If you’ve just arrived in BC and are looking to establish your career, you’re in the perfect place and time to join the tourism industry. As one of the province’s top industries, tourism accounted for 131,000 direct employment and generated $13.8 billion in revenues in 2008.
Here are some tips to help you get started in a dynamic industry that offers career opportunities for people of all skill levels, abilities, and interests.
Learn about the industry
The first step to establish your career is to get to know the industry. This includes learning all you can about British Columbia and its tourism regions as well as career possibilities. Tourism British Columbia promotes the growth and development of BC’s tourism industry, while go2 is your resource for everything about working in tourism.
Of course you’ll want to experience BC for yourself by visiting attractions, attending events, and participating in the many activities that draw tourists here.
Evaluate your interests, strengths, and skills
Know what you like to do and what you are good at. Make a list of the things that interest you and the job responsibilities you would enjoy doing every day. Ask people you know to tell you the strengths, skills, and talents they see in you.
National occupational standards that list the skills and knowledge you need to work in a specific job are available for many tourism jobs and can help you identify the skills you already have and those you’ll need to develop. Also, you’ll want to identify your transferable skills (the skills you have acquired from other jobs that can be applied to tourism).
Have realistic expectations at the start
Though you may have experience or education from your homeland, it is likely that you will start at an entry level position to acquire local experience and an understanding of the industry. Once you start working and employers get to know you there are lots of opportunities to advance to a level you may be qualified for.
Connect with support and employment groups
Many non-profit groups offer counseling, job search, information, and orientation to new residents. The Affiliation of Multicultural Societies and Service Agencies of BC is a great place to start. The Lower Mainland Employment Resources website can direct you to other work and career planning agencies.
Practice your English
English is the common language in British Columbia for communicating in the workplace. Strengthening your English skills will help get you started and moving up in the industry. Contact the English Language Service for Adults (ELSA) for information about government supported programs to help you build your language skills.
Get training
Taking courses and obtaining a certificate in your area of interest can help you get a job. The go2 Tourism Training Directory provides a list of programs over four weeks in length. You’ll want to obtain these industry certificates that are considered some of the basic tools to start out:
Create a career path
Learn to use Canadian labour market information and other tools and employment services that assist new residents with work and career planning. Plan to write cover letters for each job you apply to and prepare a resume that includes work experience, education, certificates you have earned, and languages you speak. You’ll want to identify all your skills, experiences, and achievements that show employers you are suited to work in tourism.
Network
Not all jobs are advertised — many positions are filled by people who have been recommended by someone they know. This is called word of mouth. Meet people. Tell friends, relatives, neighbours, and new acquaintances that you are looking for a job. They may know somebody who is hiring or who can help get you started.
Volunteer
Volunteering helps you meet people in the industry and get local experience. Some employers hire volunteers to help during the busy season and many event organizers in offer volunteer prospects visit volunteer.ca; goVolunteer.ca, volunteervancouver.ca.
Find out about employers
Learn who the employers are in your area of interest. Contact your local chamber of commerce or regional destination marketing association office for brochures and guides for tourism businesses in your area. Tourism industry associations exist for most sectors and are a great source for making initial contacts and obtaining sectoral information.
Scan newspapers for announcements, features, and spotlights on tourism companies and employers. Identify people in your community who are doing the type of work that interests you and find out what skills and experience you will need. Read through job descriptions on job search websites including the go2 Job Board.
Be flexible
Generally, tourism is an industry that operates around the clock and through high and low seasons. Expect to work shifts outside of a typical work week and plan to be available evenings and weekends, especially when you are starting out.
Go online for the jobs
Regularly visit tourism-related job search websites like the go2 Job Board. Connect to other popular job search websites from the Resources & Links section of go2.
Obtain the documents you need to work legally in Canada
Anyone is welcome to apply to any job in Canada, however you must have a work permit in order to work legally. Contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada for information.