From Delta State to Canada: Kelly’s Blueprint for Immigrant Success

“I landed in Canada with a suitcase and a dream—no connections, no safety net. Eleven years later, I’m a licensed engineer, homeowner, and career coach helping others avoid my mistakes.”

That’s Kelly Waziri, whose journey from a medical student in Nigeria to a thriving professional in Canada is a masterclass in resilience, networking, and strategic hustle. In this candid interview on The Immigrant Stories, Kelly shares raw lessons on breaking into foreign job markets, turning cultural shocks into superpowers, and why your network is your net worth.

The Leap: Why Canada?

Kelly’s story began at Delta State University, where he studied Human Anatomy before ASUU strikes disrupted his education. “My parents believed in me enough to say: ‘Don’t waste time—let’s get you out.’” Within hours of receiving his Canadian student visa, he was on a flight, texting disbelieving friends: “They thought I was joking until I sent a photo from the airport!”

His wake-up call?

Culture Shock 101: Calling professors by their first names felt blasphemous after Nigeria’s strict hierarchies.
The “Only Black Kid” Reality: Being the sole Black graduate in his engineering program taught him to adapt quickly.

The Hustle: How He Landed His First Job

Kelly’s strategy was unconventional but effective:

Leverage Internships Early

“I bombed my first co-op interview because of my accent. So I took a door-to-door energy sales job—where cops were called on me twice. That grit got me noticed.”
Pro Tip: “Volunteer roles count as experience. Ran your church’s website for 2 years? That’s ‘Web Developer’ on your resume.”

Network Like Your Life Depends on It

“My first engineering role? I called my old internship boss and said: ‘You loved me—let’s work together again.’ No job hunt needed.”
Golden Rule: “Network BEFORE you need help. Cultivate relationships for 6+ months before asking for favors.”

Master the Art of Small Talk

“In Nigeria, we debate big ideas. In Canada, promotions go to those who ask ‘How was your weekend?’ I forced myself to learn it.”

The Mindset Shifts That Changed Everything

Kelly’s hard-earned wisdom for immigrants:

“You’re More Than a Job Title”
“When I got my engineering license, I partied for a day—then realized it was just paper. What matters is how you sell your SKILLS.”
Silent Mentors > Overnight Success
“I study high achievers from afar. You don’t need to DM them—just reverse-engineer their paths.”
The 80% Discount Myth
“People beg for discounts on career coaching. But investing in yourself pays forever. My clients 3x their salaries—that’s the ROI.”

Kelly’s Top 3 Tips for New Immigrants

Start Job Prep 1 Year Before Graduation
“Elon Musk says to start projects ‘yesterday.’ Same with jobs. Target companies early, attend their events, and build rapport.”
Volunteer Strategically
“Can’t get hired? Offer free work to professors or local businesses. One client landed a $70K role after a 3-month volunteer gig.”
Ditch the “Nigerian Bubble”
“I joined Ukrainian soccer leagues and Russian study groups. The Canadians who hired me weren’t at Nigerian parties.”

Final Thought

Kelly’s journey proves immigration isn’t about luck—it’s about leveraging discomfort. As he puts it: “Everything you want is outside your comfort zone. Walk through that door.”

Want Kelly’s Help?

Free consultation: ConsultWithKelly.com
LinkedIn: Kelly Waziri