BY J.M. LEE
Raj Brar’s immigration journey to Canada was not without challenges. When she arrived in 1996, the only job she found was as a blueberry picker, earning a measly sum per hour. Even if you work 10-12 hours daily, the take-home pay wouldn’t be enough to support a family. But despite the hard work and low pay, she must work hard to establish her career in Canada, which does not recognize her credentials from India, making it difficult to find work in her profession. It was depressing and gut-wrenching.”
Determined to succeed, Raj enrolled in a Computer Technology and employment counseling program while working low-paying jobs to support herself and her family. This education gave her the skills and exposure needed to become employed at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). She provided career and credit advising in web and curriculum development services to students for over two decades.
When she arrived in 1996, the only job she found was as a blueberry picker, earning a measly sum per hour. Even if you work 10-12 hours daily, the take-home pay wouldn’t be enough to support a family. But despite the hard work and low pay, she must work hard to establish her career in Canada, which does not recognize her credentials from India, making it difficult to find work in her profession.
In 2018, she took a leave from BCIT to support her son’s education. She joined Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS), closer to home. PICS provides a broad spectrum of programs and services, which includes Employment Programs, Settlement Services, Language Services, Social Programs, and Housing Services. They assist new immigrants, seniors, farm workers, women, and youth.
As a leader, Raj leads a team of ten professional women who help over 1000 Internationally Trained Professionals to settle into their respective fields, transforming the program into a nationally recognized success. It is now available in various cities across BC. Now the Director of Career Services at PICS, she’s passionate about building an inclusive society that empowers women, supports internationally trained professionals, and brings awareness of racism in the workplace and the community. She is also a director of BC Prior Learning Action Network (BCPLAN), a strategic partnership of organizations and institutions that promote prior learning recognition accreditation, and a steering committee member of the National Women Economic Council of Canada.
Raj’s journey as an immigrant in Canada has not been without challenges. Still, she established a successful career through hard work, resilience, commitment, and risk-taking. Education is vital to moving forward in Canada. She encourages everyone to persevere and never give up on their dreams. But dreaming is not simply thinking about it, but acting on it, being passionate about it, and being determined to achieve it—come hell or high water.
Throughout her journey, Raj has learned that education is the key to moving forward in Canada and building a reputable career. Through perseverance and dedication, she achieved success in her professional career.
In all this, Raj’s inspiration is her mother, who managed the household and supported farming operations in their joint family. She inspired Raj to value education for personal and professional growth and ensure enough time to complete her assignments and exams, contributing to her academic success and a successful career as a professional.
As a leader, Raj faces many challenges, including stereotyping women’s leadership abilities. Programs like Toastmasters and leadership development have helped build her confidence and encouraged her to take on more leadership roles. Mentorship is also crucial, and she encourages younger women to find a mentor to connect with and follow their passion despite the challenges they face.
“I am grateful to my family, my children, and my husband, who have supported me all the way,” Raj imparts. “My daughter is studying medicine at UBC, and my son is exploring his passions in finance and business. Being a mother is the greatest joy of my life, and I am thankful for the love and fulfillment my children bring me.”
Raj commits to building a more inclusive, just, and fair society for everyone. She also manages the Intercultural Anti-Racism Youth Program at PICS, which aims to combat racism and discrimination by providing young people with the necessary resources to confront these issues.
“Being a mother of two youths, I realize the negative effects racism can have on children, so I am working tirelessly to educate youth on this issue. Through my experiences, I have learned that for an immigrant to move forward in Canada, with all their challenges—including credential recognition, work experience, networking, and cultural shock—is by persevering and continuously learning. One must have self-awareness, mindfulness, self-care, and positive relationships and learn continuously. Credentials from within Canada are crucial to building one’s career. Having Canadian school credentials opens many working opportunities, thus making an immigrant’s battle, such as hers, at least half-won within the arena of progress and prosperousness for their future.”
Raj’s journey as an immigrant in Canada has not been without challenges. Still, she established a successful career through hard work, resilience, commitment, and risk-taking. Education is vital to moving forward in Canada. She encourages everyone to persevere and never give up on their dreams. But dreaming is not simply thinking about it, but acting on it, being passionate about it, and being determined to achieve it—come hell or high water. A person’s success or failure will rely on that individual’s decision. Having a mere passion to succeed does not mean one will automatically succeed. One has to pursue that passion with an uncluttered mind and genuine, sensible determination. As Winston Churchill once said: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”
