The Masterstroke: How Jesusoorefunmi Olaoye Landed 3 UK Visa Sponsorships Before Even Graduating

Welcome to The Immigrant Stories

Welcome to The Immigrant Stories, where we decode the strategies behind successful relocation. In this episode, host Samuel Ukeke sits down with Jesusoorefunmi (Sh) Olaoye, a seasoned Commercial Manager at OVO Energy.

What follows isn’t just a story of hard work; it’s a masterclass in intentionality, strategic networking, and the art of telling your story. For immigrants tired of hearing “it’s impossible to get sponsored,” Sh’s journey is the ultimate blueprint for how to rewrite the rules.

The Catalyst: From a $150k US Dream to a UK Reality

Jesusoorefunmi’s original plan wasn’t the UK. He had secured admission to the Illinois Institute of Technology in the US, complete with a $20,000 scholarship. But with total tuition hitting $150,000, the math simply didn’t work.

However, the true trigger for his “Japa” (emigration) journey was closer to home. In 2020, Nigeria was gripped by the #EndSARS protests against police brutality.

“We were waiting for the President’s speech to give us hope and reassure us that things would get better,” Jesusoorefunmi recalls. “Instead, it was a very insensitive speech that basically watered down and rubbished the experience of the people. After that speech, I realized: maybe it’s time to be more serious about leaving.”

He pivoted instantly, applying to seven UK universities. He was accepted into all seven and chose Teesside University for its affordability. But Jesusoorefunmi wasn’t going to the UK just to study; he was going to build a career.

The Masterstroke: Securing a UK Job Before Moving

Most international students arrive in the UK and then start looking for work. Jesusoorefunmi did the exact opposite. Leveraging his three years of experience in energy consulting in Nigeria, he devised a highly targeted cold-email strategy.

Here is his exact playbook:

1. Identify the Target: He visited the UK Department for International Trade website and found a list of UK companies actively looking to expand their products and services into the Sub-Saharan African market.
2. Find the Decision Makers: He used platforms like RocketReach to find the direct work emails of the founders and managing directors of these companies.
3. Craft the Perfect Pitch: He didn’t ask for a full-time role. His email subject line read: “Application for Part-Time Operational/Business Support Role.” He highlighted his Nigerian market experience and clearly stated he had 20 hours of availability per week alongside his Master’s studies.

The result? A team assistant at a small but ambitious firm, Gia Power Networks, forwarded his CV directly to the Managing Director. Jesusoorefunmi completed his interviews while still in Nigeria. By February 2020, before he even boarded his flight, he had a job offer that included a promise of visa sponsorship upon his graduation.

The Hustle and The Niche Bet

Balancing a Master’s degree with a demanding job wasn’t easy. Jesusoorefunmi recalls managing two laptops simultaneously—one for university lectures, one for work meetings. But this hustle paid off: his salary helped him clear his remaining tuition fees.

As graduation approached, he made a bold, counterintuitive move. For his Master’s dissertation, he chose to research the UK Hydrogen sector, which was then a highly niche, emerging field.

“It was a very bold move. It actually cost me a ‘distinction’ grade on my degree,” Jesusoorefunmi admits. “But I gained relevant, cutting-edge knowledge and insight into a market that was about to explode with government funding.”

He was right. That niche knowledge made him a rare commodity.

The “Hot Cake” Moment: Three Visa Sponsorships

Because Jesusoorefunmi had positioned himself as an expert in a high-demand niche with proven UK work experience, he became a “hot cake” in the job market.

As his Master’s concluded, he found himself holding three separate visa sponsorship offers:

1. Gia Power Networks (His original employer, honoring their promise).
2. A specialized Hydrogen startup that headhunted him for his dissertation expertise.
3. OVO Energy, one of the UK’s “Big Six” energy retailers, which initially brought him in through an 8-week mentorship program that quickly converted into a permanent, sponsored role.

Jesusoorefunmi chose OVO Energy, where he now thrives as a Commercial Manager, leading projects that help UK homeowners reduce energy costs through insulation.

Beyond the Corporate Ladder: Building Communities

Jesusoorefunmi’s success isn’t just personal; it’s communal. Driven by a passion for uplifting others, he founded two impactful platforms:

• Energize Black: A thriving community of over 300 Black professionals and students in the UK energy and sustainability sectors. Jesusoorefunmi leads the “Get Hired” and “School Career Tour” initiatives, actively bridging the gap between Black talent and industry leaders.
• Reconcile UK: A Christian evangelism community that started with just 7 people and has grown to over 140 members across London, Manchester, and Birmingham, dedicated to sharing the gospel and building faith-based support networks.

Pro Tip: The Art of Storytelling

“Your inability to tell your story allows those who shouldn’t be in certain places to be there, simply because you kept quiet,” Jesusoorefunmi warns. “I’ve learned from British professionals how to communicate coherently. When you meet someone, be bold. Tell them: ‘This is me, this is what I’ve done, and this is the value I bring.’ Don’t lead with your visa restrictions; lead with your value.”

Jesusoorefunmi’s 3 Golden Rules for Immigrants

1. Be Ruthlessly Intentional: Don’t just move and hope for the best. Have a Plan A and a Plan B. Research your target market before you leave your home country.
2. Curate Your Circle: “Stay away from people who only share negative experiences about the host country,” Jesusoorefunmi advises. “Seek out those who are on a growth path. In the multitude of counselors, there is safety.”
3. Master Succession Planning: Don’t try to do everything alone. Jesusoorefunmi’s biggest challenge was time management and nearly losing close friends. His solution? Delegate. Identify future leaders in your communities and train them to step up.

Watch the Full Episode

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Connect with Jesusoorefunmi Olaoye

• LinkedIn: Jesusoorefunmi Olaoye
• Energize Black (Community): Energize Black
• Listen to the Full Podcast: The Immigrant Story Podcast