Immigrant Career Advancement in BC

This study explores how immigrants progress into senior leadership roles in the workplace. Despite their high skills and experience, many immigrants face barriers in reaching top positions. Our findings aim to highlight these challenges and offer solutions to help organizations better utilize the talents of immigrant professionals. By focusing on inclusion and leveraging diverse skills, we believe businesses can innovate and thrive in today’s competitive market. Join us in supporting a more inclusive workforce for a stronger future.

Receive The Entire Report

Key Findings Summary

Our study reveals that immigrants are underrepresented in senior leadership roles at BC’s top 100 workplaces. Here are some key statistics:

  • 7.5% of executives are immigrants.
  • 4% are racialized immigrants.
  • 1% are female racialized immigrants.

These figures show a significant gap when compared to the overall population in BC, where:

  • 29% are immigrants.
  • 34% identify as racialized individuals.

Interviews with racialized immigrant executives highlighted several barriers in their career advancement, such as:

  • Implicit bias within organizations.
  • Limited support for mid-career opportunities.
  • Ill-defined promotion processes.
  • Lack of specialized mentorship programs.

To address these issues, we recommend that organizations:

  1. Build a sense of inclusion: Create an inclusive workplace culture.
  2. Leverage immigrants’ experience and skills: Recognize and utilize the unique talents that immigrants bring.

Implementing these strategies can help BC firms innovate, compete effectively, and better recognize immigrant professionals by promoting them into senior leadership positions.

To receive the entire report

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Interested in knowing more?

Visit our Advocacy and Research Page