By @JoseMiguelFigueria
How did you find out about Hispanotech?
At the end of 2022, during a Christmas dinner with friends, I first heard about Hispanotech. A volunteer from the organization told me about her work there, and I was immediately interested. The idea of sharing my knowledge as a volunteer and learning about the Canadian market, especially in my area of specialization, IT, resonated deeply with me.
What inspired you to become a volunteer at Hispanotech?
As a newcomer to Canada, I began hearing a lot about volunteering. Although it was a new practice for me, I quickly grew to love the idea of sharing my experience in areas such as IT and Project Management while also strengthening my language skills. Without a doubt, it was a great opportunity presented to me. After browsing the Hispanotech website, I immediately identified with their motto: Connect, Succeed, and Give Back.
All this, together with the possibility of starting to generate a strong and specialized network of contacts with my profession, were the factors that inspired me to volunteer at Hispanotech.
How did you feel about the experience and what did you do at Hispanotech?
The experience at Hispanotech was incredibly rewarding. I started by joining the PMO office as a Project Manager, where I implemented various projects and collaborated on the Atlassian Suite (Jira, Confluence) implementation. I played a key role in supporting the 2023 mentorship program, created badge images, and participated in the implementation of the system to grant these badges. Additionally, I participated in initiatives to research new tools and had the opportunity to be a mentee in the 2023 edition of the mentorship program. Currently, I serve as the Coordinator of the Mentorship Program for 2024 and support the PMO and IT teams. I would like to do more, but unfortunately, I don't have enough time right now.
Tell us a little about your background, and the job opportunity you were looking for…
I am an electronic engineer with IPC-CID certification and approximately 18 years of experience in the technology sector, primarily focused on manufacturing companies in the automotive industry. I have extensive knowledge in developing manufacturing solutions of software and hardware from scratch. I have worked for multinational companies and deployed systems in various countries across South America, North America, and Asia. I currently work as a hardware designer for a Canadian company and am looking to strengthen my career in the Canadian market. I hope to help new migrants arriving in Canada in the near future.
How has been your Hispanotech volunteering experience, did it help you to get a job?
Absolutely. My volunteering experience with Hispanotech has been incredibly valuable. During my time there, I gained access to a strong professional network and acquired deeper insights into the Canadian market, which significantly enhanced my job search. Participating in the mentoring program was particularly enriching. Although my background in software development, hardware development, and project management initially made me feel dispersed and unfocused, connecting with an experienced mentor provided invaluable guidance. This support helped me concentrate and find direction during my job search, which is a significant challenge when relocating to Canada. The discussions and advice I received thoroughly prepared me for the job search process and played a crucial role in securing my first position in my field in Canada.
On the other hand, meeting and working with skilled and passionate individuals such as Carlos, Gabriel, Citlalli, Nestor, Galo, and Raquel was another highlight of my experience. Their support and collaboration enriched my time at Hispanotech and contributed significantly to my professional growth.
Any final recommendation for other members who are not sure whether to become volunteers?
If you're unsure about becoming a volunteer, I highly recommend giving it a try. Volunteering can provide you with invaluable experiences, professional growth, and opportunities to build a strong network. It allows you to develop new skills, gain insights into different industries, and make a positive impact on the community "Connect, Succeed, and Give Back.". Even if you're unsure of your fit, the experience of working with diverse teams and learning from mentors can be incredibly rewarding. It’s a chance to not only contribute but also to grow personally and professionally. If you have the opportunity, embrace it—you might find it to be one of the most enriching experiences of your personal life and career.
