Success Stories: From Survival Job with Amazon to Project Manager

On 18th December 2023, Ken reluctantly applied for a Senior Project Manager position after being troubled by his spirit all day. Little did he know that his whole world was about to change.

This is not an ordinary success story but one of sacrifice, hard work and resilience. Our aim is to inspire you…yes, YOU (don’t look around for someone else 😊) to take control of your destiny against all odds as Ken did.

Ken was a banker who had climbed to mid-level management in one of the top banks in Nigeria, however, in search of a better life for his family he decided to relocate them to Canada.

In November 2022, Ken landed with his family in Canada. While settling in, he was also asking one of the most fundamental questions we all ask – How can I secure a great job in Canada without losing all my valuable years of experience? During this period he spoke with a friend who told him about TCA’s PM program and the successes that TCA has had in transforming lives.

Ken knew straightaway that he had found the solution. He quickly registered and started the program but there was one problem! Ken needed to return to Nigeria and will now need to join the project meetings at 12 midnight Nigerian time i.e. 7 pm EST. Ken’s resolve to secure a PM job and rejoin his family permanently surpassed any hurdle that stood in the way as he planned and always joined the sessions at midnight every week.

In June 2023, Ken decided to resign from his job in Nigeria and rejoin his family in Canada. Ken did not want to keep "converting Nigerian Naira to Canadian dollars" so he secured a temporary role at Amazon – a "survival job" while he pursued his true calling in project management. He started applying for PM jobs. His journey was met with initial setbacks – two unsuccessful interviews. However, an insightful post-interview feedback from his second interview was a turning point. It highlighted that it was his response to just one question that made the difference between himself and the candidate who was selected. Ken knew he was close, tantalizingly close. He decided to double down on his efforts.

December, a time of celebration for many, was a period of intense focus and growth for Ken. While the world celebrated, he honed his skills, refined his interview techniques, and relentlessly applied for roles.

Fate intervened. On the morning of 18th of December 2023 – Ken saw a job posting for a PM role – the application window was closing at midnight on the same day. At first glance it seemed like a more senior role, so Ken quickly decided not to take action. However, throughout the day his spirit kept saying to him – apply for this role – you never know. So Ken in a bid to quieten his spirit, reluctantly applied for the role. As part of the application, he had to tailor his resume and amplify a role that he performed over 15 years ago which was extremely relevant to this prospective position. Little did he know that his life was about to completely change.

The response from the company was swift and promising. Within 24 hours, Ken noticed that a recruiter from the company had viewed his profile and within 3 days, he was scheduled for two interviews. Ken, ever the strategist, turned to his mentor and the Interview Masterclass course at TCA for preparation.

The first one was a breeze and the second one was equally straightforward. After the second interview, Ken did something we advise our students to do which is to send a thank you note. The result was almost instantaneous – 15 minutes after sending the thank you note, Ken received a verbal offer, followed by a request for references.

Ken's journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of continuous learning. His key lessons? Leverage every experience, never underestimate your worth, and above all, prepare meticulously. His story, from midnight classes in Nigeria to an incredible Program Manager position in Canada, is not just inspiring; it's a masterclass in determination and the art of the possible.

You can be next…Remember it always seems impossible until it is done.

If you're looking to break into the tech industry, The Career Accelerators can help you achieve your career goals. Book a call with us today to learn more about our courses and how we can help you succeed.