Career Queens Podcast is a business podcast that spotlights career conversations with millennial women making moves in tech
In this episode, Halimatu (Hali) Umar, a Market Specialist at Facebook, talks about her experience moving abroad for work. When Hali moved to Dublin to work for Facebook, it was her first time living outside of Nigeria. The transition was challenging, particularly as Hali wasn’t moving alone — Hali moved to Ireland with her husband and three kids.
Despite the obstacles she had to overcome (from homesickness, to prejudiced neighbors) Hali survived and eventually thrived in her new home. She was determined to rise, inspired be a role model for young Nigerian girls.
Dr. Maya Angelou once said that her mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive. These words ring true when I think about where Hali is today — thriving in Ireland and at Facebook. Tune into listen to Hali’s advice for anyone thinking of moving abroad for work, including how getting plugged into community helped her feel at home in Ireland.
Hear Hali’s story about moving abroad for work
Quotes from the episode
Being a muslim, a woman, and a Northerner from Nigeria, the traditional way of thinking is: Grow up, be a very good housewife, and keep the house going. Changing the status quo is something that I will always cherish.
When I think about my life, how I started, all the challenges I went through, all the harassment… all those things… it’s about giving young girls out there who are like me, who want to aspire… giving them hope that they can also do the same.
If you love this episode, be sure to check out Episode 6 (Leading an International Career) as well!
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