From Newcomer to Supervisor: Yanicke’s Story

Originally from Ivory Coast, Yanicke arrived in New Brunswick with a strong professional background and a determination to succeed. With a degree in Information Technology and Telecommunications and nearly 14 years of experience in her field, she brought valuable skills and expertise to Canada. 

Like many newcomers, however, she quickly realized that finding employment requires more than experience alone. Understanding workplace culture, employer expectations, and professional norms is equally important.

To help bridge that gap, Yanicke joined Cohort 13 of the Workplace Integration for Newcomers (WIN) Program in the Moncton area.

Through the program she gained a better understanding of Canadian workplace culture. For example, she discovered that maintaining eye contact is often considered a sign of respect in Canada, while cultural expectations can differ in other parts of the world. These insights helped her feel more comfortable and confident in professional settings.

WIN also provided practical job-search skills, including resume writing, cover letter preparation, interview techniques, and effective job application strategies. The training proved immediately useful, as Yanicke used the same tools and methods learned during the program when applying for federal government opportunities.

Another significant benefit was the opportunity to build confidence in English. Encouraged to practice in a supportive environment, Yanicke challenged herself to deliver her graduation speech in English: a milestone she considers one of her proudest achievements.

The program also introduced her to the concept of networking. Before joining WIN, professional networking was unfamiliar to her. Through the training, she learned the importance of building connections and becoming involved in her community. Motivated by this new perspective, she began volunteering immediately after completing the program.

Those efforts quickly led to new opportunities.

On the day of her graduation, Yanicke received a job offer for a seasonal call centre position. Her volunteer experience later helped her secure temporary employment with the local school district.

Today, Yanicke serves as a Supervisor with Statistics Canada, overseeing census-related operations and email centre activities.

Her advice to newcomers is clear: don’t try to navigate the job market alone. Take advantage of employment programs, seek information from trusted sources, and invest time in understanding the opportunities available in Canada.

We congratulate Yanicke on her accomplishments and wish her continued success as she builds her future in Canada.

New to New Brunswick? You don't have to navigate your job search alone. Connect with WorkingNB to learn about free employment services and programs available to support your journey.