Josef Gumpoldsberger, Austria

Josef, one of the owners of downtown Sarnia's newest coffee bars and eateries, The Tree House, knows it can take a long time before you finally feel 'settled.' Josef moved to Vancouver from Austria in 1987 as a young electrical engineer. Like many immigrants, he struggled to have his engineering credentials recognized in Canada, so he explored different careers including becoming a certified commercial pilot.

In 1992 Josef accepted a job as an electrical instrumentation training supervisor for an Indonesian mining company. After five years, Canada beckoned back. "I always thought I would settle in the tropics. In Indonesia, I realized it was not all coconut trees and beaches. I missed the vastness of Canada and appreciated the stable government."

Josef returned to Vancouver where he and his partner, Maureen, lived on the island's West Coast but found the weather too rainy and dreary. "We researched online the number of sunshine hours and amount of rain in different areas across Canada. Our choice was between the Okanagan Valley in B.C. and South Western Ontario. Maureen grew up in Point Edward, and her family still lives there, so we chose to move to Sarnia."

Josef was nervous and thought he would miss B.C.'s beaches, but now he is very happy with their choice; he loves the shores of Lake Huron as well as the friendly community.

In December 2009, the pair opened the Tree House Coffee Bar and Eatery which provides healthy foods such as wraps, salads, and a great vegetarian and vegan selection. Josef's advice for newcomers: "Relax, be yourself, and enjoy the good things in your new community."

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Carlos Sanchez and Carmenza Prado, Columbia

Carlos, Carmenza and their children came to Canada via the U.S. as refugees, leaving behind everything familiar - their home, family and friends, in search of a safer life.

Prior to their arrival they researched Canadian cities. Sarnia’s low crime rate, southern climate and proximity to the States immediately appealed to them.

As a former Hospitality Instructor Carlos knew he had the expertise to succeed in the food and beverage industry, but was concerned that language skills would be an employment barrier.

When applying for a line cook position he was honest with his employer. ”He asked me if I could read the meal orders and I said, I know I can cook the orders, if I can’t read them all, I know that I can learn.”

Carlos got the job, and says that it’s been a learning experience for everyone. Through hard work and a supportive environment Carlos has managed to work his way up to a ‘Sous Chef’ position.

Carmenza took an ESL course to improve her English, and acquired her Canadian High School Diploma. She then utilized her bilingual (Spanish/English) skills to secure a position at Marriott Global Reservations and Customer Care.

“We’re safe, happy and very grateful to have been given this opportunity for a new life.” says Carmenz.

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Indu Radhakrishnan, India

Indu and her family moved to Canada after her husband, a Process Engineer, was offered a job in Newfoundland. After living there for several years and a brief stint at Fort McMurray, Indu’s husband accepted a job offer from Suncor Energy and the family moved to Sarnia-Lambton.

“We chose to settle here because it’s close to the United States and Toronto and there are a number of good Universities close by for our sons”, says Indu.

When they first arrived Indu wanted to get a job, any job. She sent out resumes, went for interviews and eventually began working as a customer service representative at a local call centre.

Indu’s employer quickly recognized her capabilities and promoted her to a quality supervisor position. With the promotion Indu’s confidence grew and she began to explore her career options. Using the Service Canada website www.jobsetc.ca Indu learnt that she had the aptitude and interest to pursure a career in the Human Resources field.

Indu enrolled in a Lambton College Human Resources course. After graduating, on the Deans Honour List, she immediately began distributing resumes.

Although finding a job wasn’t easy, Indu was determined not to become discouraged. “I applied for so many jobs and broadened my job search to a 200 kilometer radius. I began volunteering at the Canadian Cancer Society and joined Toastmasters. I wanted to get out into the community, to meet people.”

Indu registered with a personnel agency and a one day placement at the Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board turned into a part-time position. Indu took advantage of every networking opportunity and her business relationships began to grow. Within months Indu secured the position of HR Cordinator for Goodwill Industries (EKL), a job she finds both challenging and rewarding.

Indu advises newcomers to not give up. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t find the ‘perfect job’ right away. Consider your job search as an opportunity to grow and meet new people. Work hard, keep a positive attitude and you will eventually land where you want to be.”

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Iris Wade, Mexico

As a young woman growing up in the Mexican seaside paradise, Puerto Vallarta, Iris Wade had big plans for an exciting career in Tourism. Her life took an unexpected turn when, at the age of 20, she met and married a Canadian who was living and working in Mexico.

When Iris and her husband moved to his hometown of Sarnia, Ontario, Iris was eager to continue on her chosen career path. She enrolled in an English program to improve her communication skills and took the necessary courses to acquire an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

Iris then enrolled in a Lambton College Hospitality and Tourism Management program. She graduated with high marks and a sense of accomplishment.

“I took all sorts of odd-jobs to pay my way through college and it was very hard at times. But I’m really proud of what I have achieved”, says Iris.

Iris offers this advice, “Try not to be easily discouraged, keep a positive attitude and don’t give up. Be willing to work for what you want.”

Today Iris is working as a Customer Service Representative for TD Canada Trust. She’s able to utilize her excellent people skills and in the short time she’s been there has already received formal recognition for her achievements.

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Kimberly Franzen, United States of America

Ever since Kimberly Franzen began visiting Canada as a child she felt a real connection to the country. “I like the people here, they’re very friendly and it’s peaceful and quiet”, says Kimberly. “I even like hockey.”

Kimberly’s affection for Canada grew after spending six months living in Toronto as an international student. After finishing her studies she returned home to Detroit and began applying for jobs in Southern and Central Ontario.

“Luckily, my specific skill set fell under the approved professions of the North American Free Trade Aggreement (NAFTA). This meant that I could go to the nearest point of entry, for me that was Sarnia, and apply for a work permit.”

Before Kimberly could apply for a work permit she needed a written job offer. She applied for hundreds of jobs and offers this advice, ”I found that employers were reluctant to hire me because they didn’t know much about the work permit process. I did as much research as I could so that I was able to explain the process to them and that helped.”

Kimberly was offered and accepted a position at the Clear Design Centre and now lives and works in Sarnia. She’s enjoying her life in Sarnia- Lambton and has applied to become a permanent resident.

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