Hun-jong Ha - Product Information Systems Specialist

Hun-jong Ha

Country of Origin: South Korea

Date Arrived in London: June 2011

Occupation: Product Information Systems Specialist - 3M Canada

Why did you decide to settle in London? What do you like about London?

I moved to London, Ontario in June 2011. London is a city of opportunities to me. For the last three years, I have met so many good people in London who shared great knowledge and experience in their profession. The networking chance from the developed London economy brought me many wonderful career opportunities. It made the start of my immigrant life much easier. I regard myself as a great successful immigrant case brought about by London, such a strong community with help and support dedicated to newcomers in Canada.

 I love London, the city of trees! Such a wonderful natural environment with great people and career opportunities make me feel London as my second home. London is a plan where I happily work, play and live with family. 

How are you involved in the London community (employment, volunteering, community organizations, etc.)?

I have a good job and career opportunities and that is partially because I was lucky to meet the right people at the right moment.  Their experiences helped me.  Now it is time to give back to people.  Through WIL Employment Connections, 3M Canada, and various networking communities I actively provide career mentoring to people.  People come back to me when they need to make important decisions and I try to help them using my experience and things i learned from my mentors. 

I am also a local photographer and I volunteer to take photos for non profits, families with a familiy member who has disabilities, and low income families.  I have also worked for events such as the Alzheimer Society's Walk for Memories this year and Parkinson Society's SuperWalk in 2013.

What message would you like to share with newcomers to London?

We try to find our own communities.  I found that its really helpful in the beginning, but in the long run we need to find out how to immerse ourselves in the Canadian community.   We can utilize our home country community as a cushion.  Relax there for a bit, but then figure out how to get involved in Canadian community.