Are you the smart one or the certificate piler?

Hello, new local👋

In today’s Newsletter:

• Are you the smart one or the certificate piler?

• This Nigerian is passionate about helping new immigrants settle down in Canada

• Top opportunities of the week

How are you doing today? 

Everything good? Every Nice? Or do you want to rant a bit about it? Hit me up, I’m all ears.

So while I was putting together this newsletter, I realized that the majority of Africans have been conditioned to follow a traditional path: go to school, get high grades and get a job. Rinse and repeat for the next generation.

Now you’ve left your country for Canada, I’m sure you left to carve out a better future for yourself and your next generation. Sadly, you can’t win on a new turf with old tricks.

Think about this, Koreans, Vietnamese, and Asians in general have a higher chance of moving into the middle class much faster than most Africans do no matter how fast we start.

Strangely, if there was an Oscar award for the number of degrees acquired, Africans, especially Nigerians would win every time! But we seem to be falling really short when it comes to entrepreneurship, upward mobility, social integration, etc.

To live and thrive in a developed and ‘global” country, you need a perspective shift.

• When you want to start a business, think outside your people. Come on! If you only wanted to serve Kenyans or Nigerians, you should have stayed back home. I see most of you starting restaurants targeting only Africans like yourself, that’s like 2-5% of the entire population.

• So you travelled via the School route, it doesn’t have to continue that way. You’re getting 4 Phds but 15 years down the line, there’s a high chance that the Asian with a business can afford to send their kids to college without taking student loans while you struggle with debt.

• I believe in going all out. Wake up! You already left home. Stop living within the confines of your cultural expectations.

I’m not against getting a certificate or two if that’s your passion. But I’m against thinking that’s the only way to thrive.

There’s so much waiting for you here in Canada. But you can only access this world of opportunities if you can stop piling those certificates for a minute and think about what skills and experiences you already have.

What are you currently doing in Canada beyond your 9-5 or certificate piling?

INSPIRE ✨

“As I watched this newly-arrived family at the BBQ, I realized my family were no longer the young newcomers trying to figure out a life in Canada. Instead, my siblings and I were part of the established generation of Nigerian Canadians who now have responsibilities toward the next generation of immigrants.”

Dami Fakolujo, who moved from Nigeria to Canada with his family 11 years ago, recently took the oath of Canadian citizenship, reflecting on his journey from newcomer to established Canadian. Grateful for the support he received as a newcomer and inspired by the kindness he received, Dami now feels a responsibility to help the next generation of immigrants settle into their new lives in Canada.

COMMUNITY CORNER 🔗

Transitioning into Canadian professional life comes with its fair share of surprises. From workplace customs to everyday interactions, the cultural journey is full of eye-opening moments. As people who have navigated the rollercoaster of cultural transitions, we know firsthand how impactful those 'aha' moments can be.

We are eager to learn about your own experiences – the good, the bad, the unexpected, and the downright hilarious! Reach out to us below 👇

LOOK WHO’S HIRING! 💼

Clio

• Lead Executive Assistant (CEO)

• Senior Financial Analyst

• Senior Manager, Sales, Mid-market

• Software Manager, Development - CalendarRules Team

• MLOps/Software Developer - Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

Jobber

• Senior Manager, People Partnerships

• Motion Graphic Designer

• Security Analyst, Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)

• Security Awareness & Engagement Analyst- Operations

Ardene

• Assistant Manager

• Creative Copywriter

• Digital Media Manager

• Sales Associate (Part-time)

See more jobs

HERE’S WHAT’S UP 🤝

• Is Canada's Support for Immigration Dropping? Younger Canadians are now showing a clear change in popular attitudes.

• If you’ve been wondering about the quickest way to Canadian PR in 2024. Read this update so you can plan for the future.

• Working Off-Campus in Canada? Canada restricts international student work hours to prioritize academic focus.

• Is Trudeau in Hot Water? 68% of Canadians seem to want him out.

• Check This Out: A new report from Food Banks Canada shows that 25 per cent of Canadians are experiencing a poverty standard of living.

TOP RESOURCES FOR YOU 🗃️

Education and Skill Development 

• If you’re looking to skill up, here are the top 4 free vocational training opportunities in Canada for international students.

• Now, these vocational courses not only boost your career prospects but also come with significantly lower tuition fees

• This program at HRSDC equips interns with cross-cultural skills and Canadian workplace insights for career success. Learn more.

• Stay tuned to year-round learning about skills and career paths through exciting programs and initiatives.

• Get paid while you learn. Here are Canada's top co-op programs in 2024 

Health and Well-being

• Overwhelmed with work? Beneva has some tips to help you take care of your mental health and wellbeing in the workplace

• Waiting can be exhausting. Here are 4 ways to keep calm while waiting for college acceptance letters

Cultural Integration

• New to Canada? Don’t fret - here’s how to succeed at work

• Your go-to guide for surviving Canada: Dos and don'ts (you got this!)

DON’T MISS THESE! 👔

• Global Citizen Life Virtual Summit | Learn More

• How To Create A Mindset For Success & Start A Business In 2024 [Selling Fast] | Learn More 

• JAPA: The Block Party | Canada Day Celebration | Learn More

• Relaunch Your Stagnant Business in 2024 [Selling Fast] | Learn More

SOME TOOLS YOU SHOULD CHECK OUT! 👔

• MarketMuse - optimize your website effortlessly with personalized SEO insights that enhance your content's performance

• Uizard's AI - create stunning, professional designs effortlessly and quickly, without any coding required

• Krisp - Krisp can enhance your meetings by reducing noise, providing clear sound, and offering transcription and recording.

• Humata - summarize lengthy texts with AI chat for quicker comprehension and productivity

• AskCodi - enhances coding with AI, suggestions, workbooks, and productivity tools across languages

You definitely know someone else who’ll benefit from this newsletter. Don’t gate keep😌