When Sahar Esmailei arrived in Canada from Afghanistan four years ago with her family, she carried both hope and uncertainty.
Like many newcomers, she was stepping into a completely new world — a different language, culture, and job market — while trying to rebuild her future from the ground up. But behind the challenges was something stronger: the belief that Canada could offer safety, education, and new opportunities.
“At first, everything felt unfamiliar,” Sahar says. “It was exciting, but also scary.”
Determined to move forward, Sahar focused on improving her English and gaining Canadian work experience. She held customer service roles, including at Flyover Canada, where she greeted guests, assisted customers, prepared drinks, and helped manage visitor flow. She also volunteered at youth camps, retail stores, and festivals.
Those experiences became important stepping stones.
“They taught me communication skills, responsibility, and how to interact with different people,” she says. “They also helped me become more confident and independent.”
Still, finding a role aligned with her long-term goals was not easy.
Like many newcomer youth, Sahar faced the emotional weight of unanswered applications, uncertainty around resumes and interviews, and moments of self-doubt.
“I applied to many places and often didn’t hear back,” she says. “Sometimes I wondered if my resume was good enough or if I was saying the right things in interviews.”
Despite the setbacks, she kept going.
That persistence eventually led her to the B-Hired program at ISSofBC — a free employment and skills training program for newcomer youth aged 16–29 in BC.
For Sahar, the program became more than career support. It became a turning point.
“The B-Hired program was a bridge toward getting a suitable job for me,” she says. “It supported me in understanding how to build a strong resume, prepare for interviews, and present myself professionally. But more than anything, it helped me believe in myself.”
After completing the program, Sahar secured a role as a Production Technician at Kardium.
Her story is a reminder that rebuilding a career in a new country rarely happens all at once. Confidence often grows quietly — through persistence, small wins, and the support of programs designed to help newcomers succeed.
If you are a newcomer youth looking to build confidence, strengthen your job search skills, and take the next step in your career journey in Canada, B-Hired may be the bridge you have been looking for.
The next B-Hired cohort starts June 1. Apply now!
