(Opening remarks by Prez Joe Zagala during the first session of the Career Development seminar series, February 18, 2010)

There is more to Filipinos here in Canada than care giving.  This is not to demean the care giving community or to debase the service they provide.  On the contrary, I salute the hard working dedicated people who in many ways support both the Canadian economy and that of our homeland. But care giving is not where the Filipino community begins and ends.

There is much more potential amongst us for higher paying jobs in almost every industry or profession. We see this very clearly in the medical, dental and nursing profession. In the UPAA, for example, 100% of those in our community possess university degrees; a large number have post graduate degrees, MBAs, masters degrees in various fields, and a quite an impressive bunch of PhDs. Just in this small group of CD committee members and speakers, there are I believe five who have earned doctoral degrees.

The UPAA to some extent fairly represents the profile of the new Filipino in Canada. They are younger, bolder, and better educated. How do we draw this profile out so that mainstream Canada becomes more aware of it?  How do we demonstrate and apply the skill sets that reside within this profile? How do we help the new Filipino contribute more and earn what is commensurate and in line with their skills and education?

To find the answers to these questions, we have to approach them in calculated steps. This seminar that begins this evening is UPAA’s attempt to help find solutions.  The objectives of this seminar series are:
- to help new immigrants ramp up better and faster into the mainstream Canadian workforce;
- to assist those who lost their jobs during the last recession; and
- To help those who already have jobs but who want to move to something that is more in line with their education.

There are many myths and almost folkloric attitudes amongst many of us with regard to job searching.  Without diminishing in any way the importance of what is generally termed as ‘survival jobs’ the underlying purpose of this exercise is to provide an alternative mental framework, a new attitude, towards job searching.

Conceptually, it is agreed that getting the right job in this day and age entails a process using new ways, new techniques and new methods. The seminar series will attempt to cover these aspects, and that is why it is important for today’s attendees to participate in all the sessions.

Let me make this clear, however. This is not a silver bullet, we offer no guarantees.  But we hope that by attending the entire series, you will be a little better equipped to face the challenges and be more successful in landing the job that is right for you.

Thank you.

Joe Zagala