Paul’s Journey: Finding a new beginning with the local Digital Service Squad
Immigrating to a new country often comes with numerous challenges, but for Paul Martinez, the decision to move from the Philippines to Canada was driven by a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to providing a better future for his family.
Finding a home with the local Calgary Digital Service Squad (DSS) through the Digital Economy Program, provided Paul with an opportunity to leverage his skillset, gain additional experience locally, and feed his passion of supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs. Following this, he was able to successfully transition into a full-time role with the City of Calgary on the Business and Local Economy team. In this role Paul continues support small business owners and provide for his family.
Paul’s story is a testament to his values of family, courage, positivity and giving back.
Family Values: The Driving Force
When Paul’s daughter was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), he and his wife recognized they would need to relocate for their daughter to have the best care. The cost of medical support in the Philippines are very high, and Paul and his wife envisioned a better life for their daughter in Canada, where the healthcare system could provide their daughter with the necessary resources without the prohibitive expenses.
“We wanted to go to a culture that accepts her and offers better support,” Paul reflects. They also recognized that by moving to Canada, his daughter could thrive without being judged or limited by her condition.
Positivity: Overcoming Challenges with Grace
Despite facing the challenges of adjusting to a new country and starting his career journey from the beginning, Paul was resilient in his positive outlook. He acknowledges the hurdles he has faced but chooses to view them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
“For me, I've studied business administration in the Philippines—pretty much the same thing. So, I just had to relearn that,” he says, highlighting his determination to succeed.
While attending school, Paul needed to find work, and his transition into the Canadian job market was anything but smooth. Despite his extensive experience, he faced numerous rejections and had to accept lower-level positions to get his foot in the door. However, Paul never let these setbacks deter him.
”If you're gonna give me a teller job, give it to me. I don't care. Just give me a job,” he recalls with a smile, illustrating his willingness to work his way up again.
Embracing Opportunities and Giving Back
Thankfully, Paul’s luck changed, when he interviewed for and received the opportunity to join the local Digital Service Squad in Calgary. This marked a significant milestone in his journey.
“When I got the job (as a) DSS, the uncertainty was removed. My wife was happy. It's like, okay, now we can be comfortable,” he shares.
Paul's role as a DSS allowed him to leverage his skills and experience in social media and marketing to assist small businesses, something he is passionate about. Paul’s impact has been profound, with many businesses thriving thanks to his marketing strategies and dedicated 1-1 support.
“When it came to my role (with the DSS) I didn’t struggle at all because I knew what I was doing. I knew SEO, I knew social media. So that was (a great) fit for me”, Paul shares. “My passion really is helping other people,” he continues.
Through his time working as a DSS, Paul was able to connect with the Calgary business community and learn more about the business culture differences between Canada and the Philippines. His passion for helping people is extremely evident in his dedication to helping businesses succeed.
Not only did the DSS help Paul professionally, but with support from the DSS, Paul and his family received their permanent residency in Canada, an important milestone in their journey to getting the best care for their daughter.
Once he graduated, Paul set his sights on a permanent, full-time role. When he applied for a position City of Calgary Business and Local Economy team, they recognized that his experience and the networking he gained from working with the DSS made him a great fit for the position.
“Paul’s work with DSS had shown us that he had the right skills for the Analyst role. He took initiative, knew how to solve problems, and related to all types of people really well. Plus, he believed in our mission to support small business. We are so fortunate to have him on our team.”, Erin Chrusch, Paul's boss with the City of Calgary shared.
And so, Paul was hired.
“The DSS really helped me with my role right now”, Paul shares. “The advantage (was) that I had worked with small businesses in Calgary, and I knew what their pain points were, so (they knew) I was going to advocate for businesses.”
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resilience and Hope
In his new role with the City of Calgary, Paul continues to make a significant impact, proving that with the right mindset and values, one can overcome any obstacle and create a better future for themselves and their loved ones. He continues to demonstrate these qualities daily in his day-to-day work helping support the Business and Local Economy team with the City of Calgary.
Every day, Paul is reminded of his ‘why’ when he looks at his daughter.
“We came here for my daughter… Now we have more access to other supports. That’s really helpful”, Paul explains. “…My life’s work is reflected on her as she moves forward with her life and has a better future.”
Paul’s story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience required to start anew in a foreign land. His unwavering commitment to his family, coupled with his courage to face challenges head-on and his positive attitude, serves as an inspiration to many.
To learn more about the Digital Economy Program and how our Digital Service Squads can help your business, visit here. If you are local to the Calgary region in Alberta, you can connect with the City of Calgary DSS program here.
