It took five years from application to arrival in Canada for Venezuelan-born Joshua Alvarez. He had experience as a corporate trainer and marketing consultant for the oil industry and Major League Baseball’s player development program in Latin America. Ezequiel Carrera, of the Toronto Blue Jays, was one of his students. But his first job after landing in Toronto was not quite so thrilling; he started by cleaning public toilets at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).

Why did you want to immigrate to Canada?

You can say I have always been a Canadian, but just did not know it. I love the outdoors, the culture, the history, the languages, the peoples and the values. Multiculturalism is something that really fascinated me. It does not matter what your culture is or your background, whatever you bring to the table, it becomes like that exotic delicious dish that adds flavour to the party. This is a great place for new beginnings, for reinventing yourself, that cool breeze when you start all over.

But, like many newcomers, your first step was getting a survival job …

Although I was willing to get any sort of job, I was not prepared for the fact that I would not even get a job interview in my field. I had to get rid of everything on my resumé that made me overqualified and applied for cleaning washrooms through the TBM Service Group, which services and maintains all the public washrooms at the TTC. This was an interesting challenge because I had never cleaned before.

I know that this is not a pleasant experience for newcomers, I get that, but I would show up to work with a smile and do my absolute best. For some, the survival job is just a means to get by until you find your “real job.” In my case, my survival job became an important door that lead to great opportunities.

How so?

I met Andy Byford, the former TTC CEO, which made a huge difference! It was him who called Val Ramanand, TBM’s CEO and recommended me. Thanks to that call, I moved up from janitor to site manager in one day. There are a few little moments that make a great impact in one’s life, this was definitely one of them and for that I will always be thankful.

Was it luck?

Meeting Andy was not by luck. You may have heard that opportunity knocks once. But I would have to add: for opportunity to knock, you must have a door. Before installing a door, you must have a house, for you to have a house, you must build it from the foundation up, brick by brick. Then opportunity will knock.

While working in my survival job, I upgraded my skills by studying film production at Toronto Film School and I decided to volunteer at Rogers TV. While volunteering, I became a cameraman, a switcher and a director. One day, Andy Byford was a guest. I was introduced to him, told him I cleaned for the TTC and the rest is history.

Is your story a lesson about the value of networking?

Networking is not only about meeting people. Rather, it is about meeting the right people in a meaningful context. It has to be organic and it is not about getting a job. Andy Byford was impressed by the fact that I worked nights and volunteered at a community TV channel.

What are your goals for the future?

In addition to being a site manager with TBM, I am a producer and a host of a show I wrote and developed called Canada Pitch at Canada Star TV. In this show, we help newcomers present their artistic projects and get funding through crowdfunding campaigns. I am very excited about this show!

What tips do you have for other newcomers?

Do not be disheartened if you are in a survival job, keep on providing for your family. Never underestimate the power of networking. Try to upgrade your skills. And always remember to enjoy the process with a smile.