In this article from our HR blog, we want to highlight the journeys of some of our many French colleagues who made the leap to settle in Quebec.
Our company is always on the lookout for professionals ready for this big challenge. Will our colleagues‘ testimonials convince you?
- Meet Jérémy Marcillou, Project Manager in Mechanical Engineering.
Why did you choose Merkur?
I go where the wind takes me. I feel at home everywhere, and everything interests me. Despite this lack of determination, there was still some thought behind it. In my opinion, an engineer’s personal experience is built on diversity. You need to see many things, educate yourself, and be curious. It’s by drawing inspiration from this that you find the right solution to your problems. I wanted to work outside my homeland to seek this diversity: that was my first criterion. The second was to find a new professional challenge—I was very involved in the field but lacked the necessary perspective and project management structure that I wanted. One day, a former colleague told me about the Journées Québec event, where Merkur was offering a position that matched exactly what I was looking for, so I applied, and here I am today.
Did you know Quebec before moving here?
Not at all, except for the clichés. My partner knew more because she had studied in Montreal for six months, but saying you know Quebec just because you’ve been to Montreal is also a cliché. So, we discovered Quebec as soon as we arrived.
How is your experience in the region?
Calling it a “region” is a bit of an exaggeration—I used to work in a town of 2,000 inhabitants for a factory with 1,200 employees, so the experience in a region can be far more unsettling than in Sherbrooke. Even though I grew up on a farm, you don’t need that to appreciate life here. The small towns around Sherbrooke host enough events throughout the summer, which is great for preparing for winter. Life in the region is simple and easy, so it’s perfect for my partner and me.
The welcome at Merkur is very warm and caring. My professional experience has been very enriching, and I am pleasantly surprised by the structure and quality that Merkur can provide to its clients.
Would you make the same choices if you had to do it all over again?
Yes and no. When we discussed the project with my partner, we set one condition: both of us needed to find fulfillment in this adventure. We didn’t anticipate that the healthcare system would throw a wrench into our plans, which has affected us. The pandemic was a significant obstacle. This issue is still present and exhausting, but everything else has been falling into place rather well, so I think I would make the same choices.
In the end, through a random conversation, I found myself in Sherbrooke, and I’m happy to be working for Merkur. You could say that fate works in mysterious ways.
- Meet Romain Chevry, Mechanical Design Technician.
What were the reasons behind your decision to immigrate to Quebec?
I decided to immigrate and leave France in April 2021. This decision was made together with my wife. The reasons are numerous: thanks to my wife’s job (a military officer in the French Navy), we lived for three years in French Polynesia and three years in New Caledonia. This experience fostered our love for travel, discovery, and broadened our perspectives. However, each time we returned to mainland France, we noticed a negative evolution in our country (in terms of culture, society, security, and the future for our children). In short, we felt increasingly out of sync with our country (from our point of view). My wife reached a turning point in her career that required her to reflect on her short-term professional future. This allowed me to focus more on my professional future and make some decisions.
For the future of our children (two daughters), we want the best, and as a result, we are open to all possibilities. We were looking for a place that combined family life, calm and security, education, real estate opportunities, and satisfying professional opportunities for me (a strong industrial sector).
What motivated your choice to settle in Quebec and the city of Sherbrooke?
The high demand in my field of work and the qualities of Sherbrooke immediately won us over. It had to be Quebec, and preferably Sherbrooke, because:
- French language = easier integration and communication
- Snowy and cold winter climate (skiing nearby)
- Vast spaces, forests, lakes, and mountains
- Economic growth and strong industry
- Safety
- Education system with many schools and universities
Why did you choose Merkur?
After researching the steps required for us to immigrate to Quebec, the best solution for our situation was to obtain a closed work permit tied to my professional skills. I carefully selected job offers on Indeed, Journées Québec, and other sites. I had a video interview in July 2021 with a consulting company, but it was unsuccessful.
Then, through a contact, I got in touch with HR at Merkur, and everything moved very quickly. Merkur offered the opportunity to work in the Sherbrooke area with companies like BRP, Lion, and others. Perfect. I made contact in early August 2021, signed my contract in September, and the administrative process began. Merkur handled the Quebec side, and I took care of the Canada side. We finally arrived as a family on June 29, 2022, and I joined Merkur on July 8, 2022.
I want to particularly thank Béatrice Chomeau from the HR team, who considered my application. Without her, I wouldn’t be here today. Along with her HR colleague Audrey Roy, they were attentive and available. I thank them immensely for their professionalism and kindness.
What has your experience been like since you arrived?
Our experience with long-distance moves was a huge advantage in managing this transition smoothly. So far, aside from a few administrative hiccups and high inflation, we haven’t had any major surprises.
We are perfectly satisfied both professionally and as a family.
My integration at Merkur has been made easy by the entire company. My supervisor is attentive. The administrative and HR staff are competent, available, and caring (and of course, always with a smile and good humor). I’m currently working on assignment at BRP, which aligns perfectly with my desires.
After nearly four months in Quebec (already!!!), we believe we made the right choice.
Do Jérémy and Romain’s testimonials inspire you to join our team?
