Life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect it, forcing you to confront your fears, rethink your strategies, and rediscover your inner strength. For Oluomachi, her career journey was no exception. It wasn’t just a tale of navigating the job market after immigration; it was a journey of resilience, reinvention, and a steadfast belief in self-improvement. From the crushing blow of a job loss to securing a senior role with a six-figure salary, Oluomachi’s story is an inspiring testament to the determination and the power of continuous learning.

The Hard Hit: Job Loss After Maternity Leave

Imagine having just returned from maternity leave, ready to embrace your career again, only to face the sudden shock of a layoff. This was the reality for Oluomachi when she lost her job as a Business Analyst just a few months after returning to work. The layoff came as part of a mass downsizing when the company decided to move the project offshore, a decision that left her, along with many others, without a job.

“It was devastating,” she reflected. “I had just come back from maternity leave, and suddenly, I was without a job. The project I was working on was moved offshore, and they let a lot of people go. It hit me hard because I had so many plans. But in that moment, I had no choice but to start over.”

The mass layoffs affecting the tech industry in Canada only intensified the feeling of uncertainty. Oluomachi found herself facing a job market that had changed drastically, with new expectations for Business Analysts.

“I was confused for a while,” she admitted. “I thought I had the skills, but when I started looking for jobs, I realized something had changed. Employers weren’t just looking for Business Analysts anymore. They were looking for people with technical skills, knowledge of AI, and hands-on experience. Everything had evolved, and I had to evolve with it.”

A Strong Foundation: Building a Career in Nigeria

Before she arrived in Canada, Oluomachi had already built a strong foundation in the business world. Back in Nigeria, she had been an entrepreneur, running her own business and constantly learning about different sectors of the economy. She had always been interested in technology and knew that one day, she wanted to transition into the tech space.

To prepare for this, Oluomachi took the important step of earning the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification, a globally recognized credential for Business Analysts.

“I knew the tech industry was where I wanted to be, so I studied hard for the CBAP exam and passed it,” she said with pride. “It was a major achievement for me. But when I moved to Canada, I quickly realized that the certification alone wasn’t going to open doors. I needed practical, hands-on experience.”

It was this realization that pushed her to start looking for ways to gain the experience she lacked.

Heels and Tech: A Turning Point

While working a customer service job to support her family, Oluomachi began researching ways to break into tech. This is when she discovered Heels and Tech, a training program aimed at empowering women who were transitioning into tech careers.

“I didn’t know how to go about gaining hands-on experience, but when I found Heels and Tech, it felt like a lifeline,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude. “The 6-week Business Analyst course they offered was exactly what I needed. It was practical, hands-on, and focused on real-world applications. I learned so much in those six weeks.”

The course wasn’t just about theory. It was about developing the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the tech industry. Oluomachi’s confidence grew as she learned about analyzing business needs, gathering requirements, and communicating effectively with stakeholders.

“I remember feeling empowered by the things I was learning,” she said with a smile. “It wasn’t just about passing exams; it was about being equipped to do the job. The course gave me the tools I needed to step into the tech world with confidence.”

After completing the course, Oluomachi updated her CV and began applying for roles once again. The difference this time was that she felt ready.

First Job Offer: A Major Milestone

Within just one month of completing the course, Oluomachi had an offer in hand. She landed her first role as a Business Analyst with one of the Big 4 consulting firms—a huge accomplishment and the first step toward her dream career.

“The day I received that offer, I was over the moon. It felt like everything I had worked for was finally coming to fruition,” she said, recalling the joy of receiving that phone call. “It wasn’t just the job that mattered—it was the validation of everything I had learned and the sacrifices I had made. I was finally a Business Analyst in a real-world setting, and I was ready to prove myself.”

But life had more lessons in store. After some time in her role, she found herself facing yet another challenge: another round of mass layoffs affected her job. Despite her success in landing the role, Oluomachi found herself back on the job market.

“I couldn’t believe it,” she said, her tone softening. “After working so hard to get my foot in the door, I was back to square one. The project was moved offshore, and once again, I was out of a job. But I didn’t give up. I knew I had to keep going.”

Navigating a Changing Job Market

Oluomachi was determined not to let this setback define her. Instead, she took a step back and analyzed the situation. She studied the job market closely and discovered a major shift in the skills that were now in demand. Employers weren’t just looking for traditional Business Analysts—they wanted candidates who had technical expertise, especially in AI and data analysis.

“The job market had changed completely,” she said, recalling the realization. “If I wanted to stay competitive, I had to level up. I had to learn the new skills that were becoming essential. And that’s exactly what I did.”

Determined to stay relevant, she enrolled in free training courses offered by Heels and Tech once again. These courses focused on the emerging skills she needed to stay ahead, including AI and advanced data analysis.

“Don’t underestimate the power of free courses,” she emphasized. “I can’t stress enough how those free trainings were a game-changer for me. They gave me the foundation I needed to build on, and they made a huge difference when I started applying for jobs again.”

The Breakthrough: A Senior Role with a Leading Bank

Oluomachi’s hard work paid off after three months of intense learning, job applications, and multiple rejections. Finally, she landed a senior role with one of the Big 5 banks in Canada, with a six-figure salary to boot.

“It was a surreal moment when I received the offer,” she said, her voice filled with emotion. “I had been rejected so many times, but I kept going. When I finally got that offer, it felt like everything I had gone through—the rejections, the doubts, the uncertainty—had all led me to this point.”

Her new role not only validated her skills but also gave her the confidence to believe in herself and her ability to overcome any challenge.

“I didn’t just get a job,” she said. “I got a career. And I was no longer just a Business Analyst—I was a senior professional with a real future in tech.”

A New Role: Government Promotion

But the success didn’t stop there. Shortly after securing her new position, Oluomachi found herself taking on another challenge within the Government of Alberta, where she had spent 10 months in an administrative role. Her career took another giant leap when she was promoted to Business Optimization Specialist—a role that included acting as Manager in her supervisor’s absence.

“Being offered this kind of promotion within the government was unheard of,” she said, a sense of pride in her voice. “The HR manager told me, ‘This doesn’t usually happen in government; this is a huge career jump.’ I was overjoyed.”

This was a huge testament to her skills, hard work, and determination to excel no matter the circumstances.

Oluomachi’s gratitude is overwhelming when she speaks about the people who supported her along the way.

“I am so thankful to God, to Petrina, to the entire Heels and Tech team, and to everyone who believed in me. You helped me get to where I am today, and I am forever grateful,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Lessons Learned: A Message of Hope

As she reflects on her journey, Oluomachi has several key lessons to share with others who may be facing similar challenges:

1. Adapt or Fall Behind
   “The job market is constantly changing, and so should you. Never stop learning and adapting to new trends in your industry.”
2. Keep Going, Even When It’s Tough
   “Rejections are part of the process. Don’t let them define you. Keep applying, keep learning, and keep pushing forward.”
3. Invest in Your Future
   “Don’t be afraid to invest in yourself. Taking courses, gaining certifications, and learning new skills will pay off in the long run.”
4. Never Underestimate the Power of Community
   “The Heels and Tech community was everything to me. Surround yourself with people who will support and uplift you.”

Your Success Story Starts Here

Oluomachi’s story proves that setbacks are just setups for greater comebacks. No matter where you are in your career, there’s always a way forward. Whether you’re looking to break into tech, pivot to a new career, or take your skills to the next level, Heels and Tech is here to help you succeed.

Let us help you turn your dreams into reality. Take the first step toward your success story today. Visit our website to explore our beginner-friendly courses.