Many Filipino professionals in Canada end up in a different field than what they were originally trained for due to a variety of reasons, which stem from both systemic challenges and personal circumstances.
Why Many Filipino Professionals in Canada End Up in a Different Field
Many Filipino professionals who immigrate to Canada face a variety of challenges that often lead them to pursue careers outside their original fields of expertise. The reasons behind this phenomenon are complex, but they can be understood by answering several key questions: How do these barriers manifest? What are the main obstacles Filipino professionals face? Where do they typically end up working instead? Who is affected by these challenges, and when do these changes typically occur?
How Do Credential Recognition Challenges Affect Filipino Professionals?
One of the main reasons Filipino professionals end up in different fields is the challenge of credential recognition. Many countries, including Canada, require foreign-trained professionals to meet local standards in order to practice in specialized fields. Filipino professionals, especially those in regulated professions like engineering, healthcare, and law, often find that their qualifications and experience are not immediately recognized. As a result, they may need to undergo additional training, exams, or certifications, which can take time and money.
What Are the Key Barriers Filipino Professionals Face?
Several barriers contribute to Filipino professionals switching careers. The most significant include:
- Credential Recognition: Many professionals must have their degrees and certifications reassessed or re-certified in Canada, a process that can be long and expensive.
- Canadian Work Experience: Employers often require experience working in Canada, which newcomers don’t have. This can make it difficult to secure jobs in their field, pushing them toward unrelated industries.
- Language and Cultural Differences: Although many Filipinos are fluent in English, workplace culture and communication norms in Canada may differ, making it harder for some to succeed in their original profession.
- Cost of Re-qualification: Requalifying in regulated fields can be costly, prompting some professionals to explore careers in other sectors where these additional requirements are less stringent.
Where Do Filipino Professionals End Up?
Instead of staying in their original fields, many Filipino professionals in Canada find work in fields like retail, hospitality, and manual labor. These jobs may not require specific qualifications and offer a faster entry into the job market. Some may also work in customer service, transportation, or administrative roles as a way to support their families while working on getting requalified for their original profession.
Who Is Affected by These Challenges?
The professionals most affected by these challenges are those in regulated fields, such as healthcare workers (doctors, nurses), engineers, and educators. However, the issue also affects individuals in non-regulated professions who may still struggle with adapting to a new labor market, particularly in terms of finding jobs that align with their experience.
When Do Filipino Professionals Make the Switch?
The shift from their original field often occurs in the early years of their immigration. Many professionals start by trying to find a job within their trained area. After facing barriers like long credentialing processes or the lack of Canadian experience, they may pivot to other careers to maintain financial stability. This transition may happen within the first 1-3 years of settling in Canada, although some professionals continue to work in unrelated fields while preparing to re-enter their original profession.
Conclusion
The journey of Filipino professionals in Canada is often marked by challenges like credential recognition, high competition, and the pressure to quickly gain financial stability. These obstacles can force many to leave their trained profession behind and pursue careers in other industries. However, while these barriers are significant, they are not insurmountable. Increasing support programs and a more diverse understanding of international qualifications are helping to address these issues, ensuring that more Filipino professionals can eventually re-enter their original fields.
References
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – On credential recognition and employment integration for newcomers. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html
- World Education Services (WES) – Credential evaluation and its importance for foreign-trained professionals in Canada. https://www.wes.org/ca/
- Canadian Immigrant – Challenges and stories of immigrant professionals in Canada. https://canadianimmigrant.ca/
- The Canadian Labour Market – Information on employment barriers for newcomers. https://www.canada.ca/en/services/employment.html
- Settlement.org – Resources and support for immigrant professionals navigating career challenges in Ontario. https://settlement.org/
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