Gwenhael: his Canadian journey
Gwenhael, an Astek consultant for 6 years, recently moved to Canada where he continues his Astek journey. He shares his career path and his new life in the land of the caribou with us.
What were your first steps into engineering?
A graduate of ESEO Angers in 2002, I already had the desire to go abroad, particularly to North America, to discover different ways of working and live the “American dream.” After 12 years in another company, I joined the Astek Group in Rennes in 2016. During my interviews, I had already mentioned my wish to work abroad. I knew that with the Group’s growth, this opportunity would eventually come.
How did your career evolve at Astek before your big departure?
From the moment I joined, I worked as a QA tester in automation. I was evolving in an agile environment, in highly in-demand roles on the other side of the Atlantic. In 2017, I took advantage of a vacation in Montreal to visit the Astek Canada teams. The connection was immediate, which confirmed my desire to try the experience. My manager in Rennes then helped me prepare my international mobility application.
How did the mobility process to Canada unfold?
Since 2019, Astek has strongly promoted mobility between France and Canada. Like any candidate, I went through interviews with recruiters, then with the General Manager of the Canadian offices. Once the contract was signed, I was supposed to leave in 2020, but the pandemic delayed my departure. During this waiting period, the Canadian teams showed great care and ensured close follow-up to keep the project alive.
What does your new life in Canada look like since your arrival?
I finally arrived in September 2021. I was able to count on the support of the Group’s mobility department for all administrative procedures and on-site organization. I am currently working on a project at Vidéotron as a QA tester. Although I work remotely for the client, I spend most of my time in the Astek Canada offices in Montreal. The integration has been incredible: other expatriates willingly share their advice for adapting, whether it’s managing the polar cold or daily life.
How do you manage the linguistic and cultural aspects in Montreal?
While everyone speaks French in Quebec, Montreal remains a very cosmopolitan city. We often juggle with English. For example, the interviews I conduct for our Toronto offices are entirely in English. It’s a stimulating challenge that allows you to step out of your comfort zone.
What are your prospects for the rest of your adventure?
I don’t know yet how long I will stay, but I’m not ready to end the experience! Canada offers real technological challenges and many opportunities for growth. There’s a lot to build here.
What’s your daily ‘tip’ for those who are hesitant to expatriate?
My advice: go for it! Whatever the country, there will always be new landscapes, a different culture, and new ways of working to discover. Even if I sometimes miss the sea, stepping out of your comfort zone is extremely enriching. A few years abroad fly by!
