When I first set foot in the UK, I was brimming with optimism. I’d assumed that after my studies, finding a job would be a straightforward process, especially with my newest masters qualifications. But it didn’t take long to realize that the UK job market had its own set of rules. It was like I’d joined a game where everyone else knew the playbook except me.
The first few applications I sent out, looking back, I spent too much time on them. I started my application, and with each rejection, my confidence wavered, but I told myself I wasn’t going to give up. Eventually, I began to pick up on the nuances of the process, understanding how to emphasize skills in ways that resonated with UK employers, and slowly, things started to shift. I realised that I cut time in half by having a permanent CV each for one job type.
I continued applying, and the rejections stung less, and each one taught me something new about the importance of persistence and learning through failure.
The Grueling Process of Securing Sponsorship
One of the biggest hurdles, however, was securing visa sponsorship. I had come to the UK with dreams of building a life here, yet I quickly learned that a lot of companies were either hesitant or flat-out unwilling to sponsor international candidates. Every job application became an emotional investment, and each rejection—especially those that came after multiple interviews—was a punch to the gut.
There were times I genuinely wondered if it was even possible to find a job that offered sponsorship. Some days, I felt drained, but I knew giving up wasn’t an option. I spent hours researching companies that had a history of sponsoring international employees and revised my approach each time. When I finally secured that sponsorship, it was a moment of relief and validation, a reminder that persistence really does pay off. It was, quite honestly, one of the hardest things I’d gone through, but it taught me that sometimes, the hardest things are the ones most worth fighting for.
Battling Imposter Syndrome and Finding My Voice
With the practical hurdles aside, I found myself facing a quieter, more insidious challenge: imposter syndrome. Coming from Nigeria, I often felt that I didn’t fully belong in the UK’s professional spaces. I found myself questioning if people would take me seriously because I didn’t have a British accent or wondering if I was “enough” to be here.
There were countless moments, especially in interviews, where I’d walk out feeling that I’d “given myself away,” that they’d see through me because of my background. But I slowly started to realize that my unique perspective was something I could be proud of rather than hide. I began reframing my thoughts, viewing my background as an asset instead of a weakness. It was a process—some days were better than others—but I learned to trust that my voice mattered, accent and all.
Finding others who shared similar experiences helped enormously. There’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone, that there are others who’ve felt the same doubts and overcome them. I’m happy to have had my Mastercard Scholars and Alumni and AID community (shout out to Mustapha, Tosin, Faithy, Tefsi and Kayfactor) who reminded me that I belonged and had every reason to be confident in my abilities. It was through them—and through a lot of inner work—that I started to feel truly at home in my professional skin.
Adapting to British Workplace Culture: Walking a Fine Line
Learning the unwritten rules of British workplace culture was another adjustment. British workplaces can have a very particular rhythm—there’s an emphasis on understated communication, humor that can sometimes be self-deprecating, and an unspoken preference for fitting in. At first, I was hyper-aware of every interaction, wondering if I was saying the right things or if my cultural background was somehow too loud or “out of place.”
Over time, I found a balance between adapting to this new environment and staying true to myself. I learned to pick up on social cues that I hadn’t been exposed to before and started to feel more comfortable. But I made a conscious decision that while I would adapt to the culture around me, I wouldn’t lose my sense of self. Instead of blending in completely, I tried to make space for myself, bringing my authentic self to work each day. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s one that’s allowed me to thrive while still honoring my roots.
Finding Community and Building a Support Network
Being in a new country without family can feel isolating at times, especially when dealing with the pressures of building a career. Finding a sense of community and support became a priority for me—not just to ease the transition but to feel a sense of belonging. Through professional networking, and social media, I slowly started to build a network of friends and colleagues who understood my journey (shout out to Nelly who I randomly met on Instagram and was very instrumental in putting me through).
These connections became more than just contacts; they became lifelines. I leaned on their advice and encouragement, and they became the reminders I needed on difficult days that I was, indeed, in the right place. Now, I try to pay that forward. I know what it’s like to feel out of place, to question yourself, and to doubt whether you’ll ever “make it.” By supporting others and sharing my experiences, I hope to ease someone else’s journey, even if just a little.
Final Thoughts
Navigating a career as an African diaspora in the UK hasn’t been easy. Each step of the journey—from learning the job market to securing sponsorship, battling imposter syndrome, and adapting to a new culture—has challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. But through every challenge, I’ve come out stronger, more resilient, and more certain of who I am.
For anyone else on a similar path, my advice would be this: keep going, even when the road feels impossibly hard. Trust that every struggle is teaching you something valuable and that each small victory, however minor it seems, is an evidence to your strength. You belong, your voice matters, and you’re building something meaningful. Embrace the journey for all its ups and downs—it’s shaping you into exactly who you’re meant to be.
