By Abel Pagaling
In this interview, we explore the journey of Semirah Dosunmu, a product manager in the financial sector, who has navigated her way through various challenges and opportunities since immigrating to Canada. Born and raised in Nigeria, Semirah’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community.
Stay resilient in the face of setbacks. The journey of an immigrant is often fraught with challenges, but perseverance and a supportive community can make a significant difference.
Background
Semirah Dosunmu was born and raised in Nigeria. She later moved to the UK for education and work before returning to Nigeria for eight years. She then immigrated to Canada. In Nigeria, she worked as a product manager at one of the country’s top banks. Her decision to move to Canada was influenced by her desire to be closer to her family, who were spread across England and the US.
The Decision to Immigrate
The idea to move to Canada came from a conversation with a friend. Semirah recalls, “A friend of mine was moving to Canada and she suggested I should try it too.” Surprisingly, her immigration process was very smooth. “Every time I tell my story, people don’t believe it, because I don’t know if that’s, if that’s record time.”
Initial Challenges
Upon arriving in Canada, Semirah faced a rough start. Despite holding an MBA and having extensive experience, she struggled to find a job that matched her qualifications. “I found myself at some point applying for jobs in like Walmart, just to ensure that I had like income,” she said. The first six months were marked by frustration and a sense of disconnection from the community.
Building a Community
The initial lack of community was a significant challenge for Semirah. With only one friend as her initial support system, she found it difficult to connect with others and feel a sense of belonging.
The loss of a relative shortly after her arrival further compounded her sense of isolation and mourning away from her family. “It was really hard to connect with other people… feeling a sense of belonging,” she reflected.
Adapting to a New Life
Despite these challenges, Semirah found solace in Calgary, a city that evoked a sense of nostalgia reminiscent of her university days in the UK. “I love Calgary. I’ve been to one or two other parts of Canada that I would not compare Calgary to. So I’m grateful for that,” she shared.
The slower pace of life in Calgary, compared to cities like Toronto, allowed her to gradually build a stable life and career.
Career Progression and Cultural Adjustments
Adjusting to the Canadian workplace culture was a significant hurdle. Semirah experienced layoffs and the subtle, often indirect ways of handling workplace issues in Canada, which contrasted sharply with the more direct approach she was used to. “I was laid off, you know, without, you don’t really get a sense of what you’ve done wrong. And that was a huge culture shock for me,” she explained. Despite these setbacks, she remained determined to stay within her field, strategically aligning her skills with available opportunities.
The slower pace of life in Calgary, compared to cities like Toronto, allowed her to gradually build a stable life and career.
Support Systems
Semirah sought support from various agencies, with mixed results. While some agencies felt like they were trying to meet quotas rather than providing meaningful assistance, others, like CIWA (a women-focused organization), offered valuable resources. Through CIWA, Semirah participated in workshops that helped her understand Canadian workplace culture, which she found foundational for her career progression.
“In terms of career as well, I didn’t get as much as I needed from them… but I did a workshop or a seminar with them for like a four-week workshop on workplace culture in Canada… those are one of the first few fundamental, foundational building blocks that have helped me to thrive,” she said.
Finding Community and Stability
Over time, Semirah successfully built a community of friends and former colleagues in Calgary. This network provided the support and sense of belonging she initially missed. “I’ve been able to build my community… and that, I think, amongst everything that is going on right now, is what is making it easy to kind of just have that community of friends,” she noted.
Advice to new immigrants
Reflecting on her journey, Semirah offers valuable advice to new immigrants:
1. Value of Community: “Do not underestimate the value of a community. I came with a mindset of, oh, I’ve lived abroad before, I should be fine. But I never thought about the importance of actually having a community around where I was before.”
2. Career Planning: “Have a solid career plan and a backup plan. Understand the job market and be prepared for the challenges of finding employment. Ensure your plans include a pathway for achieving your goals without significant detours.”
3. Adaptability: “Be prepared for cultural differences and the need to adapt. Participate in programs that help you understand the nuances of the Canadian workplace.”
4. Resilience: “Stay resilient in the face of setbacks. The journey of an immigrant is often fraught with challenges, but perseverance and a supportive community can make a significant difference.”
Semirah Dosunmu’s journey from Nigeria to Canada is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite the initial challenges, she has built a successful career and a supportive community in Calgary. Her story highlights the importance of community, adaptability, and strategic planning for new immigrants seeking to build a new life in Canada.
