Pakistani Engineers in Canada: The 'Foreign Experience' Trap

For many skilled professionals from Pakistan, moving to Canada is a dream come true. The country offers excellent opportunities, a high standard of living, and a welcoming multicultural society. However, for many Pakistani engineers, the reality of finding a job in their field is far more challenging than expected. One of the biggest barriers they face is the 'foreign experience' requirement—a Catch-22 situation where Canadian employers demand local work experience, but newcomers struggle to gain it because they are not hired in the first place.

In this article, we’ll explore why the 'foreign experience' trap exists, how it affects Pakistani engineers, and what steps they can take to overcome this challenge.

The 'Foreign Experience' Barrier: Why Does It Exist?

One of the most common complaints among internationally trained engineers in Canada is that employers insist on Canadian experience. This requirement can feel frustrating and even unfair, but from an employer’s perspective, it is meant to ensure that a candidate understands:

1. Canadian Workplace Culture: Many employers believe that international candidates may not be familiar with local business etiquette, communication styles, and safety regulations.
2. Regulatory Standards: Engineering practices and building codes in Canada differ from those in Pakistan. Employers want to be certain that an engineer is well-versed in Canadian regulations.
3. Risk Aversion: Employers often prefer candidates with local experience because they see them as a lower risk compared to someone who has never worked in Canada.

The problem is that these concerns create a vicious cycle—Pakistani engineers can’t get hired because they don’t have Canadian experience, but they can’t gain Canadian experience without first being hired.

How the 'Foreign Experience' Trap Affects Pakistani Engineers

Pakistani engineers who immigrate to Canada often have years of experience, advanced degrees, and strong technical skills. Despite this, many of them struggle to find work in their field and are forced to take survival jobs such as:

• Taxi Driving
• Warehouse or Factory Work
• Retail or Customer Service Jobs

These jobs, while necessary for financial survival, do not help engineers gain relevant experience in their field. As a result, many skilled professionals feel discouraged and undervalued in their new country.

Financial and Emotional Impact

The inability to find work in their profession affects Pakistani engineers in several ways:

• Financial Struggles: Without a stable engineering job, many newcomers find it difficult to pay bills, support their families, or repay immigration-related loans.
• Loss of Professional Confidence: After months or even years of job rejections, engineers start questioning their own abilities.
• Underemployment: Some engineers eventually take lower-level jobs within engineering firms (such as technician roles), even if they were senior professionals in Pakistan.

The frustration is understandable—Pakistani engineers move to Canada with the hope of building a better future, but instead, many feel stuck in a system that does not recognize their expertise.

Ways to Overcome the 'Foreign Experience' Barrier

While the 'foreign experience' trap is a major hurdle, it is not impossible to overcome. Here are some effective strategies that Pakistani engineers in Canada can use to break into their field:

1. Get Licensed with Professional Associations

One of the best ways to prove your qualifications is to get certified by a provincial engineering regulatory body such as:

• Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO)
• Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA)
• Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC)

Becoming a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) is a long process, but even starting as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) can help Pakistani engineers gain credibility in the job market.

2. Enroll in Bridging Programs

Many Canadian universities and organizations offer bridging programs designed to help internationally trained engineers gain local experience. These programs provide:

• Technical training in Canadian engineering standards
• Soft skills training for workplace communication
• Internship opportunities with local companies

Some well-known programs include:

• Accelerated Bridge to P.Eng. Program (Ontario)
• Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants (British Columbia)
• Engineering Connections Program (Toronto)

3. Gain Canadian Experience Through Volunteering

Volunteering for engineering-related projects is another way to gain local experience. Many engineering firms and non-profit organizations offer opportunities for newcomers to work on real-world projects, which can be valuable additions to a resume.

4. Network with Industry Professionals

Networking plays a crucial role in finding engineering jobs in Canada. Attending industry events, job fairs, and conferences can help engineers connect with employers and learn about job opportunities. Additionally, LinkedIn is an excellent platform for engaging with professionals in the field.

Joining local engineering groups such as:

• Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE)
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Canada
• Society of Pakistani Engineers in Canada (SPEC)

…can also provide valuable connections and mentorship opportunities.

5. Start with a Contract or Entry-Level Position

Many Pakistani engineers expect to find a job that matches their previous experience, but the reality is that most newcomers have to start at a lower level and work their way up. Accepting a contract position, internship, or junior role can help build local experience and lead to a full-time job.

6. Improve Soft Skills and Communication

Even though Pakistani engineers have strong technical skills, Canadian employers also value soft skills such as:

• Effective communication
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Adaptability and problem-solving

Taking short courses on business communication and workplace etiquette can help engineers better integrate into Canadian work culture.

Conclusion: Persistence is Key

The 'foreign experience' trap is a significant challenge, but it is not an impossible barrier. Many Pakistani engineers have successfully transitioned into the Canadian job market by getting licensed, networking, volunteering, and gaining local experience.

The key to success is persistence. While the job search may be difficult in the beginning, those who stay focused, take proactive steps, and remain patient will eventually achieve their career goals in Canada.

For Pakistani engineers facing this struggle, the most important thing to remember is: you are not alone. Thousands of immigrants have faced and overcome this challenge, and with the right strategy, you can too.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or career advice. Every individual’s job search experience is unique, and employment outcomes may vary. It is recommended to seek professional guidance from career advisors, immigration consultants, or relevant regulatory bodies before making career decisions.