😲 "I got a job in Berlin about a month after my Bootcamp"
About love for European football, the "brain drain" controversy & much more!
Hi dear Imagine friends,
it’s Tuesday, it’s meet-one-of-our-amazing-fellows time, today with Gbenga from Nigeria. Gbenga now works as a Frontend Engineer at Expertlead after moving to Berlin, Germany in November 2022. This was a month after he graduated from the Imagine Bootcamp by the way. Super happy & proud 🎉. But enough self-promotion here, let’s give the stage to Gbenga.
We talked about his love for European football 🥅, the “brain drain” controversy, a missing sense of community & much more. I know that I learned a lot and I’m sure you will as well.
Why did you decide to relocate?
I’ve always explored the option to leave and to see something different. I just knew that at some point I want to go to another country to work and live. I looked at different options: the US & Canada (most Nigerians go to these countries actually). I chose Europe - Why? - The visa would allow me to travel to many different countries and see different cultures. Another thing: I LOVE FOOTBALL. Being able to see the people that I watch on TV was such a dream, especially the Barcelona football club. Also, we’re basically in the same time zone ⏰.
Being able to see the people that I watch on TV was such a dream.
Why Germany?
To be honest, I didn’t choose Germany, Germany chose me. When I was applying for jobs I started applying to companies in the Netherlands. Why the Netherlands? The taxes are low, people seem happy and enjoy life 🤠, and at the same time, they have a vibrant tech AND a good football scene. I know a couple of people there, who keep praising life in the Netherlands.
This is how I came to Berlin.
I had a couple of interviews but didn’t really get to the final round. This was when I stumbled upon Imagine. I updated my LinkedIn and got contacted by someone from Expertlead. Well, and this is how I came to Berlin.
What’s your take on the “brain drain” controversy?
I can only speak about Nigeria here. It’s not unusual for Nigerians to travel to other countries and also relocate for good. There are a lot of opportunities in Nigeria and they are growing as we speak, especially in the tech scene. However, opportunities are not enough for the even faster-growing population. So, people in Nigeria actually benefit from others leaving, if that makes sense.
If there is one thing Germans could learn from Nigerians what would that be?
That’s easy: A certain sense of community! In Nigeria it’s just a thing, it’s a part of the culture: Im for you, you're for me 🫶. Everyone is in everyone’s business. If you think about it everyone needs each other, everyone is connected in a sense: someone builds the airport, someone makes your hair, and so on. You get the point. I miss that feeling of community.
If you think about it everyone needs each other, everyone is connected in a sense.
Anything else you miss?
Here I’m a black guy. In Nigeria, I’m just a Nigerian.
Do you have any advice for people reading this article who are looking to pursue a career in Germany/Europe?
Regarding finding a job
Use as many job platforms as possible: Indeed, relocate.me, Imagine Job App.
Don’t apply directly via LinkedIn: Companies don’t really like that, even if they offer the “easy apply” function » instead: find recruiters, follow them, and reach out directly 👉 Check out our article on How to use LinkedIn like a pro.
Understand the tax laws so that you’re not disappointed in your actual salary after taxes 🤯.
Regarding starting your new job & life
Culture awareness: You need to understand that there are things that are common in your country that aren’t common in other countries and vice versa.
Get out there & find your own community. This is so so important.
Be patient: It’s ok if things don’t work from the beginning. Embrace it!
That’s it. We hope you enjoyed the read. For more stories check out our blog and follow us on LinkedIn. Hope to see you for our webinar next week.
As always, we are rooting for you 🫶.
— Emma and all your friends at Imagine