Sansan iOS engineer who secured Canadian part-time work within months via CICCC co-op
After ~4 years on Sansan’s Eight iOS app, Kotaro used CICCC’s co-op path and landed part-time mobile work about 3–4 months after arriving in Canada.
モバイルエンジニア
Profile
Kotaro is a mobile engineer who moved from a Japan mega-venture iOS role into Canadian work while still a student. Age band: 20s. City not stated in attributes.
Current role
Mobile engineer at a Canadian company (HQ referenced in Nanaimo / Vancouver Island context; exact city of residence not stated). Started as part-time iOS (Swift), later shifted toward React Native mobile work with occasional Python backend at company direction.
Japan experience
Prior experience. New graduate at Sansan; about four years as iOS engineer on the Eight business-card networking app (feeds, notifications, card exchange features)—iOS client only, no Android/backend. Strong engineering culture and mentoring. TOEIC around 800 before departure; weekly conversation practice in Japan.
Path to Canada / North America
Chose Canada and co-op over working holiday after Frog YouTube guidance; enrolled at CICCC (Web and Mobile Application Development diploma: ~1 year coursework + ~1 year internship-focused). COVID delayed travel ~6–12 months while Sansan kept him employed. Arrived April 2021 and job-hunted immediately; technical upside from classes was limited, English classroom exposure helped.
Outcome
Part-time role at current employer by August 2021 (~3–4 months after arrival; attributes list monthsToOffer: 4). Continued studies while working; later converted/expanded responsibilities including React Native. Visa support from employer noted.
Based on Frog’s Japanese-language interview. English summary for scanning (partners / employers). Original interview (Japanese)