Donald Nwanguma

I was established in the upstream energy sector, particularly focused on supply chain and project management. While I had built a solid foundation in this area, I struggled to see the next steps in my career development, after recently immigrating to Canada. My goal was to transition into a more strategic leadership role, but I felt uncertain about how to leverage my existing skills and experience to achieve this. So, I enrolled in the Executive MBA program at the University of Calgary, where I was introduced to Alma as my Career Advisor.

The main challenge I faced was a lack of clarity and confidence in navigating the career transition and eventually securing a good job. I found it difficult to identify the right opportunities and was unsure how to position myself for higher-level roles. Additionally, I struggled with networking and personal branding, both of which are crucial for advancing to leadership positions. I had received several rejections, some of which were attributed to a lack of “Canadian experience,” a term that was unfamiliar to me at the time.

My experience with Alma was nothing short of transformative. She took the time to understand my background, strengths, and career aspirations. She made our meeting informal yet structured, which allowed me to express myself while staying focused on my goals. I noticed that she tailored her sessions to my specific needs, particularly regarding how my resume and cover letter could be aligned with the roles I was targeting.

During our sessions, Alma guided me through several key steps: refining my resume and LinkedIn profile, developing a targeted job search strategy, and practicing for interviews. We also worked extensively on improving my networking skills, which included strategies for building and maintaining professional relationships in my sector.

Alma’s coaching played a pivotal role in helping me secure a strategic leadership role at ETCH Sourcing Ltd, a consulting company that provides strategic consulting services to several upstream energy companies.

Throughout the process, Alma was a source of unwavering support. She provided continuous feedback and encouragement, ensuring that I stayed focused and motivated. One piece of advice that stood out was her emphasis on aligning my personal values with potential employers, which gave me a clearer sense of direction.

Through Alma’s coaching, I acquired new skills in strategic networking, interview preparation, and personal branding. These skills have significantly impacted my daily work and career trajectory, making me more marketable and effective, and better prepared for future opportunities.

Working with Alma has been a transformative milestone in my career. Her guidance not only enabled me to achieve my short-term objectives but also laid the groundwork for sustained success. My confidence has grown tremendously, and I now approach my career with a more proactive and strategic mindset, which has been a game-changer in how I navigate professional challenges. I’ve developed a greater sense of self-awareness and resilience, positively influencing both my professional and personal life. Her tailored approach, combined with her deep understanding of professional growth, makes her an invaluable resource.