From Nigeria to the UK: Soore Olaoye’s Blueprint for Visa Success

“You don’t get confidence before you act—you get it from acting.” — Soore Olaoye

An Immigrant’s Blueprint: Strategy, Faith, and Bold Moves

When Soore Olaoye left Nigeria for the UK in 2021, he didn’t just come for a Master’s degree—he came with a plan. Four years later, he’s a Commercial Manager at OVO Energy, a leader in the UK’s energy sector, with not one, but three visa sponsorship offers under his belt.

In this raw, unfiltered conversation on The Immigrant Story, Soore breaks down his journey—from sending cold emails before even landing in the UK to turning an internship into a sponsored role. His story isn’t just about luck; it’s about intentionality, networking, and refusing to settle.

The Backstory: Why the UK?

Soore never planned to move to the UK—his dream was the US.

Got a $20K scholarship to Illinois Institute of Technology (total tuition: $75K per year).
Reality hit: Even with the scholarship, he needed another $50K+ for living expenses.
Pivoted to the UK—applied to 7 universities, got into all, chose the most affordable.

The Trigger Point

The 2020 #EndSARS protests in Nigeria.
The government’s insensitive response made him realize: “It’s time to go.”

The Master Plan: How He Secured a Job Before Landing

1. Cold Emailing Like a Pro

Researched UK energy companies expanding into Africa (via UK Department of International Trade events).
Used RocketReach.com to find CEOs’ emails.
Sent 10-15 tailored emails with the subject: “Application for Part-Time Business Support Role.”

Key Line in His Email:
“I have X years of experience in Nigeria’s energy sector. I’ll be moving to the UK for my Master’s but have 20 hours/week to contribute to your team.”

2. The Breakthrough

One company (Gia Power Networks) forwarded his email to the Managing Director.
Interviewed while still in Nigeria, got an offer before his student visa was approved.
The role came with a sponsorship promise post-graduation.

The Hustle: Juggling Work & Studies

Worked full-time (40 hrs/week) during his Master’s (some companies allow this if you negotiate).
Paid his tuition in installments from his salary.
Missed a distinction because he prioritized real-world experience (his dissertation was on hydrogen energy—a bold, future-focused move).

The Pivot: How He Landed 3 Visa Sponsorships

1. First Sponsor: Gia Power Networks

Offered to sponsor him after his Master’s.

2. Second Sponsor: A Hydrogen Energy Startup

Leveraged his dissertation topic to land a role in a government-funded hydrogen project.

3. Third Sponsor: OVO Energy (His Current Role)

Got into OVO’s mentorship program (thanks to his then-girlfriend, now fiancée).
Impressed them so much during his 8-week internship that they offered him a permanent role + visa sponsorship.

Result: He had three companies fighting to sponsor him—OVO won.

Key Lessons for Immigrants

1. Have a Plan Before You Move

“Don’t just come for a Master’s and hope for the best.”
Research companies in your field before relocating.

2. Sell Your Existing Experience

Nigerian/African experience is valuable if you frame it right.
Connect your past roles to UK market needs.

3. Network Like Your Life Depends on It

Attend industry events (even virtual ones).
Join professional groups (Energise Black, IABC, IoIC).

4. Be Bold—Apply Even If You’re “Underqualified”

Soore applied for jobs before he had a UK degree.
“You need several ‘no’s to get to a ‘yes.'”

5. Find a Mentor

His mentor at OVO fast-tracked his career.
“Your mentor should be someone who’s where you want to be in 5-10 years.”

Final Advice for New Immigrants

“Stay away from negativity. Some people will tell you ‘It’s impossible to get a job.’ Surround yourself with those who’ve done it.”

Watch the Full Episode

Catch Soore’s full interview on The Immigrant Story here. Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and comment—your feedback shapes the stories we tell next!

Connect with Soore Olaoye:

Youtube

Join His Communities:

Energise Black (for Black energy professionals)
Reconcile UK (Christian evangelism & community)

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