Tomas Roy shares his inspiring journey from Bangladesh to Vancouver, Canada. As a software engineer, Tomas embarked on a mission to explore opportunities in North America after working in Asia and South Asia for several years.
With determination and the support of VanHack, Tomas landed a job with one of VanHack’s hiring partners. In this blog post, we will delve into Tomas’s story, his challenges, the valuable guidance he received from VanHack Academy, and his experience of relocating to Vancouver.
Tomas’s Professional Background & The Role of VanHack Academy
Tomas began his career as a software engineer in Bangladesh in 2011, gaining valuable experience across different industries for five years. Seeking new challenges and exposure to the North American software industry, he decided to relocate to Japan in 2017, where he worked for another five years.
With a strong desire to explore opportunities in Canada, Tomas discovered VanHack through a friend already living there. Intrigued by VanHack’s platform and offerings, he created a profile, completed coding and language tests, and actively engaged with the community.
He wasn’t sure whether VanHack was real, but the end of this experience proved he made the right move when trusting VanHack.
As a member of VanHack Academy, Tomas found immense value in the global network of engineers and the opportunity to collaborate and learn from professionals worldwide.
The Academy provided technical and behavioral guidance, allowing Tomas to enhance his skills through knowledge sharing and discussions. He particularly appreciated the instructors’ expertise and the chance to connect with fellow learners from diverse backgrounds, fostering an enriching learning experience.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Goals
Tomas encountered various challenges during his job search process. Recognizing the areas he needed to improve, he focused on polishing his coding practices, system design problem-solving, and interview preparation. Despite facing multiple rejections, he maintained his determination, continuously working on himself and applying for suitable positions.
Through perseverance and self-improvement, he eventually landed a series of interviews with his current employer, culminating in a job offer.
The Interview Process
Tomas navigated a comprehensive interview process consisting of multiple stages. Initially, he engaged in discussions with the internal recruiter to assess his career history and goals—technical interviews followed by coding tests and meetings with managers and senior engineers.
After clearing these stages, Tomas had general and cultural fit interviews before reaching the final stage, where the hiring manager and HR offered him the position.
The Relocation Process
Once Tomas accepted the job offer, VanHack’s immigration team provided valuable support throughout the relocation process. From documentation assistance to addressing concerns and uncertainties, the team ensured a smooth and straightforward transition for Tomas.
Although he experienced some initial culture shock, Vancouver’s welcoming atmosphere and the positive work-life balance at his new company made the transition more comfortable.
Life in Vancouver
As Tomas settles into his new life in Vancouver, he appreciates the thriving work-life balance and the adoption of best practices in software engineering. His company fosters a collaborative and friendly environment that allows him to grow professionally. While initially encountering cold weather and rain, Tomas now enjoys the pleasant summer season, exploring the city and embracing his new surroundings.
Tomas’s journey from Bangladesh to Vancouver is inspiring, and we are over the moon to find that VanHack Academy also had an important role.
Tomas achieved his goal of working in North America, but it’s essential to emphasize his commitment to continuous learning and preparation. We love how he highlights the opportunities available through VanHack and the potential for professional growth and success in new environments.
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