Canada show that gay and lesbian immigration application inquiries have increased by a whopping 33%! That said, let’s address some of your specific concerns and at the same time try to help out others who are considering a similar move to our northern neighbor.
People decide to relocate for all sorts of reasons, and I wouldn’t focus too much on that and what to write about it in your cover letter. Focus more on who you are and what deliverables you can bring to an employer in conjunction with your gifts and talents. Your educational and employment background will land you work, not the reasons (or lack thereof) for wanting to relocate. I like and encourage your thoughts on first sourcing work in Toronto prior to the move. Your prior employer (Simon & Schuster, now Pearson) would be a great start for you to investigate. The North American Free Trade Agreement among the United States, Canada, and Mexico has spawned multiple cross-boarder employment opportunities, especially in the publishing industry. However, Canada, like the United States, is currently looking for qualified health care professionals. Canada has a serious nursing crisis they are trying to address and experienced nurses can basically write their own prescription for success. Nurses (especially OR nurses) and physician’s assistants take note!
My friend, I suggest that you first visit Canadian Alternative at http://www.canadianalternative.com/
Their goal is to provide useful information on how to settle in Canada, what life is like there, and why Canadians love it so much (who wouldn’t love guaranteed basic free health care coverage!) Then visit the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Taskforce (LEGIT) at http://www.legit.ca/
LEGIT is a national advocacy lobby group that is doing great work helping same-sex partners into Canada. And finally, for reliable information on your job search, visit Human Resources and Skills Development Canada at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/ HRSDC is the government agency dedicated to Canadian employment and related issues. Two other great resource centers serving the active LGBT community in the beautiful city of Toronto are the 519 Church Street Community Centre (http://www.the519.org/ ) and Gay West Community Network (http://gaywest.905host.net/ ) Have no fear, Canada is near!
Our career coach answers a question that’s been on the minds of many GLBT Americans since the 2004 presidential election: How easy is it to find a job in and move to Canada?
By Ed Vladich December 21, 2004
Advocate.com is proud to feature advice columnist Ed Vladich. Send your career-related dilemmas via e-mail to editor@advocate.com, with “Dear Ed” in the subject line.
Dear Ed:
I am a 37-year-old gay male. This coming spring I will complete an associate in science degree in computer science-emphasis on networking technologies. Within the next year I will also complete an associate degree in business management. I currently have approximately three years experience as a networking technician at a small state agency here in Ohio. Prior to this I had 15 years experience working as a customer service rep and administrative assistant with Simon & Schuster Publishing; the company office relocated out of state and I chose not to go. My partner is 35 years old, has a two-year business degree, and has managed a well-known department store for 10 plus years.
My partner and I are planning to relocate outside of the United States within the next two years and are seriously considering Toronto as a possibility. Could you offer us some practical advice, or suggest some useful resources about how to search for employment in another location such as Canada? What kinds of things should the cover letter say, and should I say in it anything about relocating? What would be the best way to contact potential employers? My former employer, Simon & Schuster (now Pearson) has offices in Toronto. What might be the best way to pursue new career opportunities with them? Would my prior employment with them help me?
We have already visited our local reference librarian and so far have found mostly statistical information about Toronto--unemployment, business performance, etc. Any help you offer would be most appreciated.
Thank you,
Movin’ On Up
Dear MOU,
You will be interested to know that since the U.S. presidential election, statistics out of Canada show that gay and lesbian immigration application inquiries have increased by a whopping 33%! That said, let’s address some of your specific concerns and at the same time try to help out others who are considering a similar move to our northern neighbor.
People decide to relocate for all sorts of reasons, and I wouldn’t focus too much on that and what to write about it in your cover letter. Focus more on who you are and what deliverables you can bring to an employer in conjunction with your gifts and talents. Your educational and employment background will land you work, not the reasons (or lack thereof) for wanting to relocate. I like and encourage your thoughts on first sourcing work in Toronto prior to the move. Your prior employer (Simon & Schuster, now Pearson) would be a great start for you to investigate. The North American Free Trade Agreement among the United States, Canada, and Mexico has spawned multiple cross-boarder employment opportunities, especially in the publishing industry. However, Canada, like the United States, is currently looking for qualified health care professionals. Canada has a serious nursing crisis they are trying to address and experienced nurses can basically write their own prescription for success. Nurses (especially OR nurses) and physician’s assistants take note!
My friend, I suggest that you first visit Canadian Alternative at http://www.canadianalternative.com/
Their goal is to provide useful information on how to settle in Canada, what life is like there, and why Canadians love it so much (who wouldn’t love guaranteed basic free health care coverage!) Then visit the Lesbian and Gay Immigration Taskforce (LEGIT) at http://www.legit.ca/
LEGIT is a national advocacy lobby group that is doing great work helping same-sex partners into Canada. And finally, for reliable information on your job search, visit Human Resources and Skills Development Canada at http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/ HRSDC is the government agency dedicated to Canadian employment and related issues. Two other great resource centers serving the active LGBT community in the beautiful city of Toronto are the 519 Church Street Community Centre (http://www.the519.org/ ) and Gay West Community Network (http://gaywest.905host.net/ ) Have no fear, Canada is near!
Comments
Post a Comment