The Inspiring Journey of Éric Dokou

In the summer of 2021, it was not a career plan that brought Éric Dokou to New Brunswick, but an academic ambition. As an international student at the Université de Moncton, Shippagan campus, he enrolled in a two-year Business Administration program, unaware that this decision would pave the way for a successful professional journey in Canada. Throughout his studies, Éric discovered the many opportunities available to international graduates seeking to integrate into the Canadian labour market.

His academic path was enriched by an internship at the Town Hall of Shippagan, offering him his first hands-on experience in a Canadian workplace. Trilingual in French, English, and Mandarin, Éric also developed a key asset for professional integration: strong intercultural communication skills.

During his studies, Éric attended information sessions offered by WorkingNB at the Shippagan campus. There, he learned about essential resources available to newcomers and quickly understood the value of professional guidance when transitioning into the labour market. 

As soon as he completed his studies, he scheduled a meeting with an Employment Counsellor who helped him plan his career. Together, they worked on structuring his resume, understanding employer expectations, and sharing his profile across multiple platforms, including Mosaik.
 

Thanks to this support, Éric entered the workforce just one month after graduating. “My journey was relatively fast compared to others,” he says humbly. He began his career at UNI through a placement facilitated by WorkingNB. This first opportunity allowed him to demonstrate his skills, professionalism, and adaptability. Despite an initial challenge adjusting to the Acadian accent, his integration progressed quickly. “At first, it was new for me, but over time, I adapted,” he explains.
 

At the end of this placement, Éric was not only retained by the organization but also promoted to a Payment Research Officer position. His professional growth continued rapidly, and after just six months, he advanced to the role of Payment Solutions Specialist, further confirming the strength of his experience and expertise.

When Guidance Leads to Employment
Two years later, the seeds planted bore fruit. The application Éric had submitted on the Mosaik platform caught the attention of WorkingNB. He successfully navigated the recruitment process and clearly stood out among the candidates. His supervisor, Émilie Légère, remembers that stage well: “We received a list of applications through Mosaik. From the very beginning of the interviews, Éric stood out. He was fully qualified and highly motivated.” Following the process, Éric was hired as an Administrative Assistant at the Shippagan office.

Giving Someone a Chance
Éric’s integration went smoothly. “Honestly, I see no difference between Éric and any other employee. He is intelligent, open to feedback, and very professional,” his supervisor notes. A few months later, his contract was renewed, and he secured a permanent position, just six months after starting.
 

For Émilie, the message to employers is clear: “We need to give people a chance. You can’t judge without trying. Biases may exist based on past experiences, but we can’t place all newcomers in the same category. When you open the door, you may be pleasantly surprised by the results.”
 

Éric, for his part, offers strong encouragement to newcomers: “Seek out information, use the resources available through WorkingNB, persevere, and stay aligned with your goals. Job searching is a job in itself - you need to invest in it and believe in your skills.”

A Story That Inspires and Proves It’s Possible
Éric Dokou’s journey shows that there are no limits for motivated and determined newcomers. With the support of the Mosaik program, WorkingNB put its values into action by hiring Éric, demonstrating its commitment to helping newcomers build meaningful careers. Thanks to initiatives like this, talented individuals such as Éric can fully contribute to New Brunswick’s economy while working for the government.

Not familiar with WorkingNB yet? Now is the time to connect with an Employment Counsellor who can support you in your professional journey. 

Contact WorkingNB Offices closest to you to book an appointment.