Al-Amin Ozovehe Sadiq

I began my academic journey with a degree in accounting from the University of Lagos in Nigeria. During and after my studies, I worked in various roles, including administrative support, customer-facing positions, and business development. Those experiences exposed me to how organizations operate on the ground, not just on paper, and they sparked a deeper interest in how processes, people, and systems come together to drive results.

Over time, I realized that many of the challenges I encountered in these roles were not people problems, but system problems. I became increasingly interested in how technology, data, and automation could be used to improve efficiency, decision-making, and overall business performance. That realization pushed me to pivot toward management with a strong focus on digital innovation and emerging technologies.

I chose Canada because of its reputation for high-quality education, openness to international talent, and strong emphasis on innovation and technology. UNF stood out because of its forward-thinking curriculum and focus on digital transformation and AI within a management context. It aligned closely with my goal of building a career at the intersection of strategy, technology, and human-centred thinking.

Choosing UNF wasn’t just about earning another degree. It was about positioning myself in an environment that encourages innovation, practical learning, and global perspectives, which is exactly the foundation I wanted for my long-term career path.

Moving to Canada was both an exciting opportunity and a significant adjustment. One of the early successes was learning how to adapt quickly to a new academic and professional environment. Navigating a different education system, workplace culture, and expectations pushed me to become more self-aware, disciplined, and intentional about how I approached my goals. Over time, I was able to secure part-time work, build professional relationships, and gain confidence in communicating my value, which were important milestones in settling into life here.

At the same time, the transition came with challenges. Starting with no Canadian experience meant facing rejection, uncertainty, and moments of self-doubt. There were times when it felt like progress was slow, especially while balancing academics, work, and adjusting to a new country. Understanding unspoken workplace norms, building a professional network from scratch, and managing the emotional weight of being far from home were all real parts of the journey.

What made the difference was support. Career Services at UNF played a key role, particularly through one-on-one guidance that helped me refine my resume, articulate my skills, and approach the job search strategically. Faculty, peers, and fellow international students also provided encouragement, shared experiences, and practical advice that reminded me I wasn’t navigating the process alone. Beyond formal support, developing resilience, staying open to feedback, and being willing to learn from every experience helped me move forward.

Overall, the process of moving to Canada taught me that progress is rarely linear. Success often comes from combining patience, adaptability, and the willingness to seek help. Looking back, the challenges were just as important as the wins, because they shaped the mindset and confidence I now carry into the next stage of my academic and professional journey.

Currently, I’m working in two part-time roles while studying full-time. One role is more customer-facing, where I interact directly with people on a daily basis, and the other is more operations-oriented, supporting administrative and organizational processes. Together, these roles give me a well-rounded view of how businesses function, both at the front line and behind the scenes.

I found these opportunities through a combination of persistence and using available resources strategically. I worked closely with Career Services to refine my resume and better articulate my transferable skills, and I applied through both online platforms and in-person outreach. In some cases, simply showing up, asking questions, and expressing genuine interest opened doors that online applications alone might not have.

What I’ve enjoyed most about these roles is the opportunity to continuously build and apply soft skills in real-world settings. Communicating with diverse people, adapting to fast-paced environments, managing responsibilities, and working as part of a team have all been incredibly valuable experiences. I’ve also appreciated learning how organizations operate in Canada, from workplace expectations to professional communication styles, which has helped me grow more confident and effective over time.

Overall, these experiences have reinforced the idea that even part-time roles can be powerful learning environments when you approach them with intention. They’ve helped me build a strong foundation, not just for employment, but for my long-term goal of growing into a strategic, technology-focused leadership role.

For students considering moving to Canada, my advice is to prepare early and stay open-minded. Take time to understand the education system, workplace culture, and expectations, as these can differ from what you may be used to. Be patient with yourself during the transition, as adjustment takes time, and progress is often gradual.

For those seeking volunteer or work opportunities, start by using the resources available to you, such as Career Services, the UNF Opportunity Board, and networking events. Focus on building transferable skills through volunteering or entry-level roles, even if they do not align perfectly with your long-term goals. These experiences help you gain Canadian workplace exposure, build confidence, and expand your professional network. Most importantly, be consistent, open to feedback, and proactive in seeking opportunities, as persistence and adaptability are key to success.

This testimonial was sourced from Edition 5 of Journeys, UNF's digital storybook. This edition explores how students navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and discover unexpected opportunities that help shape their long-term goals and personal growth.