Navigating the New Brunswick Workplace – Julien-Aubert Okou’s Success
When Julien-Aubert Okou arrived in Moncton in September 2024, he had a common goal shared by many newcomers: to find a job and start building a life in Canada. But like countless others, he quickly discovered that job searching in a new country isn’t always straightforward.
Julien made a simple but life-changing decision: he attended a free information session called Navigating the New Brunswick Workplace, designed specifically for newcomers like him.
He expected tips on how to polish his résumé or maybe a list of job postings. What he got instead was something far more valuable: insight.
Learning the Importance of Networking
“What struck me the most during the information session was learning that more than half of job opportunities are never posted — what they call the hidden job market,” Julien recalls. “That’s exactly what I experienced. Without that session, I would have never understood the importance of simply telling people that I’m looking for a job.”
At the session, Julien learned that in New Brunswick, networking and essential skills are often the key to getting hired. He discovered what local employers really expect and how to navigate cultural differences in the workplace. He also learned a powerful truth: if you’re only applying to jobs you see online, you’re missing out on most of the opportunities.
Armed with this knowledge, Julien began applying the advice immediately.
Putting It Into Practice
One Sunday at church, he had a casual conversation with someone and simply said, “I’m looking for a job.” That person mentioned a job posting they’d seen on Facebook. Julien applied. He landed an interview… but didn’t get the job.
Was that the end? Not even close.
He remembered another tip from the session: stay connected. He politely followed up with the employer, sending an occasional message to express his continued interest. Weeks later, his phone rang.
“There’s an opportunity at my company,” the employer said. “It hasn’t been posted yet. Would you be interested?”
Julien said yes. And today, he’s working at that very company.
Julien is especially grateful to his employment counsellor, Joanie, who referred him to the information session. When asked what advice he’d give to other newcomers who are hesitant to attend, he simply says, “They don’t know what they’re missing.”
It was a game changer and could be for every newcomer trying to build a future in New Brunswick.
Julien’s story is a reminder that a single conversation can change everything—and it all started with one free information session.
Want to take that first step too?
Sign up for Navigating the New Brunswick Workplace—and discover the tools, insights, and strategies that can help you move forward with confidence in your Canadian job search.