(EMPOWERMENT) Rukayat Alabi is a career empowerment expert and the founder of RKY Careers, a platform that has helped over 1,000 professionals secure global opportunities. With a background in banking and a distinction in Financial Technology, she transitioned into tech and now serves as a Senior Finance Analyst at Vanquis Bank UK. Recognized as EdTech CEO of the Year and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Rukayat is committed to helping immigrants and women thrive in competitive job markets.
A Journey of Career Transformation
Rukayat began her career as an Executive Trainee at Guaranty Trust Bank over 11 years ago. During this period, she gained extensive experience in Customer Experience Management, Risk Management, Data Analysis, Financial Planning, and more. Her thirst for career development led her to pursue a Master’s in Financial Technology in 2019, where she graduated with distinction. This, along with her banking expertise, helped her secure a role as a Senior Finance Analyst at Vanquis Bank UK.
Navigating the UK job market and transitioning into the tech industry inspired her to establish RKY Careers. Initially, a community focused on guiding professionals through career transitions, it has since evolved into a leading career coaching and training platform. Today, RKY Careers has successfully helped over 1,000 candidates secure their dream jobs in the UK and other global markets.
Passion for Empowering the Diaspora
Rukayat’s passion for career empowerment stems from her personal experiences as an immigrant navigating the UK job market. She understands firsthand the challenges that come with relocating and seeking employment in a foreign country. Through RKY Careers, she has debunked the myth that immigrants are limited to menial jobs, providing resources and mentorship to help them secure desirable positions. The impact has been transformative, giving countless individuals a renewed sense of hope and direction.
The Driving Force Behind RKY Careers
For Rukayat, the most fulfilling aspect of her work is witnessing the success stories of those she has mentored. “My joy knows no bounds when people who thought they weren’t good enough share their success stories—securing six-figure jobs, visa sponsorships, and international roles,” she shares. The positive feedback fuels her passion to expand RKY Careers’ reach and continue making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Tackling the Japa Syndrome
The increasing trend of migration, often referred to as the “Japa Syndrome,” highlights systemic issues in home countries and the need for robust support systems. Rukayat emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities within communities to reduce the necessity of leaving home for better prospects.
Leveraging Technology for Career Growth
As the head of a tech-driven enterprise, Rukayat integrates technology into all career support services offered by RKY Careers. The platform facilitates skill acquisition, networking, and career transitions into tech-centric roles. Bootcamps provide students with hands-on experience through collaborative tech projects and product development initiatives.
Advocating for Women’s Financial Literacy
Rukayat believes financial literacy is essential for women’s empowerment. She advocates for targeted educational programs, mentorship initiatives, and policy interventions to bridge the gap. Through RKY Careers, she provides resources that help women gain financial independence and make informed career decisions.
Supporting International Professionals
RKY Careers offers specialized training in areas such as project management, business analysis, Scrum Master, compliance, data analysis, and more. Additionally, the platform provides career services, including CV and LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, and career advisory consultations. These initiatives have contributed to over 1,000 success stories in the past year alone.
Beyond structured programs, RKY Careers hosts free career webinars, masterclasses, and networking events. The flagship event, *Limitless Without Borders*, brings together immigrant professionals and industry experts to share experiences and strategies for career success. The event’s first edition in Birmingham (2023) and its second in June 2024 have garnered positive feedback, with over 100 attendees at each gathering.
Overcoming Challenges in Career Coaching
Despite the successes, Rukayat acknowledges the challenges of running a career coaching platform. Adapting to cultural nuances, staying ahead in the ever-evolving job market, and maintaining personalized services for a growing client base have been hurdles. However, these challenges have driven continuous improvement, refining RKY Careers’ offerings to better serve professionals worldwide.
Driving Financial Inclusion and Economic Opportunities
To promote financial inclusion, Rukayat advocates for policies that enhance access to financial services, particularly for women. She emphasizes the need for education, mentorship, and support systems that foster entrepreneurship and career advancement. These efforts can help create a more equitable society and a thriving economy.
Advice for Women Struggling with Career Growth
Rukayat encourages women to seek mentorship, embrace lifelong learning, and build strong professional networks. She reminds them that career success is a marathon, not a sprint and that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth.
In support of women’s career development, RKY Careers launched the RKY £10,000 Scholarship Grant for Women, aimed at helping mothers re-enter the workforce by providing free training in technology-related fields. In the first half of 2024, over £6,000 has been allocated to support 10 mothers, with plans to extend further assistance in the coming months.
A Mantra of Excellence and Resilience
Rukayat lives by the principles of excellence, integrity, and resilience. She strives to push boundaries, uphold ethical standards, and persevere through challenges. By embodying these values, she continues to lead a purposeful life, inspiring others to achieve their dreams.
Through her work with RKY Careers, Rukayat Alabi is not just helping individuals secure jobs—she is reshaping career narratives, fostering financial independence, and empowering immigrants and women to thrive in the global job market.
