Violeta Velickovska, Optician

Work harder to succeed

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"It's hard to find your first job if you don't have anybody to push your back*. That's the biggest problem for immigrants. And how can you get experience if nobody even calls you for an interview or gives you a chance to prove yourself?

"We came with one suitcase only. We don't have any family, friends, English, money... nothing. And we have to work harder than the rest of the people to prove ourselves and succeed."

*Note: Violeta is suggesting that you need someone to provide a reference for you and to support you in your job search.

Workplace images

Languages in Macedonia

Macedonian is my first language. I also learned Serbian and Bosnian in school. These are the languages of former Yugoslavian countries. They are very similar to Macedonian.

English was not very important to know while I was growing up. It was easy to go online and find information in our own language. It might be different now, especially if you want to take certain online courses. Knowing English back home is probably more important now than it was 15 or 20 years ago.

Translating at first

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"We had English in school but it was just a subject. When we came here I realized that my English was so low. I could understand a little bit, but it was hard to speak. You had to translate in your brain from English to Macedonian and then go back from Macedonian to English.

"But after a while it's like a habit - you don't think anymore in your language. It's like English is your first language."

Language training

When I first came here I had difficulty finding day care for my daughter, so it took a few months before I could take an English course. Once I found day care, I started to study English at the Winnipeg Adult Education Centre,* but the course only lasted a few weeks.

Then I started working full-time and was thrown into an environment where I was surrounded by English-speaking people. I didn't have a choice. I was forced to learn English very quickly.

*Note: For more information about language classes available for newcomers, see Language Services in USEFUL LINKS.

Afraid to speak

When I first tried speaking English it was very difficult. I could understand everything but it was hard to speak. I couldn't say anything because I was afraid how I would pronounce the words. I thought people would laugh at me or that they wouldn't understand me or that I might say something bad.

I finally came to the point where I said, "Okay. I don't care. I will just try my best and if they don't understand me, I will just try saying it a different way". After that I started communicating a lot more.

English is essential

It is very important to be able to communicate effectively in English in my line of work. I'm with people all day. I need to be able to explain things clearly to my customers, read prescriptions and use the computer.

I think it would be helpful to know English even better than I know it now.

Math and science

Ever since I was a child I have enjoyed math and science. I even took extra courses and entered competitions while I was in school.

When I went to university, I took a four-year program that covered natural science and math. My degree was for a specialized teaching math.

Disappointed about process

When I came to Manitoba, I wanted to start teaching math in high school. I spoke with one of the professors in the Department of Mathematics at University of Manitoba to see if my degree from back home would be recognized.

I was very disappointed to find out that I would have to take two years to upgrade my math and another two years for my education degree. That was just too long for me to be a full-time student. I needed to find work right away.

Note: For more information about teacher licensing, see Professional Certification Unit in USEFUL LINKS.

Also, see other profiles of teachers on this website. 

Research before moving

I wish I had done more online research before moving to Manitoba. It would have given me a better idea of the real situation here, especially in regard to credential recognition.

If I had done my research ahead of time, I would have known the level of qualification upgrading that would be required to teach math here. All of this information is available online.

Started in optical field

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"One of my friends found me a job in the optical field."

"I started as a lab technician because I didn't have any experience in optical and my English wasn't that good either. I worked there six or seven months, and then I got into a school for opticians*. You need to be employed in the optical field to go. The school was held on Wednesday nights from September to April."

"After my first year, I started dispensing glasses and selling because I needed those hours for my school."

*Note: Violeta took the Ophthalmic Dispensing program at Red River College. For more information, see Red River College in USEFUL LINKS.

Licensing exam

The course to get my optician's license took two years to complete. My background in math and science helped me to understand optics. It involved a lot of math, calculation and physics. I didn't even need to study the math and physics part of my course.

Before taking the licensing exam, I had to complete my total number of hours and do a practicum. I then completed the licensing theory exams and became a licensed optician.

Note: Opticians in Manitoba must be registered members of The Opticians of Manitoba to practice here. For more information, see The Opticians of Manitoba in USEFUL LINKS.

Licensed jobs easy to find

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"My previous boss said, ‘I can't pay you enough with your license - feel free to look for another job.' He even contacted some other companies that were paying better than him and he arranged interviews with them for me.

"When you finish school it's easy to find a job, because lots of companies are looking for licensed opticians. This job that I'm in now was very easy to find. I had a few offers at that time."

Management position

When I was applying for jobs after I got my license, one of my friends contacted the owner at Hakim Optical and recommended me for a management position.

I got the job and now manage the store and work as an optician. I take measurements for glasses, do adjustments and give advice to customers about what lenses and frames are best for them.

Teaching at college

I am working full-time while taking a contact lens dispensing course.

I'm also teaching a second year opticians' course at Red River College. My teacher approached me while I was still a student and asked me if I would be interested in teaching. She knew that I had a background in math. So once I became licensed as an optician, the college hired me.

Prove yourself

I found it very helpful having a friend recommend me for my job. But if I wasn't a hard worker or if I wasn't willing to learn and prove myself, I wouldn't be where I am now.

I've noticed that immigrants tend to be very hard workers, but getting a chance to prove ourselves can be the hardest part.

Job done right

I like to do things as close to perfectly as possible. If I need to try something three times in a row to make it right, I will do that. When it comes to work, I will even spend my own personal time to get the job done right. I feel great satisfaction when the job is done properly.

I've found that by pushing myself, I can always find the energy and strength to do a good job - this determination pays off in the end.

Explain carefully

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"Here you really need to be more careful about what you are saying, to speak slowly or maybe put it in writing. You need to show them the policy or warranty and what you can expect or not expect because they feel free to come and say, ‘No. You said THIS to me'. You really need to always have proof of what you said. Otherwise you may be in trouble. You will have upset customers.

"Back home people don't yell at you for no reason. It's a more friendly environment."

Other immigrants

There are lots of immigrants working for our company. We have nine stores in Winnipeg, and in each store they have at least one person who is not Canadian.

We have a few from Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia.

Considerate of others

We communicate with the other stores in our chain on a daily basis. If a person from a Yugoslavian background answers the phone, we will automatically go into our language. But if there are English-speaking people present then we will speak English.

We try to be careful to only use our language if we are on the phone or if we are alone. We don't want people thinking we are talking about them in our own language.

Professional conduct

I do my best to be professional and to abide by the laws for opticians. We have some non-licensed employees such as receptionists and student opticians. By law they are not allowed to take measurements or do adjustments.

If I'm not around, I do not allow them to do any of these things. I am very strict that way.

Employee relations

The way employees relate to management is similar to back home. There is one boss, a few managers and then a few employees. The hierarchy here works in the same way.

It's not possible to please everybody, but I try very hard to treat my employees equally. I don't like to have any favourites. I try to say things in a nice way and do things in the way they need to be done. I never yell, because I don't like having somebody yell at me.

Saw ad for Manitoba

We decided to move to Manitoba when we read a newspaper ad back home about immigrating here. We knew we were going to leave our country, we just didn't know when.

When we read that ad, we just decided to pack up and go. We already heard that Canada was one of the safest countries to live in. When we saw the ad for Manitoba, that made our decision for us.

Affordable province

Manitoba is one of the most affordable provinces in Canada. Even with the rest of the expenses like property taxes, you can afford to buy a house.

And if you have an accident and end up in the hospital, everything is covered by public healthcare. You can also opt for extra private health plans that cover your dental and vision expenses.

Quiet area

We live in the Garden City area. It's a quiet area and it's safer compared to some of the surrounding areas. I have lots of friends that live in this area, and the school and stores are all close by.

We started out in an apartment around here, and since then we bought a house.

Smoke-free dining

One of the nicest things that I enjoy about Manitoba is that you can go to a restaurant or bar and they are smoke-free. I think it's a great law that you can't smoke in a public place.

I think it's just starting now in my country, but before that you could smoke anywhere.

Support each other

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"We really support each other because we don't have anybody else.

"Especially with my schooling - I really have help from my husband. He's taking care of my daughter, picking her up from daycare, feeding her, because I'm not at home most of the days."

Improve writing

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"I would like to improve my writing. I never learned that much writing in school. I probably will do something about that.* I am putting on hold my goals for the future. It's very hard right now with the full-time job, the course for contact lenses and teaching at Red River.

"When I finish my schooling for contacts, then I will do something about my goals and improve myself."

*Note: For more information about language study, such as the self-directed learning courses offered at the English Skills Centre, see Language Services in USEFUL LINKS.

Teach math to adults

Eventually, I am planning to go to university here in Manitoba. I am interested in getting more involved in the field of education, possibly teaching math full-time at one of the colleges.

I would prefer to teach adults, rather than in a middle school or high school. I find it's easier to work with and communicate with adults.

Husband's work

My husband has been working towards getting his license for auto body and painting. He has spent four years going through the auto body training program at Red River College. He just completed his fourth year and his apprenticeship.

He hopes to find work in his field in the near future.

Keep the language

Our daughter was only two years old when she came here so English is her first language. We feel it's important for her to be able to speak Macedonian as well, since we speak it at home, and so she can communicate with family back home. We encourage her to speak Macedonian whenever possible so that she won't lose the language.

We also have her enrolled in French Immersion so she will be well-rounded with her language abilities.

Teaching at home

Our daughter is in grade one, and I think the schoolwork in her class is very easy. All the learning is done through play. They don't have actual study time or homework time.

Even now, my husband and I teach our daughter outside of school. I think we will need to continue doing this as she gets older, so that she will be successful in the future.

Immigration and Settlement

Immigrating to Manitoba

Welcome to Manitoba
Government web site with information on moving to Manitoba, the Provincial Nominee Program, newcomer services, learning English and Manitoba's multicultural mosaic, including links to all the pages below

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program
Guidelines that explain how you can apply to the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) to be nominated for Permanent Resident Status in Canada

After You Arrive

What to do when you arrive in Manitoba
Guide to newcomer settlement services in Manitoba

Learn English
Guide to language assessment services and English as an Additional Language classes in Manitoba

Work in Manitoba
Information about looking for jobs, licensing and certification, employment standards, Employment Insurance, income assistance, business resources and child day care

Financial help with licensing - Credentials Recognition Program
Financial assistance for having your qualifications recognized in Manitoba, including licensing fees, courses, books and wage subsidy

Labour Market Info

The links below take you to federal and regional government information on employment, education, salary ranges and long range prospects for this career.

The official title for Violeta's occupation is ‘Optician' and its NOC* code is 3231

Manitoba Job Futures - Opticians
Local information on employment requirements, skills, education and training, wages, employment outlook and other labour market information for specific occupations

Working in Canada Career Research Tool

*Each occupation has an official name and unique number called the 'National Occupation Classification' code or 'NOC'.

Professional Resources

The Opticians of Manitoba
The regulatory body for Opticians in the province of Manitoba

Opticians Association of Canada
Represents approximately 6000 opticians across Canada

Education

Red River College

Ophthalmic Dispensing
International Education
English as a Second Language Programs
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Related Careers

Optometrists (NOC 3121)

Optometrist Assistant (NOC 3414)

Ophthalmologists (NOC 3111)