Ghanaian machinery engineer Dennis Darko returned as a guest on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show with DJ Nyaami, sharing valuable insights from his personal journey to help international students navigate their educational and career paths in Canada.
Drawing from his experience, Dennis highlighted the importance of planning early. He emphasized that students shouldn’t wait until after graduation to start thinking about employment. Instead, they should align their academic programs with the sectors they wish to enter and take internships seriously to gain Canadian experience. This not only helps students build their resumes but also increases their chances of being recognized by employers.
Dennis shared the challenges he faced after completing his studies, particularly the changes in government policies that required additional language tests, making it more difficult to transition into the job market. He advised students to start networking while in school—on platforms like LinkedIn—and to connect with professionals and alumni in their desired fields. He stressed the need to broaden job searches beyond one’s immediate province, citing his own move from Vancouver to Montreal as a key turning point in his career.
Currently working in IT and machine learning engineering, Dennis mentioned how part-time roles and hands-on experience played a crucial role in helping him secure a position that allowed for relocation and career growth. He encouraged others to be open-minded and flexible, especially in the competitive job market for international students.
Dennis also touched on the risks of being stuck in programs that do not align with labor market needs. He noted that many international students may struggle to secure permanent residency if their education isn’t linked to in-demand occupations. Without this alignment, options become limited—some may resort to marriage or rely on Express Entry or other pathways. He urged students to choose programs with future opportunities in mind and to research which professions are in demand in Canada.
Despite facing multiple job rejections, Dennis remained resilient. He advised students to strengthen their LinkedIn profiles, seek recommendations, and remain proactive. In his words, “Your family won’t get the job for you—build your profile and be visible.”
He concluded by encouraging students to stay prayerful, committed, and informed. With persistence, the right strategy, and faith, he believes success is achievable even in a foreign land.
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