From Newcomer to ISANS Staff Member: Arezo’s Journey of Growth and Opportunity

When Arezo arrived in Canada, she brought with her international experience, determination and a clear desire to build a career. Like many newcomers, she also faced the challenge of understanding a new labour market, adapting her experience to a Canadian workplace and finding the right path towards her professional goals.

Through ISANS, Arezo accessed personalized employment and training support that helped her turn those challenges into opportunities.

Employment Counselling provided guidance as she explored her career options and learned more about workplace expectations in Nova Scotia. Through the Visible Minority Women’s program and Practice Interview sessions, she developed practical interview skills and gained confidence in communicating her international experience to Canadian employers.

Specialized Interpreter Training became another important step in her journey. The training helped Arezo develop practical skills for working as an interpreter while strengthening her language and communication skills. Alongside her training, the ISANS team supported her in tailoring her résumé, preparing for employment and creating a clearer path towards her career goals.

“Every service was beneficial, but the Practice Interview sessions and the specialized Interpreter Training were exceptionally helpful in giving me practical skills and navigating the professional landscape in Nova Scotia,” Arezo says.

The support helped her recognize the value of the experience and skills she already had while building the tools she needed to move forward in a new professional environment.

With greater confidence and preparation, Arezo successfully secured employment as a Medical and Community Interpreter — an important milestone in her career journey.

Today, that journey has come full circle.

Arezo has recently joined ISANS as a Program Assistant, bringing her own newcomer experience, professional skills and understanding of the settlement journey to the organization.

Looking back, she credits the people and programs that supported her along the way.

“Through the practice interview sessions, I gained the confidence, preparation, and tools needed to communicate my international experience effectively to Canadian employers. My Employment Specialist and the team helped me tailor my résumé, understand local workplace expectations, and build a clear path toward my goals.”

Arezo’s story is a reminder that personalized support can help newcomers recognize their strengths, build confidence and take meaningful steps towards their goals. Her journey from accessing ISANS services to becoming part of the ISANS team reflects the impact of connection, opportunity and shared support — and how, together, we grow.