Introduction

Growing up in Jakande Estate, located in Eti-Osa, Lagos State, Nigeria, was both a challenging and defining experience. Despite its designation as an estate, Jakande was far from a place of privilege. It was marked by poor housing, limited infrastructure, and a host of societal issues, such as cultism, substance abuse, and constant religious activity. Life in such an environment often felt like an uphill battle, shaping the outlook and aspirations of those living there.

As a child, I often avoided admitting where I lived, masking my residence by saying I was from nearby Lekki. Despite these challenges, I learned to set my standards and decided to strive for greatness. This journey taught me that our environment influences about 70% of our lives, but self-mastery and determination can overcome even the harshest circumstances.

The motivation

Sometimes, a single event can become the catalyst for change. For me, three pivotal moments shaped my drive for success:

1. The Seatmate Incident: I was smart but overly playful in secondary school. I ranked 3rd in a class of 169 students but lacked the discipline to excel further. My seatmate, who consistently ranked first, refused to lend me his neatly kept notebook, citing fears that I might mishandle it. His rejection deeply pained me and led to a moment of self-reflection. Determined to improve, I worked harder, reorganized my life, and by the end of junior school, I had surpassed him, ranking first in the class. This experience taught me the value of discipline, organization, and perseverance.

1. Struggles During SIWES: During my penultimate year at the University of Benin, where I studied Chemical Engineering, I faced immense difficulty securing a placement for my Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES). Despite numerous applications to top firms, rejections piled up. It was a humbling experience that underscored the importance of self-reliance. This motivated me to deepen my knowledge of coding and software development, setting the foundation for my transition into tech.

1. Inspiration from a Friend: Discovering that a university friend, David, had joined Apple as a Swift developer reignited my aspirations. I realized that global opportunities were within reach if I prepared adequately. This prompted me to rigorously practice algorithms, invest in resources like "Cracking the Coding Interview," and apply for international roles. Although rejections were frequent, they only strengthened my resolve and improved my skills.

Moving to Amsterdam

The turning point came when my girlfriend, shared a LinkedIn job link for a Java Developer role at Lunatech Labs. Initially hesitant, her encouragement led me to apply, marking the beginning of my journey to Amsterdam.

Recruiting Steps

1. CV Review: After meticulously updating my CV and seeking Joanna’s feedback, I applied for the role. Three weeks later, I was invited to the next stage.

1. Getting to Know Each Other: With insights from Joanna’s colleague who worked at Lunatech, I prepared thoroughly for the introductory interview. The session involved discussing my skills, experiences, and salary expectations. I ensured I presented myself as passionate yet grounded.

1. Technical Interview: The technical assessment involved solving a data-heavy challenge. I showcased my understanding of software design, wrote tests, and documented my solutions thoroughly. Completing the project, I submitted it via GitHub and advanced to the next stage.

1. Technical Assessment Review: In this phase, I presented my solution, walked the interviewers through my codebase, and resolved issues live. A discussion on HTTP status codes even led to a productive debate. The positive feedback I received reassured me of my efforts.

1. Final Interview: This step focused on cultural fit and alignment with company values. Though the details remain confidential, my approach was honest, confident, and inquisitive.

1. Offer: The anticipation of an offer was nerve-wracking. When the email finally arrived, confirming my selection with relocation sponsorship, it was a moment of unparalleled joy.

Preparing Traveling Documents

Relocating required extensive documentation, including pre-employment checks, visa applications, and work permits. Lunatech handled most of these processes, including applying for my work permit and visa. However, scheduling embassy appointments and ensuring timely submission of forms required diligence. Ultimately, all steps were completed within two months.

Experience at Lunatech

Lunatech’s flat organizational structure fosters independence and growth. Since joining, I have gained expertise in Scala, earned certifications, and worked on impactful projects involving technologies like Cassandra and Akka. The company’s culture emphasizes learning and collaboration, making it an ideal place for professional development.

Conclusion

This journey has been nothing short of transformative. Overcoming the hurdles of my environment, leveraging key moments of motivation, and navigating the rigorous recruitment process to Lunatech taught me resilience and faith. My story serves as a testament to the power of determination and the belief that greatness can emerge from the most unexpected places.

If you’re aspiring to take your career to the next level, Lunatech is a fantastic place to grow, learn, and make a difference. Take the leap, and you might find yourself on a similarly rewarding path.