From India to Edmonton
User Story
By Ananda Majumdar
I have been an international student at Grant MacEwan University since 2008, after arriving from Calcutta, India. This was my second trip to Canada, so I was not fearful of coming to Edmonton.
In Edmonton, I have friends who have helped me with things like learning the city’s culture, how to open a bank account, and how to get a healthcare card. They also helped me with my admission to Grant MacEwan University. Within a month, I learned about the bus service and knew what to expect from the changing seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter.
To help me know the city of Edmonton, I joined organizations like Junior Achievement of Canada and Catholic Social Services, and I took part in Grant MacEwan University’s various social activities. I volunteered as a program instructor with Junior Achievement of Canada, a Community Volunteer with the Unitarian Church of Edmonton, and an ESL (English as a Second Language) Chatmate with another student at Grant MacEwan University. Through this socialization, I learned more about the people of Edmonton.
In 2009, I participated in the Global Youth Assembly at NAIT as a sponsored student from Grant MacEwan University. I submitted a report to MacEwan International and it was published in their newsletter in 2010.
In the summer of 2010, I was a Church Administrator at the Unitarian Church of Edmonton under the government’s STEP program. I am still a volunteer at various organizations where I learn even more about the people of Edmonton and their culture. As a result, I have improved my English.
My instructors were good. Don Schepens is one of my favorite instructors and is a leader in the Human Resources field in Alberta. Dr. Celia Smyth is my Academic Advisor and she is excellent. Both of these people helped to me to learn about the Human Resources profession, which will be helpful as I develop my career in Canada. Both instructors also provided information about how I can apply for my Permanent Residency so I can settle in Edmonton.
My classmates were also very good; they understood my feelings and helped me with my English and writing.
Human Resource Management is a people subject and interaction with people is our key to success. I learned from my studies that to be successful, I have to interact with people continuously. Social networking is important in Canada so I opened LinkedIn and Facebook profiles to make more connections with people.
During my studies, I searched for the job I wish to have after graduation; this is important for me so I can settle permanently in Edmonton. I hope to join Sun Life Financial as a Financial Advisor in January 2012. Although it is not a Human Resources job, I can start my skilled work as a Financial Advisor and gain work experience. Later, I hope to move to the Human Resources department.
I am fine and, in Edmonton, I can do all the things I need to be successful.
