From Stay-at-Home Mom to Landing a Job at Deloitte Canada
September 7, 2024 2024-09-07 1:46From Stay-at-Home Mom to Landing a Job at Deloitte Canada
We are absolutely thrilled to share the incredible journey of Olayinka Onipede, one of our amazing students who recently secured a role at Deloitte Canada.
But before we get to that exciting moment, let’s rewind and take a closer look at where it all began for Olayinka—a journey that started with a desire for change, a commitment to growth, and a leap of faith.
A Stay-at-Home Mom’s Dilemma
For the past few years, Olayinka had devoted herself entirely to being a stay-at-home mom, raising her young daughter and managing the day-to-day responsibilities of family life. It was a fulfilling experience, but as her daughter was approaching her third birthday, Olayinka began to feel a growing desire to return to the workforce. Her little girl was becoming more independent—a “big girl” now, as Olayinka lovingly described her—and the time felt right for Olayinka to step back into her career.
However, re-entering the workforce after a break is never easy, especially when you’ve been out of the professional loop for some time. Olayinka knew she needed to update her skills and find a job that would not only provide for her family but also allow her to contribute meaningfully in her role. With this goal in mind, she began her job search, balancing her ambitions with the responsibilities of motherhood.
It didn’t take long before Olayinka landed her first job. It seemed like a promising start—an opportunity to get back into the professional world and regain her footing. But as she began settling into her new role, she quickly realized that the job wasn’t the perfect fit she had hoped it would be.
The main issue? Timing. Olayinka’s job required her to be available for meetings and work tasks that often clashed with her responsibilities at home and church. As someone who deeply valued her faith and her role as a mother, these conflicts were hard to navigate. She found herself in a difficult position, trying to juggle her work commitments with her desire to be present for her daughter and active in her church community.
The tipping point came when she hadn’t been able to attend church for eight consecutive weeks—something that was very unlike her. Olayinka’s work was pulling her away from the things that mattered most, and it became clear that something had to change. It was a tough decision, but Olayinka chose to step back from the job to protect the balance between her professional aspirations and her personal values.
Finding the Right Path with Heels and Tech
After leaving her job, Olayinka knew she still wanted to return to work, but this time, she was determined to do it on her own terms. She needed a role that would respect her time, allow her to grow professionally, and align with her family and faith commitments. That’s when she began considering a career in Business Analysis (BA).
Olayinka had heard about Heels and Tech through her research and was immediately drawn to the idea of joining our Business Analysis course. She had learned that our program was comprehensive and designed to equip students with the real-world skills needed to excel in the tech industry. Plus, she knew that with the guidance of our esteemed instructor, Mr. Babajide, she would be in good hands.
It was a bold move—one that required balancing her studies with the responsibilities of motherhood—but Olayinka was ready for the challenge. She knew that with the right training and support, she could not only return to the workforce but also thrive in her new career.
Stepping Stones
Once Olayinka started her BA course with us at Heels and Tech, she threw herself into the learning process with enthusiasm. She was eager to soak up all the knowledge she could and apply it to her future career. But like any worthwhile journey, it wasn’t without its challenges.
One of the hurdles Olayinka faced was coordinating with her project group to work on their prototype using Just in Mind, a tool they were learning to master. Coordinating schedules and getting everyone together for the project work proved to be difficult. It was frustrating at times, but Olayinka didn’t let it discourage her. She knew that overcoming these challenges was part of the learning process and that it would prepare her for the realities of working in a professional setting.
Throughout the course, Olayinka remained committed to her studies, even as she continued to manage her responsibilities at home. She attended classes, participated in discussions, and made the most of the resources available to her. She was also proactive in preparing for her job search, working on her resume and LinkedIn profile to ensure they were polished and professional.
During one of our class check-ins, Olayinka shared her progress with us. She hadn’t started applying for jobs yet—she was still in the revision phase, making sure she was fully prepared for the interview process. She was also watching YouTube videos on how to answer situational questions, determined to be ready for anything that might come her way.
Despite the challenges, Olayinka remained optimistic and focused on her goal. She expressed her desire to join our faculty someday, a testament to her passion for learning and her dedication to helping others. We were impressed by her commitment and knew that with her determination, it wouldn’t be long before she achieved her goal.
The Breakthrough: Landing the Job at Deloitte Canada
Olayinka’s hard work and determination eventually paid off. After months of studying, revising, and preparing herself, she decided it was time to start applying for jobs. She set her sights on Deloitte Canada, a company she admired and knew would offer the kind of opportunities she was looking for.
However, instead of applying directly for a Business Analyst (BA) role, she took a strategic approach. On the advice of a mentor, she applied for an Executive Coordinator position, knowing that getting her foot in the door could open other opportunities down the line.
Olayinka aced the screening process and the first interview, but it was during the second interview with two managers that she truly shined. One of the managers introduced herself as a Business Analyst, and Olayinka seized the opportunity to showcase her BA knowledge. She talked about her experience with BA projects, the tools she used, and how she could bring value to the team. The manager, who surprisingly lacked some of the technical knowledge Olayinka had, was impressed.
By the end of the interview, it was clear that Olayinka’s skills and confidence had made an impact. The HR team soon contacted her, expressing how badly they needed her on board. She received her offer letter, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career.
Olayinka’s journey from a stay-at-home mom to landing a job at Deloitte Canada is truly inspiring. It’s a story of resilience, determination, and smart decision-making. She knew what she wanted and worked hard to get there, all while balancing the demands of motherhood. We’re so proud to have been a part of her journey and to see her succeed in such a meaningful way.
In her words, “So, I got a job at Deloitte Canada. Since they didn’t have any vacancies for BA at that time, I applied as an Executive Coordinator. I did the screening and first interview and passed.
Then the second interview was with two managers, just last week. One of the manager introduced herself as a BA and I quickly took over the conversation. I went on to talk about how I had a BA experience and the projects I had worked on and she seemed very interested.
I told her I could come and assist if they hire me and she said I’d have to work as an executive coordinator for a couple of weeks or months, since that’s what they’re interviewing me for and then I could switch when I get comfortable on the job.
HR called me and said they needed me badly. I was like “badly biti bawo”😀😀. I got my offer letter ooooo. I’m grateful to God and thankful to H&T for the help and push”.
Join Us and Start Your Own Journey
If Olayinka’s story has inspired you, why not start your own journey with us?
At Heels and Tech, we’re all about empowering women like Olayinka to achieve their dreams in the tech world. Our mission is to create opportunities for women to thrive in the tech industry, and we’re committed to supporting each student’s journey from start to finish.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom like Olayinka, a professional looking to pivot into tech, or someone just starting out, we’ve got the resources and support you need to succeed. Our courses are designed to be practical and hands-on, giving you the tools you need to make a real impact in your career.
Visit the Heels and Tech website to check out our course offering. Enroll in one of our courses today, and you could be sharing your own success story with us soon.
We’re here to help you every step of the way, from learning the basics to landing your dream job. Let’s make it happen together!