Today’s Notable Young Professional is Director of Operations for Can-Am Immigration Nir Rozenberg, whose immigration consultancy firm is headquartered in Toronto with offices in several countries and assists individuals immigrate, study and/or get established in Canada…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
As an immigration consultant regulated by the ICCRC (Immigration Consultants of Canada, Regulatory Council), I assist and represent foreign nationals who want to visit, study, work, immigrate to, or invest in Canada. Approximately 70 per cent of my business involves family reunification. In addition to personal representation, my firm also offers services to Canadian employers who cannot fill essential positions by recruiting, facilitating an easy flow of temporary foreign workers.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I was introduced to Canadian immigration law and the profession over seven years ago through the attorney who represented my family on our visa and immigration application for the United States.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Since every person or family has a different situation, it is enjoyable for me to listen and be able to provide guidance on how they may achieve their dream of living, studying or working in Canada. The absolute best part of the job is when I am able to put a smile on my clients’ faces – when I am able to win a case against the federal government for a client who has been refused before or is being deported. While there are many challenges that I encounter, both as an owner of a firm and as an immigration consultant, I’d have to say that the toughest part of my job is when I have to tell a client that they are unable to remain in Canada.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Work has consumed my social life. As I became more experienced, and as more clients retained my services, I began to lose sleep and the ability to balance my work and social life.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Recently, I have begun working on a project that will grow my firm internationally. Working with the right team of people, I expect to open multiple locations across Canada and in several source countries around the world to enhance our clients’ experiences and provide unprecedented immigration and settlement services to Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia and several other countries.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
I began representing clients at the age of 24. With a fully furnished office, sitting in a suit and tie, it was still exceedingly difficult to gain the respect and trust of my clients who were nearly double my age. I frequently met with many potential clients who didn’t retain me because I looked young. Nonetheless, there were others who were surprised at my knowledge base and gave me the opportunity to represent them. I was successful in those early cases, and slowly began to take on more and more clients. I then began to trust myself more and gained the confidence I needed. Of course, I have gotten older, and the ability to retain clients has gotten much easier. I now rely primarily on word of mouth referrals.
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
Success to me is the ability to be effective at what I do for my clients on a daily basis.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Winning a case for my clients who were deaf and hard of hearing. The couple was facing a deportation for having remained in Canada illegally. After a four-year battle with multiple government agencies, we won the case. As a result, the couple was granted permanent resident status. Since then, the couple has established a business in Canada and now have two children, both of whom were born in Canada.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Do Not Give Up! If you are adamant on pursuing your venture, or on obtaining a specific goal, go for it and don’t let anything get in your way achieving it. Obstacles are inevitable and as a young professional you should have the energy to overcome them.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
I am not much of a wine drinker, but when I’m craving a good steak I’ll head to Jacob’s Steakhouse in downtown Toronto.
When you’re not working, how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Every evening I spend two hours at the gym to relax my mind and unwind from a stressful day. I cherish the weekend as it is the only time I get to spend with my friends, family and my two dogs, whom I love dearly.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?
My homeland, Israel. I have travelled extensively throughout many countries around the world, but the place that fills my heart is the place where I was born. Gorgeous people, beautiful weather, and amazing food.
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I don’t actually know, so I am very glad to be doing what I am doing. I’d otherwise be lost!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
As many of my family members served in the Israeli military, I have donated to the Friends of the Israeli Defense Forces (FIDF) in recent years. I have also supported some smaller local charities to assist in funding for small business growth in the greater community.
What to you is notable?
Improving yourself to ultimately define who you are.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.. Android next?
#NOTABLE
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