From Newcomer to Community Connector: The Journey of Joy Ejabena in Newfoundland and Labrador
Career Building and First Steps into the Workforce
Joy Ejabena works as an Itinerant Settlement Liaison with the Association for New Canadians, where she supports newcomers by connecting them to essential services and helping them integrate into their communities. In her role, she stands at the intersection of guidance, empathy, and practical support, ensuring that individuals arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador feel informed and included.
She reflects on her professional journey with clarity and purpose by stating, “I serve as an Itinerant Settlement Liaison with the Association for New Canadians, where I support newcomers by connecting them to essential services and helping them successfully integrate into their communities.”
From the beginning, her focus was not only on finding employment but on building purposeful direction in her career. The early stage of her journey involved understanding how the local workforce operates and identifying where her skills could make the greatest difference. She acknowledges, “Starting out, I focused on gaining local experience and understanding the workforce landscape.”
Workplace Transition and Professional Adjustment
Coming as an international graduate, Joy faced the challenge of establishing herself in a new professional environment. Entering the workforce in NL required navigating a period of careful adjustment where learning, adaptation, and professional positioning happened at the same time. Although she had completed her studies, translating academic preparation into local employment opportunities came with practical barriers that needed time and persistence to overcome. She reflects on this stage clearly, indicating, “My biggest challenges were gaining local experience, understanding workplace expectations, and building a network.”
She had to understand how workplaces operate in the province, what employers prioritize in candidates, and how to build a professional identity that aligned with local expectations. At the same time, gaining local experience and building a professional network became essential steps in establishing her direction.
The Role of Study and Stay NL in Career Development
For Joy, the Study and Stay NL programme was not just a support system but it provided structured opportunities. She speaks about this impact directly, expressing, “Study and Stay NL influenced my decision by helping me feel connected and supported.”At a time when she was still trying to understand how to navigate the local job market, the programme gave her access to guidance, relationships, and practical knowledge that made the process more clear and less overwhelming. Because, instead of figuring everything out alone, she found herself in an environment where learning came through both experience and connection. “Through the program, I built relationships, gained valuable insights into the job market, and saw real opportunities for growth, which made me confident in choosing to stay and build my future here,” she affirms. That sense of networking became a foundation for her confidence, allowing her to engage more actively with opportunities around her rather than holding back.
At the same time, earlier support through mentorship and workshops related closely with this experience. Reflecting on how she moved forward professionally, she notes, “Mentorship and networking helped me secure my current role. Workplace culture workshops also helped me understand employer expectations and adapt confidently to the local work environment.” In this way, complemented what she gained through Study and Stay NL.
Impact Through Community Support Work
In her current role, Joy contributes directly to community building by supporting newcomers as they settle into life in Newfoundland and Labrador. Her work helps individuals access services, understand systems, and navigate unfamiliar environments with greater clarity. She engages closely with people who are adjusting to new realities, guiding them through processes that can often feel overwhelming at first and helping them build confidence in their surroundings. Noting how she arrived at this point in her career, she describes, “I transitioned into roles that align with my passion for supporting others, which has ultimately led me to where I am today.” She has become a bridge between systems and people, ensuring that support is both accessible and human centered.
Belonging and the Decision to Stay in Newfoundland and Labrador
For Joy, the decision to remain in Newfoundland and Labrador was shaped by both opportunity and belonging. The connections she formed during her studies and early career made her feel welcomed and supported in the province.
Her favorite memory from the Study and Stay NL programme reflects this sense of inclusion. She states, “My favorite memory from the program was the friendships I built and the connections I made. Those relationships made me feel welcomed and like I truly belonged.” This sense of belonging, combined with professional growth opportunities, reinforced her commitment to building her future in the province.
Advice for International Graduates
Joy encourages other international graduates to take active steps toward building their careers by embracing opportunities for growth and connection. She emphasizes consistency, networking, and openness to guidance. She advises, “I would encourage international students to step out of their comfort zones, build relationships, and stay consistent. Networking and seeking guidance from mentors can open many doors.”
Besides, she also encourages IENL by suggesting “increasing opportunities for hands-on experience, like internships or job shadowing, and continuing to provide practical workshops that prepare students for the realities of the local job market.” Undoubtedly, her advice reflects both her personal experience and her understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers entering the workforce.
Conclusion
From navigating Joy’s early career challenges to establishing a fulfilling position within the Association for New Canadians, her path demonstrates how support systems, mentorship, and personal determination can come together to shape a fulfilling career. It also highlights the broader impact of inclusive programs and community focused initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador. By supporting newcomers and contributing to their integration, she continues to strengthen the social fabric of the province.