After successfully completing the Bootcamp, it was time to begin the next step in Kanu’s journey into tech, which was the job search. It’s hard to count the number of great career chats and check-ins Kanu and I had during her job search! She found every opportunity to seek out advice and learn strategies that would get her a full-time job in coding.
When she attended Career Labs, a four-week career and job search prep program students complete after Bootcamp, she asked thoughtful questions and her presence was felt. There were even a few times where Kanu and I walked home together, and I really enjoyed our conversations. We talked about barriers she was facing, the support she was receiving from her family to go after her dreams, and the incredible belief she had in herself.
To me, it was clear: Kanu wanted to be in tech, but more importantly, tech needed someone like Kanu. You’ve heard this before—there’s a diversity and inclusion problem in tech. With her intersecting identities, Kanu is a professional who represents groups that workplaces should create spaces for. Whether you are a woman, person of colour, newcomer, stay-at-home parent, or someone with a non-traditional educational background, many of us relate to Kanu. The representation of these groups (and more!) are crucial for more people to feel seen and understood.
Though we offer a lot of support to job seekers here at Juno, Kanu really took ownership of her job search. She found big success in networking and making connections. Like many new immigrants or professionals returning to the workforce, Kanu had to rebuild her network - and that she did.
“My LinkedIn had just 32 connections, and today, I have more than 500 meaningful connections across various industries, which helped my job search. One piece of advice for all future job applicants is that as long as you’re doing your part in your job search and getting phone calls, be assured that you’re on the right path. It’s just a matter of time when you will be at the right place at the right time, and will get your dream job.
On February 24, 2020 Kanu started her dream job as a Developer at RBC, where she is focusing on digital accessibility. Every day, Kanu is working on improving digital experiences for persons with disabilities. Kanu’s lived experiences as a person who identifies with multiple marginalized groups only makes her a better developer. She has faced barriers and she has felt supported through them, so she wants to make a difference.
“It’s really painful for me to read the stats for women of colour in tech. It's high time where if companies need to be creative, successful, and maintain their competitive edge, then they need to be diverse and inclusive. I think women represent strength, and if we can manage ourselves and our families, then we can easily manage our work, hold leadership positions, manage companies and run them successfully.
I asked Kanu what she is most proud of, and her answer truly emcompasses who she is:
"I am really proud to be a woman, a loving wife, and most importantly a mom. The smile that I see on my kids' faces when I come back home means the world to me. I am really proud that even from a non-coding background and being out of business for such a long time, I performed well throughout the Bootcamp and secured a job in one of the most reputable financial institutions in Canada. I am proud of my grit, my determination, and my never-ending desire to learn and venture into unknown territories and emerge successful.
The entire Juno community and I are really proud of Kanu too. We’re happy that tech finally realized it needs Kanu.
