International Career Advice

Still using “Number of women trained” as your go-to gender indicator? You’re not alone, but it’s time we raised the bar. Counting women in a room doesn’t tell you: If they felt safe enough to speak. If the training challenged gender norms or reinforced them. If they left empowered (or exhausted.) The truth is, many logframes default to participation counts because they’re easy to measure. But what we really need are indicators that capture voice, agency, influence, and sustained change. This toolkit gives you: ✔ Practical examples of gender equality results that go beyond attendance ✔ Indicators for tracking attitude shifts, institutional change, and power redistribution ✔ Guidance on disaggregating data meaningfully, not just by sex, but also by vulnerability, access, and decision-making roles If you’re working in international development and serious about measuring gender equality (not just mentioning it) this toolkit is one to keep close. 🔥 Follow me for similar resources #indicators #GenderIndicators

In 2013-2014, I took a 2-year break and traveled to 30 countries with my wife. Everyone told me it would kill my decade-long tech career. But they were wrong. Recruiters don’t reject you because of a career break. They reject you because your resume makes it look like you disappeared. If your break looks like a blank space, they assume you stopped growing. That’s the real problem. The key is to show how you used that time to keep learning and building transferable skills. Here’s how you can make the career break work in your favor: → Document continuous learning. Did you complete certifications, attend workshops, or take online courses during your break? Put it under a section called “Professional Development.” It shows you stayed connected to your craft. → Highlight projects or freelance work. Even small consulting gigs, side projects, or volunteering count. Write them like a role: achievements, outcomes, skills used. → Reframe personal experiences into strengths. In my case, 2 years of international travel taught me problem-solving, adaptability, and navigating ambiguity, all core skills for product leadership. If your break was for caregiving, relocation, or health, show the resilience and discipline you gained. → Practice your narrative. In interviews, don’t sound apologetic. Own it. Say: “I took a planned break, and here’s how I used that time to grow and prepare for my next role.” Confidence shifts how panels perceive the gap. When I moved to Australia after my break, I struggled at first with 800+ applications and countless rejections. But once I learned how to tell my story and show the growth behind the gap, everything changed. A career break doesn’t end your career. Making it look like wasted time does. P.S. If you feel your career break is the reason you are not getting interviews, DM me. I’ll show you how to reframe it on your resume and in interviews, so it becomes proof of growth, and not a red flag.

From Cleaning Jobs in 2021 to a Corporate Role in 2023: The journey to success is rarely a straight line. When I decided to leave my corporate job to pursue a master's degree in a new country, it felt like starting over. The uncertainties about making ends meet, getting back on the career ladder, and rebuilding your life as an immigrant can be overwhelming. With the limitations of working as a student and the challenges of securing a job in a new environment, I found myself taking on blue-collar jobs. While there's dignity in every form of legitimate labour, it's crucial to stay focused on your end goal. Here are a few tips that helped me navigate this phase: 1. Keep the Big Picture in Mind: 
It's easy to get caught up in urgent tasks and lose sight of what truly matters in the long run. Between attending classes, completing coursework, working 20 hours a week, and maintaining your mental health, it can be hard to find time for job applications, interview prep, and upskilling. This is called the "tyranny of the urgent." Be mindful of this and try to carve out time for what’s important. 2. Put Systems in Place and Seek Support: 
Don’t go it alone. If you're short on time to search and apply for jobs, leverage tools and people: * Set up job alerts on platforms like LinkedIn or directly on the career pages of companies you’re interested in. This way, you get job notifications directly in your mail. * Share your job search goals with friends who can help keep you accountable, review your applications, and provide feedback. 3. Be Vocal About Your Goals: 
Share your aspirations with friends, mentors, LinkedIn connections, and anyone who might be able to help. You never know where opportunities may arise—someone in your network might have just the lead you need. Remember, the path may be challenging, but perseverance pays off. Keep taking steps toward your goals, and you’ll be amazed at the possibilities the future holds. Wishing you all the best this week! ✨

If you’re a senior international student starting your final year, here’s the reality: graduating is not the finish line. The real test begins now. With the new H-1B fee changes announced this week, the path to sponsorship is getting narrower and more competitive. That makes what you do in the next 6–12 months absolutely critical. Here’s where I’d focus if I were in your shoes: → Build proof of work early: Projects on GitHub, research, or even self-driven case studies show more credibility than a GPA line on your resume. Employers want to de-risk their sponsorship decision. → Target the right employers: Not every company will sponsor. Learn to identify who has historically filed H-1Bs (there are databases for this) and prioritize them. → Maximize OPT and STEM OPT: Treat these as your bridge years. Secure a role aligned with your long-term career so that when your employer considers H-1B sponsorship, you’re already indispensable. → Leverage your network: Referrals still outperform online applications. Start engaging with alumni, professors, and industry professionals who understand the sponsorship landscape. → Stay informed: Regulations are shifting fast. Being proactive means adjusting your timeline, not waiting until deadlines close in on you. I was once in your seat, unsure of how the visa system would play out. What changed everything was building visibility and proving value before sponsorship was on the table. Your degree gets you to the door. The strategy you apply this year will decide if the door stays open.

They reject you first and only then say: ‘𝗡𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.’ You never even get a chance to explain. You prepare.  You apply. You wait for your chance to explain. But rejection comes first. You lose your power at this stage. Because you've handed over the narrative to the recruiter or hiring manager. By the time you wanted to speak up, it's too late. Here's how to take ownership of this narrative: 1. 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 Work it into your “Tell me about yourself” answer: “𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 [𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵]. 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 ‘𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥’ 𝘸𝘢𝘺.” 𝟮. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 Anchor your examples in business impact: “𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 [𝘟 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘴], 𝘸𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 [𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦]. 𝘐 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘦𝘥 [𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘥] 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 [𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤]. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.” 𝟯. 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 Ask a curious, non-defensive question: “𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘐 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘶𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘦?” Worse case? They don't reply. Best case? You uncover a bias early or learn this isn't the role for you. The point is: Don’t let silence write your story. Because if you wait, rejection will speak louder than you. Protect your energy. Reclaim your power! #nolocalexperience #challengethequestion

🎬 The potential Future of Film Finance Is Shifting and Filmmakers Need to Be Ready For years, we’ve relied on the same playbook: pre-sales, tax credits, soft money, private equity, and a prayer. But the landscape is moving fast, and the filmmakers who adapt now will have the advantage. Here’s what’s coming and why it matters to you: 1. Your Audience Will Become Your Investors Crowdfunding is maturing into something more powerful: equity participation, fan-owned IP, and community-backed financing. The people who love your work may soon be the people funding it. 2. Transparency Will Win Deals Smart contracts and clearer revenue tracking mean investors expect reliable reporting. Filmmakers who build transparent systems from day one will raise money faster and keep partners longer. 3. Brands Are Becoming Real Partners Brands aren’t just buying placements anymore. They’re co-financing films that align with their values. If your project has a world a brand can live in, there’s opportunity waiting. 4. Proof-of-Concept Will Drive Budgets Instead of trying to raise everything upfront, filmmakers are using shorts, scenes, and micro-budgets to unlock the rest. Think modular financing, not “all or nothing.” 5. Specialised Funds Will Open New Doors Genre funds, regional funds, and mission-driven micro-investors are emerging globally. If you have a clear identity as a filmmaker, you have more entry points than ever before. 6. IP Strategy Will Matter as Much as Story Studios, streamers, and investors want projects that can live beyond a single film. If you build a world not just a script you build value. The future of film finance isn’t restrictive. It’s flexible, creative, and built for filmmakers who understand how to blend art with strategy. This next decade belongs to the builders. #FilmFinance #IndieFilm #Filmmaking #ProducersLife #FilmIndustry #CreativeEconomy #FilmFunding #ContentCreators #FutureOfFilm #IndependentFilm

There are remote job boards… And then there are job boards that actually lead to offers even if you're applying from Nigeria or anywhere in Africa. If you’re tired of submitting applications with no feedback or wondering where others are getting these legit remote jobs, this is for you. There are tons of websites out there but not all of them are worth your time. Some are outdated and some are full of fake listings. But a few stand out consistently because they list authentic roles, hire across borders, and Nigerians have landed real jobs from them. These platforms list opportunities that span various fields: tech, admin, writing, customer service, etc. Top Picks (High Trust & Nigerian-Friendly) - https://lnkd.in/dJPxPnX5 – Consistent remote roles, often open globally - https://remoteok.com/ – Great variety, used by many Nigerian freelancers - FlexJobs – Curated, scam-free jobs (requires a small fee) - https://wellfound.com – Startup-focused roles - Jobspresso – Legit companies & roles in tech, marketing, and support - Remotive - Curated remote jobs across industries - https://lnkd.in/dUEiDYb9 – Global-focused listings - Outsourcely – Remote-first companies hiring worldwide - https://www.toptal.com/– High-end freelance talent (vetting required, but worth it) - Upwork – Freelance marketplace (competitive, but many Nigerians win jobs) - Fiverr – Great for creatives, marketers, writers - LinkedIn – Use the “Remote” filter + optimize your profile! Trusted companies that hire 100% Remote These organizations are remote-first or remote-friendly meaning they don’t care where you live, just that you get the job done. Companies where Nigerians have landed roles or interviews: - GitLab - Automattic - Canonical - Doist - Shopify - Buffer - Uplers - Turing (via screening) - DuckDuckGo - Contra - Upwork (corporate) These companies often have global hiring policies and don't restrict talent from African countries. But like I always say your positioning matters too. The opportunities are there. The key is not just finding them, it’s being ready when you do. And most importantly, don’t disqualify yourself before they do. I'll share the things you need and require to put out a good application. There are other companies in Nigeria and outside of Nigeria that offer remote opportunities but you need to look and do your research. If you know other sites that are genuine and authentic, please share in the comments. For more career and recruitment tips, follow Boluwatife Ojo, PHRi for more.

Dear May 2025 Grads especially international students, Graduated now.. Excited? Nervous? Wondering how to land a job in the U.S. as visa deadlines loom? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Let’s talk real job search strategy. Here are some out-of-the-box networking + time management tips that worked for me and many others because the "just apply online" route? It’s not enough anymore. Networking tip #1: Become a connector, not a collector Don’t just collect LinkedIn connections. Engage. After every virtual or in-person event, send a thoughtful message: “Hey [Name], I loved your take on [topic]. Would love to stay in touch and learn from your journey.” Then follow their content, leave a meaningful comment weekly. Not just "Great post"—say why it resonated. Real Example? I did this with a speaker from a conference. A week later, they referred me to a role I didn’t know existed. Networking tip #2: DM like a human Cold messaging can work if it’s warm in tone. No one likes “Hi, can you refer me?”. Try this: “Hi [Name], I’m a May 2025 grad, exploring roles in [your field]. Your path at [Company] is inspiring! What advice would you give someone starting out?” You’re not asking for a job— You’re building trust. Jobs often follow. Networking tip #3: Start your own thing No industry events? Create one. Host a 20-minute Zoom chat with peers and invite 1 professional. Call it “Something Creative.” Record it, post snippets on LinkedIn. Now you’re no longer chasing people— They come to you. Time Tip #1: Pick 3 buckets daily Job search feels endless—so make it finite. Every day, pick only 3 things: 10 application 10 follow-up 1-2 learning or networking action Then rest. Your brain needs consistent progress, not burnout. Time Tip #2: Theme your week Mon: Research companies Tue: Tailor resume + apply Wed: Networking messages Thu: Interview prep Fri: Personal branding Sat: Review progress Sun: Rest or reflect Theme = clarity. Clarity = momentum. Bonus Tip: Show your work in public Share your job search journey online. Post about projects, learnings, even rejections. One classmate posted his weekly job goals + learnings. He got a DM from a hiring manager who was watching silently. You never know who’s watching. International students—this road is hard, but it’s not impossible. You just need to play it smart, support each other, and show up consistently. If you’re on this journey, You’ve got this. #May2025Grads #InternationalStudents #JobSearchTips #Networking #TimeManagement #F1VisaJobs #OPT #CPT #CareerGrowth #LevelUp

Human traffickers masquerading as recruitment agents for diaspora jobs are preying on Kenyans. Two days ago, here is what I told @KBCChannel1 about human trafficking. Here is how to stay safe in your #KaziMajuu journey. youtu.be/nX3ddE0cJg8?si… (full video here) 1. Use a licensed agent (see neaims.go.ke for the list of safe agents) 2. If in doubt about a job you hear about, contact us (details below) and we will verify it for you. Kaa chonjo! 3. There are NO jobs in Thailand, India or Malaysia. These countries also have unemployment challenges. If someone is recruiting you for a job in any of these places, you’re likely to be a victim of trafficking. Run! And report them to us. 4. Do NOT leave Kenya for work on a visitor or tourist visa! Ensure you have a work visa or work permit. Kaa chonjo! Security start with you. For more info, visit us at Old Mutual Tower, 1st Floor, or see diaspora.go.ke dpa.go.ke State Department for Diaspora Affairs | Kenya 5. If you find yourself in trouble while abroad, contact our Embassy/High Commission or Consulate immediately. Here is the contact list for all our missions abroad. Remember: even if someone steals or keeps your passport, we can facilitate you to go home! #labormobility #diaspora #kazimajuu

Most Filmmakers Don’t Realize They’re Sitting on Gold, Until It’s Too Late. It happens all the time. A filmmaker completes their film, screens it at a few festivals, posts the trailer online… and then waits for something to happen. But here’s the truth most filmmakers don’t hear: ✖️ A good festival run doesn’t guarantee financial success ✖️ A strong story doesn’t always translate to sales ✖️ Visibility isn’t the same as monetization ✖️ And if the theatrical release underperforms, it doesn’t mean your film has failed Your film isn’t a one-time event, it’s an asset. And like every asset, it can (and should) generate value across multiple channels. If you want your film to keep working for you, explore every possible revenue stream: ✔️ Educational Licensing – Schools, universities, and libraries are consistent buyers. ✔️ Regional Distribution – Africa, Asia, and Latin America are hungry for authentic, untapped stories. ✔️ Streaming & TV Rights – Beyond Netflix and Amazon, there are hundreds of niche and ad-supported platforms. ✔️ Airline and Inflight Sales – Quiet but powerful exposure that also pays. ✔️ Re-edits and Alternate Cuts – Mini-series, language versions, or special editions. ✔️ Non-exclusive Digital Releases – Build visibility and passive income through multiple outlets. Distributors don’t just buy films, they buy momentum, clarity, and opportunity. The more entry points your film creates, the more valuable it becomes. So before moving to your next project, ask yourself: What revenue paths haven’t you explored yet? And are you sitting on gold without realizing it? ……………. I’m a film distribution executive. I help filmmakers and creators navigate film sales, festival strategy, and positioning for global visibility and success.