From Canada Dreams to Career Nightmares: My Job Hunt Struggles

• When Dapo Bankole made the leap from Nigeria to Canada in 2012, he carried a wealth of IT knowledge, but the reality of job hunting hit hard.
• After months of searching, he found himself doing minimum-wage work just to keep his family afloat.
• He believes that employers were overlooking his applications due to his lack of Canadian experience.

This captivating narrative is based on a lively conversation with Dapo Bankole, age 47, who shared his journey of moving from Nigeria to Canada. What follows has been crafted for better engagement and clarity.

My Canadian dream ignited back in 1993 while I was still in Nigeria. I remember sitting for an important exam, driven by my brother’s friend who had a spark of adventure in his eyes. Months later, I learned he had moved to Canada, marking the first time I glimpsed the possibility of relocating to a new land. Instantly, a dream took root in my heart.

With a degree in biochemistry and a postgraduate certification in computer science, I dove into the IT world for over 12 years back home, mastering computer engineering, billing administration, and team leadership along the way. My longing to emigrate shaped not only my career but also my personal life; I shared this dream with my wife early on, ensuring we were on the same page.

In 2012, after successfully securing permanent residency, I packed my bags and set off for Canada with my wife and our two children. The prospect of new beginnings was exhilarating, but reality soon set in.

It took me nearly nine grueling months to land a professional position. As I struggled to provide for my family, I realized I was often passed over due to my lack of “Canadian experience.” It felt like a cruel paradox: how could I gain local experience if no one would hire me?

Hunting for Opportunities: Silence from Employers

Upon arriving, we temporarily stayed with my sister—thankfully, she had paved the way before us. My wife, who had a banking career in Nigeria, decided to pursue her passion for fashion, heading back to school while I embarked on an intense job search.

Despite my efforts to apply for analyst and project manager roles, I found myself staring at rejection after rejection. Peers suggested I tweak my résumé, and when I removed references to Nigeria, suddenly the phone started ringing!

It became painfully clear that my international qualifications were often met with skepticism. Recruiters delicately inquired about my experience, and when I explained it was outside Canada, the conversations fizzled out. It was disheartening to see such a clear barrier to entry, yet I remained determined.

Facing Reality: Minimum Wage Struggles

As weeks turned into months, I reluctantly applied for low-wage jobs just to make ends meet. Life in Canada was pricey, and my savings were dwindling. I took a position at a call center for $10 an hour, followed by night shifts as a grocery clerk and unloading cargo at the airport.

I kept my days open for professional opportunities, unwilling to get stuck in low-wage work. But this choice came at a cost; I barely saw my children, who were fast asleep when I returned home. The distance began to strain our family dynamic, making me question if leaving Nigeria had been worth it.

Our living situation was starkly different—where we had been comfortable in Nigeria, we now found ourselves in a basement, scrambling to cover basic needs. I vividly recall a day when I had just $10 to decide between food or gas. It was a situation I never thought I’d be in.

Returning to Nigeria would mean starting from scratch, so we resolved to push through the challenges of adapting to our new home.

Finding Support: Mentorship and a Breakthrough

As my job hunt dragged on, I battled dwindling confidence and self-doubt. But then, I found a lifeline through an organization that supported immigrant professionals. They offered me a loan to attend a short training course, where I interacted with others in my field, leading discussions and gradually regaining my confidence.

I also joined a mentorship program that advocated on behalf of immigrants. Though it didn’t guarantee jobs, it opened doors by leveraging social networks. They secured me an unpaid opportunity, which eventually led to a full-time role as a business analyst. Meanwhile, I juggled my night shifts for extra income.

Once I finally got my foot in the door, the path ahead began to clear. After two years in the analyst role, I was headhunted for a senior position, and in 2015, I launched my own business, leading a team of six in software development and consultancy.

A Call for Change: Embracing Diverse Talent

The mentorship program was pivotal for me, but it shouldn’t be the only way for immigrants to gain Canadian experience. It’s time for employers to recognize that skills and experience are not confined by borders. Hiring based solely on local experience overlooks valuable talent that can significantly contribute to the economy.

Immigration should empower individuals, allowing them to adapt and apply their skills in a new environment. It’s about offering second chances and creating opportunities—because everyone deserves the chance to succeed.

Have you experienced relocation and its impact on your career? Share your story with us!