International Students Tapping into Hidden Job Market
Did you know you can actually create a job for yourself? Yes, you can....Farizan shared his story below. Read on!
Here is an industry secret: most jobs available are not well-advertised. So, expand your network and see what opportunities lie ahead.
We had the opportunity to interview Farizan, a Founder & Project Lead for PowerHack at the Immigrant Employment Council of BC as he shared a success story tapping into a hidden job market and create an opportunity for himself.
EMPOWER: What is the most challenging aspect of job seeking as an international student?
Farizan: Getting an entry-level experience can be a bit tricky for international students, especially if they want to get a job in their desired field right away. That is for you to get a job, you need to get an experience, but for you to have an experience, you need to have a job. Mind you, this not a just problem for international students, it is also a problem for students in general. But this problem is further amplified from the fact that international students also have language issues to contend with.

EMPOWER: What is your story and how did you get your current position?
Farizan: There are a couple of ways in which you can overcome this issue. One, you could get a co-op or an internship, or two, network with people in the industry. A co-op or internship is the traditional way of doing things. I have done internships in the past, but I like number two better, particularly because I am a social person.
Here's an industry secret: most jobs available are not well-advertised. So, expand your network and see what opportunities lie ahead. As for me, I got my opportunity to work at my current position by pitching my ideas on solving a particular immigration issue to an organization specializing in providing companies with skilled immigrant talents. I provide value up-front, and they see the value of what I am doing. I am forever thankful for the trust that they have put in me and the ideas that I am currently working with.
Let's unpack what Farizon mentioned in the interview.
Getting your first experience can be difficult, especially when your first experience requires prior experience (vicious circle)
Co-op or Internship is a great pathway to get your dream job after graduation.
Most jobs available are not well-advertised!
Networking is important because you never know what lies ahead.
Always provide value up-front, show what you have to offer!
Thank you Farizan for sharing his success story! You can keep in touch with Farizan H Razie either on LinkedIn or Instagram.