Women in business face unique challenges when starting over in a new country—especially after building a successful career elsewhere. When Meera* moved to Canada in October 2024 with her spouse, she brought with her over a decade of teaching experience from India and the United States. With a Bachelor’s in Education and a Master’s in English, she had always envisioned continuing in the field of education. But starting over in a new country came with unexpected detours.
“Having been a teacher all my life, my first instinct was to continue on that path,” Meera shares. “I applied for a teaching license in British Columbia, only to learn that the processing time could take 8 to 9 months. That realization led me to reconsider my options and explore a new career direction.”
It was a difficult shift. “At times, it felt like a farmer trying to become a cook—completely unfamiliar territory. But I was determined to start somewhere. That’s when a friend recommended the Next Steps Program by MOSAIC, and it turned out to be a turning point for me.”
Overcoming Doubt and Rebuilding Confidence
Meera’s journey through the Next Steps: Women in Business program wasn’t just about gaining employment, it was about rediscovering her sense of purpose.
“One of the biggest challenges I faced was starting over in a new field after years of experience in education,” she reflects. “I had to overcome the fear of not being ‘qualified enough’ for roles outside of teaching and the barrier of ‘no experience’ in administrative roles. Understanding Canadian workplace culture was another challenge.”
Through workshops and coaching sessions, Meera began to see her transferable skills—like communication, organization, and adaptability—in a new light. “My Career Advisor was incredibly patient, supportive, and encouraging—even during moments when I felt like giving up,” she says. “She not just taught me how to write a targeted resume and cover letter that aligned with the job descriptions I was applying to, she always motivated me through her career journey in Canada as well.”
Meera recalls one particularly eye-opening moment: “I will never forget the moment in one of the sessions when I learned that 75–80% of jobs are part of the hidden job market. At first, I felt completely discouraged—how would I ever break in? But then came the networking workshop, where my Career Advisor said something that stuck with me: ‘Tell everybody you’re looking for a job—your neighbours, your gym buddies, your temple community—anyone and everyone.’ That advice flipped a switch in me.”
Finding Joy and Community Along the Way
Beyond technical skills and job strategies, Meera found moments of connection and encouragement through the program’s unique features.
“And then, there was Toastmasters—honestly, the most fun part of the program!” she says. “I loved the table topics sessions—they were a blend of learning, practicing, and laughter. It created lighter moments during the training and gave us a chance to connect more deeply as a cohort by sharing personal stories.”
The support from staff left a lasting impression. “The entire staff at MOSAIC were always supportive and inclusive. The Program Coordinator and all staff are excellent leaders who work hard every day to support newcomers like me and make MOSAIC a safe and judgement-free place. Next Steps didn’t just give me tools—it gave me belief.”
A New Career, a New Beginning
Through consistent effort—resume revisions, mock interviews, and networking—Meera began to build momentum. “Another moment that gave me hope was during a panel meeting organized by the program, where guest speakers shared their personal career journeys as a newcomer in Canada,” she shares. “Listening to their stories made me realize that it WAS possible.”
Within just four weeks of completing the training, and five months after arriving in Canada, Meera secured a position as a Logistics Administrator at a company specializing in cruise operations and freight forwarding.
“In this position, I handle shipment documentation and tracking, invoicing, pricing jobs, navigating multiple software, coordinating with vendors and the dispatch team, and supporting clients,” she explains. “What’s been most fulfilling is seeing how my skills as an educator—organization, communication, attention to detail—have translated beautifully into this new role.”
Take Your Next Step
If you’re a woman in Metro Vancouver looking to restart your career or transition into business-related roles, the Next Steps program might be your turning point too.
The next cohort begins on September 8, 2025, with applications opening July 21.
This free employment program for women in business provides 6 weeks of hybrid (in-person and online) training, followed by 3 months of personalized mentorship and job support. You’ll gain the tools, confidence, and network to succeed in your new path—just like Meera.
*Name has been changed at the client’s request.
