At Canada InfoNet, we know that navigating the Canadian job market as a newcomer can be both exciting and challenging. In this insightful article, one of our participants shares how perseverance, mentorship, and networking helped them transition into a rewarding career in biomanufacturing. Elena’s journey—from initial job search struggles to securing a specialized role—highlights the importance of strategic training, professional connections, and embracing new opportunities.
I emigrated from Russia in 2024 and settled in Mississauga, Ontario, with my husband and nine-year-old daughter. Before that, I worked as a Quality Manager in the medical device industry for over ten years. Several factors motivated our move, but one of the key reasons was the opportunity to advance my professional development. After a decade of working in Russia and other parts of Europe, I felt like I had hit a career ceiling. I was no longer learning new skills or gaining new knowledge, there was little room for promotion, and my professional growth had stagnated. Canada was an attractive option for a fresh start.
We received our Permanent Residency status in February 2024, and I immediately enrolled in the Canada InfoNet (JVS Toronto) pre-arrival program to learn as much as possible and ensure I could hit the ground running upon arrival. One-on-one employment consulting and mentorship helped me tailor my job search, gain new perspectives, and build confidence in my qualifications.
I began applying for jobs in Canada through the usual online channels, but I didn’t receive a single response. It was disheartening and discouraging.
However, one event organized by Canada InfoNet and JVS played a pivotal role in my professional journey—the Bridges to Career Success: Newcomer Mentorship and Hiring Event. During this virtual fair, I attended a presentation by CASTL (the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences), which offers specialized biomanufacturing training to help newcomers transition smoothly into the Canadian biopharmaceutical industry. I was immediately intrigued, as biomanufacturing closely aligned with my education and experience. Even before arriving in Canada, I applied for CASTL’s six-week Elevate program.
The program’s theoretical component provided a strong foundation in biomanufacturing principles, while the practical training allowed me to apply those concepts firsthand. The job readiness portion of the curriculum helped me build confidence, but most importantly, it allowed me to expand my network and establish valuable connections. The power of networking cannot be underestimated.
Since January 2025, I have been working as a Deviation Specialist at a biomanufacturing CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) that focuses on biological therapeutics and innovative technologies for patient care. This role is exactly what I was looking for—a new opportunity for personal and professional growth, with a broader scope for career advancement.
To conclude, I want to emphasize that nothing is impossible. Take the time to define your ideal career position and map out a clear path to achieving it. Remember that networking and building professional relationships play a crucial role in your job search and career success. Seek out relevant training programs, conferences, and job fairs related to your field and past work experience. Once you have a solid goal and the determination to pursue it, I have no doubt you will succeed.
If you are immigrating to Canada and looking to gain career guidance, mentorship and job search support before arriving in Canada, sign up for Canada InfoNet today and take the first step toward a successful transition! Register now to access expert-led resources and personalized support.
