Ian Howard Sabiiti

My journey into financial services began over a decade ago in the banking halls of Kampala, Uganda. I started as a teller at Stanbic Bank. Over time, I advanced to the role of Credit Officer at Cairo International Bank. Later, I transitioned to Prudential Assurance Uganda Limited, spending nearly seven years helping families secure their financial futures through insurance solutions. Through these roles, I saw firsthand how financial guidance can transform lives, and I knew I wanted to grow further in the field.

To expand my career and global perspective, I realized that pursuing advanced education was essential. Canada stood out because of its world-class education system, multicultural society, and thriving financial sector. When I learned about the Master of Management program at the University of Niagara Falls Canada, it felt like the perfect fit. The program promises the leadership training, strategic knowledge, and international exposure I needed to complement my practical experience.

Relocating to Canada was both exciting and overwhelming. Leaving behind a strong career, my family, and the familiarity of Kampala meant stepping out of my comfort zone completely. The process of securing a study permit, finding accommodation, and preparing for a drastically different climate and culture added to the challenge.

One of the toughest parts was figuring out how to enter the Canadian job market. Back home, I had built a strong reputation and network, and in Canada, I was starting from scratch. It quickly became clear that Canadian employers place a high value on local experience. While my decade of international experience was respected, I still needed Canadian workplace exposure to be competitive. This realization was humbling, but it also strengthened my determination.

Thankfully, UNF provided invaluable support. The International Student Advisors were helpful before and after arriving in Canada, and I still consult with them from time to time. Career Services guided me on tailoring my resume to Canadian standards and helped me understand employer expectations. Equally important was connecting with fellow international students. We shared experiences, gave each other advice, and built friendships that made the journey feel less isolating.

Volunteering became another powerful tool for integration. It helped me gain practical experience, build a local network, and feel connected to the Niagara community. In November 2025, I secured my first job in Canada as a store associate at Dollarama. The opportunity came through networking during a volunteer event, where a fellow student told me about a job fair. That connection led me to meet the Dollarama hiring team, and it opened the door to my first Canadian workplace experience.

Although retail is very different from my background in banking and insurance, this role has been extremely valuable. I assist customers, process transactions, restock shelves, and ensure the store remains organized. Through this job, I’ve learned about Canadian workplace culture, communication styles, teamwork, punctuality, and the strong emphasis on customer service. It showed me that sometimes, rebuilding your career in a new country requires taking stepping-stone roles that may seem unrelated but are meaningful in the long run.

Volunteering has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life in Canada. Since arriving, I’ve participated in more than ten community events, including African Women Acting, Project SHARE, the Carifalls Carnival, the mayor’s birthday barbecue, the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival (twice), Diwali celebrations, and various UNF events such as the Fall Festival, New Student Orientation, and Open House. I also volunteered at the Elevate Festival in Toronto. Currently, I serve as a volunteer coordinator for the Niagara Festival of Lights. This position allows me to support fellow volunteers and contribute to one of the region’s most cherished events. Volunteering has taught me about Canadian culture, community engagement, and the value of giving back. Each event has been an opportunity to learn, meet new people, and build a sense of belonging.

Based on my journey so far, here is my advice for students preparing to transition to Canada:

• Be open to starting anywhere. Your first Canadian job may not align with your previous career, but it is a crucial step toward building your future here.
• Volunteer actively. Volunteering helps you build Canadian experience, expand your network, practice communication skills, and gain confidence. Many of my opportunities, including my job at Dollarama, came through volunteer connections.
• Network early and consistently. Use LinkedIn, connect with UNF alumni, and join student groups to learn more about your field and uncover opportunities.
• Access Career Services. They can help you prepare your resume, build interview skills, and understand what Canadian employers look for.

This journey has taught me that success in Canada comes from patience, persistence, and embracing every opportunity that helps you grow.

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.