₦airaland Forum

qanda:
HOW I SWITCHED CAREER TO SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND SECURED A FOREIGN REMOTE JOB.
…..After 8 Years Telecoms Engineering Career.

It is often said that Tech is the new oil and the future of work. The interest in a tech career has reached new heights in recent times due to the exciting opportunity of living in Nigeria and earning in foreign currency via remote work. As exciting as a remote job is, it takes determination to secure one. Here is an account of my transition to tech and remote work.

Upon graduation as an Electrical Engineer, my ambition was to practice my engineering craft in a multinational oil and gas or telecommunication firm. My career dream was fulfilled as I got employed by one of the Nigerian GSM operators shortly after graduation.

I had an engaging career as a telecoms engineer, but I needed more fulfilment and a better career prospect. I met a software developer at a friend’s wedding who enlightened me about his job and spoke about the prospects and financial gain. After meeting with the developer, I resolved to learn to code.

I started learning java using E-books. A notable E-book I used was: Java for dummies by Wiley Brand. It took a lot of effort and practice to grasp the OOP concepts. Several months into learning java, I decided to enrol for the Oracle Certified Associate Java Professional (OCAJP) exam to validate my skills. Preparations for the exam, lead to more research on java and a deep dive into algorithms. I wrote the Java exam in July 2015 and passed.

I took a break from coding for two years to focus on a master's degree. I however resumed and decided to learn android development after I connected with a senior android developer, who later became my mentor. I used the Newboston tutorial on youtube to learn android development. My experience in Java made it easier to learn android. However, I encountered a lot of brick walls along the way and I had to consult my senior android developer mentor. There were several times I almost gave up after encountering challenges, but I somehow managed to pull through. I did all my training while maintaining a full-time job as a telecoms engineer. I had to study and code in very uncomfortable and extreme conditions even while on active work responsibilities.

I needed to validate my skills with android projects and I needed a backend for the project. So I picked up PHP/MYSQL training. I went ahead to build the frontend and backend of a fully functional android app and hosted it on the google play store. Building a fully functional portfolio app was an integral part of my learning, as I had to learn several concepts, frameworks and best practices along the way.

In 2019, I decided to make a career switch to full-time software development. It was a very daunting task as all my over eight years of work experience was in telecoms engineering. It was difficult to prove that I had experience in software development even despite having a portfolio of a functional app. I kept applying for jobs for up to 2 years. While at it, I was taking up app development gigs. I wrote several tests and had several interviews until I finally got a job offer in 2021 with a Nigerian tech start-up. Job search could be very draining, but my advice to job seekers is never to give up. Keep honing your skills, take feedback from the interview process, and invest in constant CV review.

After working in the Nigerian startup for about 6 months, I decided to attempt the big one, which is a foreign remote Job. With my now relevant over 6 months full-time experience, I reshaped my CV and managed to present 5 years’ experience by framing my side gigs into experience. Getting a remote job is even more difficult than a local job, as you are competing with nationals from all over the world for the same opportunity. My focus was on android development and the recruitment process usually involved algorithm test and building a live project. I used LinkedIn a lot for my applications by setting notifications for android developer roles. I had several reject messages and frustration was setting in until I finally landed my first remote Job in April 2022.

The remote working experience is the dream of every software developer. It is a very herculean task and takes a lot of persistence and constant honing of your craft. It is however easier to get another remote job after the first. I am on my second remote job at the time of writing this article.

My advice to newbies in tech are as follows:

Read the full article and engage the author at the job test section (general subcategory) of Q and A App.

Install Q and A App on Playstore
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tolu.qanda

Realguyman1:
Why u come believe say Villarreal fit beat Liverpool and real Madrid nor fit beat man city?

CanotEngiE:
Sometimes when you notice that the VO wants more info say much, talk plenty, sell yourself, prove a point. Your transcript is too brief.
For instance where are you going? I’m going to the so and so state in US for masters in So and so, my research focus will be on So and so… explain with points. But I don’t know if you were also confident anyway, because once they smell some lies (proven or not) they can turn you down.

morjid:
My own view is he doesnt have to know the total number of people working for his brother ..then he should have said he as a company in Nigeria and south africa ...the vo knows hes anxious

EffortlessGrace:
PLEASE FAMILY, CAN ANYONE HERE HELP ME WITH A WRITING SAMPLE. THANKS

Fall2021:
Visa approved today at Abuja. Transcript coming up later. Looking for where to eat

UmmZayd:
If your initial visa fee is not up to a year, I don't think you need to pay another. One visa fee payment expires after a year except this has changed.

UmmZayd:
You can reapply if you want to but try and contact the school if they give you funding. Whether a tuition waiver or assistantship with GA position. Going back with any funding at all from the school will make a difference.

All the best

emmanuelle27:
perfect transcript from my own view,
Admission✓
Funding source (brother, company in SA)✓
Travel history✓
Home tie (has a job)✓

NA ONLY THE VO KNOW WHY EM DENY YOU

My recommendation/Opinion: Go again, but if you can get another school with some sort of funding, better!!
I don't know how you filled your DS form, you might want to look at it, GOOD LUCK.

Symphor24:
Hey beautiful people,

I need ours guidance,

I'm about to apply for an emergency Visa appointment and would like to know the supporting documents to upload to back up my request??

Pengdom:
Please my ds160 form is for lagos and I apply for interview for Abuja is that okay?

bnad:
Is there anyone who is also interested in doing mock interviews?

sourkandi:
Hi guys!
So I had my interview on Monday at Abuja, time slot was 9:15 but after all the processes and screening I had to go through, I was interviewed around 10:30.
VO was a handsome young man in his early 30s, slim, tall, blond hair, blue eyes.
Me:Good morning
VO:Good morning. So we are going to begin with you placing your fingers on the fingerprint scanner.
(Scanned my fingers and the real deal started)
VO: Pass me your documents
Me:Passes them
VO:Have you ever travelled out of Nigeria before?
Me:No I haven't
VO: When did you finish your SSCE?
Me:The November of 2020
VO:What have you been doing since then?
Me: I started learning new languages because I believe communication is important.
VO: Okay, name one of them
Mesmiling underneath my mask) Korean
VO: (smiling) why?
Me: (laughing) Because I really like K-dramas
VOsmiles) okay, so why Marymount University?
Me:Okay, Marymount is a small school with big ideas, apart from their excellent biochemistry program, the school is a small school which for me I think is important so international students can become easily acclimated to the culture in the US and overall, I have been in contact with the school and they have been really nice and eager for me to attend.
VO:Okay,so do you have any family in Virginia or anywhere in the US?
Me: I do not have any family in Virginia but my great grandmother's stepbrother lives in California.
VO:Okay, so what do you plan to do when you return?
Me: Okay, I plan to take up a job as a clinical biochemist at UPTH since Nigeria is really in need of those.
VO: I see you have a Deans Award, who is going to pay yout deficit?(Traces my sponsor's name on my I-20). Is that your mom or dad?
Me: My dad.
VO:And what does he do?
Me:He is a business man who buys and sells cars. He also owns a poultry and cassava farm.
VO:Okay, everything looks right with your application(picks up the white paper). This contains details in how to pick up your passport and um, keep yout I-20 well, you'll need it at the point of entry.
You haven't been outside Nigeria in the past two weeks right?
Me:Yes. (Nodding like an agama lizard) Thank you!
Collected my docs and sprinted out.
I wished everybody I met after that a lovely day because of happiness.


TIPS
DRESS COMFORTABLY. I saw people who over dressed and still got denied. Even a guy who wore a complete 3 piece suit with a hat got denied.
CONFIDENCE IS KEY. This was probably the hardest part for me because I am very shy. You can be talking to me and I'll be replying the ground. Work on your eye contact and try to keep your voice and upper body stable since they can't see your legs.
BE HONEST
BE EARLY AND ENSURE YOU HAVE ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS AND PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPH( in the correct dimensions). I even carried an affidavit, since me and my dad don't share the same surname.
PRAY PRAY PRAY. I prayed and kept on reciting 2 Timothy 1:7 till it was my turn.
The VO that interviewed me denied two people before me but mine was approved.
FILL YOUR DS-160 BY YOURSELF.
ASK YOURSELF IF YOU SOUND CONVINCING AND IF YOUR INFORMATION AND APPLICATION SEEMS RIGHT.
BELIEVE!
I just collected my passport here in Port Harcourt and I am so elated.
I wish everyone here success.

JamesNneoma:
2 to 3 days, i applied on Friday last two weeks and got a reply on Tuesday last week.

stone2x:
Hello House, Good day and thanks to everyone that has been contributing and helping people on this platform.

Please, I applied for Emergency Appointment this afternoon, how long will it take to get response from the Embassy.

Thank you.

luvmijeje:
See talk! If you are not married you are called names! We are shamed by families and by friends into marriage. We are been told if you don't settled down at 20's forget it at 30's. Society called women in their 30's different names. I understand why she couldn't wait

It takes a very very strong woman not to bend to pressure.

The single lives they are all afraid of is what they later end up with in their 30's and 40's but this time with kids. Is that not foolishness.

mcafeez:
I want to thank @Walspring for the SEVIS-FEE payment. I woke up to a confirmation email. If you are having issue with yours contact him.

tmann626:
Schedule an appointment first before you apply for emergency date

NigPatriot:
You want to spoonfed, but it's fine.
Click on "continue" then you'll see a calendar showing dates. Select anyone you find convenient, after doing this. You'll check the left hand side of the icons and see "emergency request"then proceed and do the needful. I'm sorry but if you still don't get it, I have no other explanation to give you.

tmann626:
I think @ Nig Patriot has explained everything you need to do in details. Log on to the CGI, on the left side of the page. Click on emergency request and make sure you write a convincing reasons why you needed the expedited date, attach your[b] i-20, sevis payment receipt[/b], admission letter etc. Good luck

NigPatriot:
I currently don't take DMs. Just ask anything you want here. As much as I can and if I can to the best of my knowledge I'll respond. But just follow the proceedure I gave you in my last message you'll be fine.

NigPatriot:
Go back to previous 10 pages you'll find what you're looking for.

Summary; select any appointment date you find available. After that, you'll see the "Emergency request" bar click on it, and state your emergency ; compose a compelling message and attach your i20 together with your Sevis receipt. Make sure you include your program start date in the message. Ideally it's should be approved if your PSD is within 60 days, also if you haven't been denied within the past 2 months (although this is subjective).

All the best.

Righteousness89:
As a Firm Believer In the Bible Who does not Believe in Divorce and Remarry .

My Advice to FFK is either to Remain Single or to Go back to the First Woman he Married!

I Advice All to as much as Possible keep your Home off the Public!
Keep your Home off Social Media..

You attract so many Enemies and Spirits to your Home by Doing that