Expat Advice: Working in Vancouver, Canada

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Vancouver

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Skyscrapers in town house many office workers. Film Industry is pretty big in Vancouver. Travel, accommodation, outdoor entertainment at ski resorts in winter. It's not unusual to see women wearing hard hats and doing manual labour.

What type of work do you do and how did you find your job?

Financial Accounting. I sent my resume to as many Chartered Accountants and General Accountants as possible. Most of my employment has been found in this way. I was also placed by an employment agency.

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How did you obtain your work permit? What advice would you have for others about work permits?

My husband was offered employment and we came over on work permits. We have recently applied to extend our work permits and are hoping to become permanent residents. When you make the decision to relocate then get the paperwork done as soon as possible.

Have you taken language and cross-cultural training courses to prepare for your assignment? If so, how have they helped you on the job?

My home language is English, which is essential in Vancouver.

What advice would you offer others about finding jobs and working abroad?

Sometimes it's difficult being a foreigner but in my experience this is not a problem in Vancouver.