Joy Ekesi - Connectee
Adah Paul Obla - Connector
The ERIEC Connector Program connects internationally trained professionals (Connectees) to a Connector who works in their field in Edmonton. By talking with the Connector, newcomers can better understand how the local labor market works and get a ‘head start’ on the job searching journey here in Canada. Some Connectees become Connectors after they become successful and passionately give back to the community and support other newcomers.
The story of Adah Paul Obla is exactly that type of “giving back”. The following is a brief interview summary with Adah and his Connectee, Joy Ekesi.
Q: How has your experience been as a Connectee and now as a Connector?
Adah: I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience as both a Connectee and Connector. The program has provided me an understanding on how to maneuver in the Canadian professional space within my profession and further allowed me to use those insights to support other internationally trained immigrants.
Q: Based on your own experiences, can you describe the benefits of the Connector Program to both Connector and Connectee?
Adah: Based on my experience, the Connector Program is unique and exceptional in its approach. The program helps to smoothen the adjustment into a new culture for new international professionals.
There’s a saying that goes ‘We rise by lifting others’ and I am humbled by the opportunity to pay forward the kindness I have received through this program and from many people who have been part of my ‘success story’!
Q: Please share with us your experience with the Connector Program.
Joy: I am so grateful to have been connected with April Zhang and ERIEC through the RBC new immigrants program. April linked me up with a great Connector, Adah Paul Obla. Adah, who worked around my crazy schedule and various appointments to find the time to guide me through the nitty gritty of job searching in Canada. I cannot forget our first conversation, where he encouraged and gave me tips about job applications, interview processes, and the Canadian work culture. Adah genuinely heard my questions and provided me with insightful information and helpful knowledge. Thank you ERIEC team for making this wonderful connection happen!
Q: Can you comment on the value of the Connector Program to yourself during the process of job searching and achieving your goals?
Joy: I found my ‘dream job’ in my field within 2 months after arriving in Canada! Thanks to programs such as the ERIEC Connector Program, which provided me the opportunity to learn from my Connector, Adah. I was able to access invaluable resources and experiences from him.
I am thankful for these learning experiences and I recommend to every new immigrant to take time and participate in the program. Thank you again April for being a part of my ‘success story’ because I wouldn't have met Adah if you had not connected us!
For more information on the Connector Program, please reach out to April Zhang, Connector Program Coordinator, at [email protected].