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This year, people around the globe have turned their eyes towards the 2010 Winter Olympics taking place in Vancouver, Canada. During the dreary winter months, there is nothing more exciting and rejuvenating than the Olympics.

Every four years, this prestigious winter sports competition takes us away from our everyday issues and concerns. This year is no different. We can take our mind off the recession and its ramifications, which has clearly been the focus of the media worldwide.

If you have been stalled in a tough labour market, you might be wondering if Canada is the place for you to start up again. The Olympics may have put a spotlight on a new target market – one that may be right up your alley.

Although Canada experienced an economic decline in the last few years, it certainly did not take the hit that the United States suffered. In general, Canadians have been more fortunate than our American counterparts have. We did not experience the ongoing sub-prime mortgage crisis. Nor did we suffer through the crisis on Wall Street. However, the corruption and catastrophe within critical industries such as the automotive sector did cause ramifications in Canada, albeit not to the degree that we have seen in many of the states.

In January 2010, Statistics Canada showed a drop in the unemployment rate to 8.3%. These results were far better than the expectations of many economists and many Canadians are feeling positive about their future in the working world. Job seekers around the world have also found an exciting and market in Canada. With increased globalization, people are crossing borders and trying for positions that they may have never attempted to apply for before.

If you are thinking about targeting Canada, here are some industries that are on the move upward:

• Aerospace
• Agri-Food
• Bio-Pharma
• Biotechnology
• Chemicals
• Digital Media
• Financial Services
• Life Sciences
• Medical Devices
• Oil & Gas
• Pharmaceutical
• Renewable Energy

Here are some Canadian occupations that have managed to survive the recession and are positioned for a forward gain:

• Government Agency Administrative Staff
• Computer & Database Administrators
• Oil and Gas Drillers & Service Technicians
• Environmental Scientists & Technicians
• Nurses, Nurses Aids & Orderlies
• Personal & Home Care Aides
• Mental Health Counsellors
• Pharmacists & Pharmacologists
• Health Educators
• Social Workers

If the excitement of the Olympics have put a new charge in your career goals, consider investigating Canada further. Here are a few sites to get you started:

Going to Canada (learn about immigrating to Canada)

http://www.goingtocanada.gc.ca

Service Canada (learn about life in Canada)

http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/

National Occupational Classification (learn about jobs in Canada)

http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/NOC/

When you are ready to revise your resume to target positions in Canada, refer to the Best Canadian Resumes Series.

If you need specific help targeting six-figure positions in Canada, connect with Graham Management Group.

Hope to see you in Canada soon!

Previously published in Career Thought Leaders

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