Build Good Relationships - They are Bridges for Career Transition

I didn't feel the stress of looking for a job until I came to the US for my master’s degree. Let me tell you how a strong relationship helped me with my career changes.

In the past 6 years of my professional career, I never had to apply for jobs, yet I switched jobs from local to 2 Multinational. I began my career as a retail credit analyst and 9 months later, a friend contacted me about an opportunity, I took it and moved to the Insurance sector as a business Transformation Analyst.

This change was particularly important for my career. It was the stepping-stone to many new things in my career and enabled me to work at Microsoft.

This friend of mine who is now my brother always mentioned how I supported him by sharing a freelancing platform where we both worked as data analysts some years ago.

He knew I was good, and I just needed the opportunity.

He made sure I got the opportunity to do the assessment and followed up with me for the interview. And yes, I did not let him down. We were briefly on the same team before he moved to another organization.

I had a wonderful first year in the firm. I worked as a Data Analyst and Business Analyst. Yes, I was a Business Intelligence Engineer and also worked as a BA on a Mobile App development project at the same time.

One year later, I switched roles within the same firm and created the first Data Science team. I had a vision beyond the current industry situation in Nigeria, built a successful team, and delivered the most impactful projects in my career. It was amazing and career-changing for me to see machine learning models increasing revenue, cutting costs, and improving processes.

As I expected, I soon became the leader of the Data Management Office, with more responsibilities and new perspectives and skills. In this role, I managed the Data Science and the Data Governance team. Using my experience and with a strong team, I learned how to connect business strategies with data strategies. Led data architecture projects and increased data maturity across the org.

I was privileged to do many activities in data governance and management, from strategy to policies to implementation.

I also led the use of the Power Platform across the organizations. Training all staff, creating internal communities, and more.

4 years later, I received the message, that there is a chance for you at Microsoft.

This was from a friend who is now a brother too. I guess I am blessed with the gift of men. In his words;

Ola was always after my success. Always asking, what can I do to help you be more successful in your role?

He had just one opportunity to recommend someone in Africa for this role and Yes, Ola was the name.

At Microsoft, I had a chance to take on bigger challenges. During my time at Microsoft, I had a goal. I was given a great opportunity to speed up the training of Africans to fill the market skill gaps.

I spent my time helping people get skills they thought were only possible if they were hired. Yes, through well-designed training programs, I helped many get their first Data jobs and built a successful career.

There are many other achievements that I don't mention here because of space limits but take a look.

• First Job (I was referred)
• Second Job - Multinational (referred by a friend)
• 3rd Job - Microsoft (referred by a friend)

Do you see how thriving relationships can be a bridge for you?

Final lesson:

Show interest and care in the relationship. Be sincerely involved. Support their success and be yourself.

I am a Master's student and I am learning a lot about the job market. I think my current experience will inspire many who are struggling to find a job or those who are following me.

Every day, I am getting more insights into the job market and re-planning.

This is a stage for me and I know it has a meaning and I am enjoying the stage with patience and faith.

If this motivates you, Like and repost. Someone needs this right now.

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