Croat in Canada: “More Opportunities and More Multi-Cultural”

With hundreds of Croats turning up to the Canadian Job Fair in the capital Zagreb this week for an opportunity to land a job in Canada as Canadian employment agency Global Hire looks for 150 Croatian workers, Croatia Week spoke to one Croatian who is coming to the end of his working visa in Canada. University of Business and Management graduate Branko Katusic (28) has been in Canada on a work visa for the past 12 months.

Branko, where are you from in Croatia, and where are you living now? I am originally from the capital Zagreb. I am now living in Albert, Calgary in Canada. I am here on a 1 year work visa.

Where are you working? I am an analyst at a firm called Baker Hughes in Calgary, which is one of the world’s largest oilfield services companies.

What are the main differences between Calgary and Zagreb? I would say the main differences are that Calgary is very multi-cultural compared to Zagreb. Another difference is the job opportunities here compared to home.

What do you miss about Croatia?  I miss the food and my pets.

What do you do in your spare time there and do you want to stay in Canada? My free time in Canada is limited as I am working very hard, I have seen Banff and Sunshine Mountain whilst I have been here. I would like to stay here because the life style is different and interesting.

Branko Katusic

Branko, is set to return to Croatia shortly as his work permit expires, hopes to use his experience gained in Canada back in his homeland, and he wants to send a message out to any perspective employees in Croatia who maybe reading.

“I am a hard-working and self-motivated individual with a diverse professional background. Enthusiastic, honest and direct in all I do. I have a pragmatic and proactive approach to problem solving. I enjoy organizing and delivering high value and creative solutions in both my professional and personal life. Through my professional career I have proven my ability in both real and in training situations to deliver under high pressure and stressful work conditions. I believe I can offer excellent communication, time management and negotiation skills combined with loyalty, realism and enthusiasm to any team”, says Branko.

Any perspective employees can contact Branko via email: [email protected] or check out his Linkedin profile.