Expat story: Corentin, automation technician in Montreal
We meet a new French expatriate who arrived in Montreal in January 2022. Find out why Corentin decided to come and live in Canada, how Talentech helped him and his feedback on his immigration process.
🎙 Hi Corentin, let's start with the traditional question, can you introduce yourself in a few words?
Hi, my name is Corentin Halbert, I'm 25 years old, I'm from Cholet in France. I am an automatician / roboticist by trade, and it will soon be a year now that I came to live my dream of moving to Canada and more specifically to Montreal. And I forgot, I have a Young Professionals permit in my pocket.
🎙 Why did you choose to come and live in Canada and more specifically in Montreal?
I am a huge ice hockey fan, I am passionate about this sport. When I was younger, I had the chance to participate in the "international" Pee-wee field hockey tournament in Quebec. During this stay, I discovered the Canadian way of life, the kindness of Quebecers and the field hockey culture. It is really from that moment that I knew that I wanted to come and live here. You could say that it is a childhood dream!
I chose Montreal because I wanted to be close to or in a big city, Talentech offered me several job opportunities, one of which was located in Montreal and the rest is history!
🎙 You found your job through Talentech, how did it go?
So, as I said before, I had a real desire to come and live in Quebec. At the end of my studies, I tried my luck but I needed to acquire experience to be interesting to employers and to be able to have a good job in Canada. So I started working in France and my patience paid off. After a few years, luck smiled on me and Talentech contacted me via LinkedIn to offer me a job in Quebec. Four months later, I arrived with a 2-year visa and an employment contract. Everything went very fast and that's what I wanted, I was the happiest person in the world and I still am haha!
🎙 Automatician - roboticist, what does your job involve on a daily basis?
For me, there is no typical day. My daily life is not punctuated by a routine. I work on different projects with parallel interventions on machines to create, activate and follow the programs. As far as the projects entrusted to me are concerned, I intervene throughout their duration: from their study to the ordering of materials, including programming and managing the people involved in their creation. I also intervene with our customers to ensure the start-up of their new machines, to make the follow-up or to carry out services of assistance in the event of breakdown.
🎙 Have you noticed any differences in your job between Canada and France?
In general, the work remains the same, the missions are quite similar. I still had to adapt to the QWERTY keyboard, so all my keyboard shortcuts for programming had to be reviewed or even a simple thing, but for writing customer mails obviously you take a little more time than usual. After a few weeks, I'm back to being as fast as in France.
Afterwards, about the company in general and my position as an employee, I noticed that they will give you responsibilities rather quickly and trust you more easily than in France. It's nice to work in this atmosphere, it allows you to have a better fulfillment in your job and to gain self-confidence.
🎙 How would you characterize your experience with Talentech?
Really great! I participated in a few events that Talentech organized when I arrived and I have a very good relationship with the team. The team really followed me on all the administrative aspects (obtaining the visa) and preparing my arrival in Canada, which was very helpful when you're going alone. For any question, I knew I could count on them. I really recommend their service!
🎙 And how was your integration into Canadian life?
The first week in Canada was quite sporty, with all the administrative procedures and the start of my new life. But once this week is over, it's great! And for a good integration at one's own pace, I advise everyone to take a temporary accommodation and to take the time to visit the city.
On the social side, very good, there are several groups/networks of expatriates that allow you to always meet people. On my side, what helped me the most was sports and more specifically field hockey, by joining a league I managed to make a circle of friends. Also, whenever you go to an event in the city, you will always meet people from all over.
🎙 What advice(s) would you give to someone who is still hesitant to come to Canada?
Come, you won't regret it! I know it's not an advice, but Quebec has so much to offer that you will inevitably find your happiness: the nature, the activities, the rhythm of life, etc. Concerning Montreal, it is a cosmopolitan city that allows you to meet a lot of people and if you want, to learn a new language.
Are you interested in a Canadian adventure? Are you thinking of coming to discover Canada and more particularly Quebec? Go ahead and contact the Talenteam!
You are looking for a job like Corentin in programming, automation or industry, apply on our offers here. Talentech accompanies you in obtaining your job, your immigration process and your relocation to Quebec.
>> Discover also the experience of Maxime, SCADA specialist in Montreal.
