“As soon as I landed here, it was a completely new world. New opportunities, new challenges,” says Vishal. “I knew that there are some things which I needed to know, things I needed help with.”  

Vishal reached out to Calgary Region Immigrant Employment Council (CRIEC), and we connected him with his mentor, Shivi Thusoo.  

 “It was perfect meeting (Shivi). You know, he was like the right mentor for me,” says Vishal. 

Vishal has found great success in his career since moving to Canada, working first for Fairmont, Chateau Lake Louise and now working in a leadership role with P&H Milling. 

“The thing is, sometimes we don’t know what path we have to take. We know what we have to do. But how to reach our goals that’s something which we don’t know.” 

Since starting his current job, Vishal has continued to rely on his mentor for guidance, especially as he navigates interpersonal relationships, managing staff and resolving conflicts.  

“I talked to (Shivi) about it openly and he gives me wonderful solutions and it has worked,” says Vishal. 

As Vishal himself said, “The culture is different, how to talk to people, how to approach people, how to do things. That’s a completely different thing. My mentor has helped me navigate through all these things.” 

Vishal’s story is an inspiration to others who are facing similar challenges as they start their new lives in Canada. 

“You will be able to do the job. It’s going to take some time. It’s not easy, it’s not an easy path and it’s not a single-night thing. But over time, once you build the skills, and you are in the right position, then life gets much better and I’m seeing that now.”