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.
Named EdTech CEO of the Year and a Forbes Coaches Council member, Rukayat is passionate about helping immigrants and women thrive in competitive job markets. In this interview, she shares her journey, insights on empowering the diaspora, and her mission to create lasting impact.
1.Take us through your illustrious career path.
I started my career as an Executive trainee in Guaranty Trust Bank, over 11 years ago. I amassed a wealth of experience across Customer Experience Management, Risk Management, Data Analysis, Management Reporting, Financial Technology and Financial Planning and Analysis.
With a background in accounting and over a decade within the Banking and Finance sector, my quest for career development and a thirst to further develop my tech skills led me to pursue a master’s in financial technology in 2019, where I bagged a Distinction. My previous wealth of experience and newly acquired in-demand tech skills, among other factors, led to securing a role as a Senior Finance Analyst at Vanquis Bank UK, nestled in the heart of London.
My career journey, navigating the UK job market and the world of technology, birthed RKY Careers, which started as a community providing clarity on in-demand career paths and skills and supporting professionals through navigating change in their career paths or geographical comfort zones. RKY Careers has helped over 1000+ candidates land their desired jobs in the UK and other global markets.
As the Founder and CEO of RKY Careers, my impactful work has been met with some recognition and awards, including being named as Top 25 changing the face of Education in 2022, EdTech CEO of the Year in 2023, being accepted into the Forbes Official Coaches council in 2024 and having over 6 contributions in the Forbes coaches expert panel being featured in Forbes.com.
2. Share with us what informed your passion for empowering people in the diaspora with the right skill set to thrive.
My passion for empowering people in the diaspora spurned out of my personal experience navigating the UK job market as a new immigrant a couple of years back. You know the saying, “You can’t really understand another person’s experience until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes. My experience navigating the job market and years of research inspired the birth of RKY Careers, where we have continually debunked myths that immigrants can only settle for menial jobs. RKY Careers emerged as a conduit to facilitate smoother transitions for immigrants in the global job market, ensuring they are well-positioned to secure desirable positions and flourish therein. The ripple effect of our endeavours has been nothing short of transformative, rendering a renewed sense of hope and a tangible pathway to success for many.
3. What has been your driving force over the years?
The bedrock of my motivation is the profound impact RKY Careers has on the lives of many. “My joy knows no bounds when people who thought they were not good enough come back to share success stories of getting Six figures’ jobs, visa sponsorship jobs and also jobs across borders .” Each success story is a testament to the potential residing in these individuals, waiting to be harnessed. The cascade of positive feedback, the narratives of lives changed, and the evident societal contributions of our beneficiaries are the fuel that propels my drive to broaden our reach and deepen our impact.
4. What is your take on the japa syndrome, which is in its full gear now?
The Japa Syndrome, a reflection of underlying systemic issues, amplifies the necessity for robust support frameworks and tangible opportunities within communities. It’s a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead, not just for RKY Careers but for societal stakeholders, in creating conducive environments where individuals can thrive.
5. Through your organisation, how are you infusing tech to drive career growth? How well are people embracing it?
At the helm of a tech-driven enterprise, committed to helping professionals transition to tech, I champion technology integration into all our career support services. Our digital platforms catalyse skill acquisition, networking, and career transition, notably into tech-centric roles. The modern-day professional realm demands a tech-savvy workforce. Through RKY Careers, we’re at the forefront of nurturing tech-adept professionals ready to surmount the challenges of the digital age.
At RKY Careers, our Bootcamps also affords our students to gain tech experience by participating and working on several Tech project and product Building: through our affiliate Tech companies and subsidiaries.
6. What is your take on women and their financial literacy awareness?
Historically, societal norms and systemic barriers have often relegated women to the periphery of financial decision-making, necessitating a targeted approach to bolstering financial literacy and capacity among this demographic. Efforts to promote financial literacy among women should be multifaceted and tailored to address their unique challenges. This can include educational programs, workshops, mentorship initiatives, and policy interventions to increase access to financial resources and opportunities.
7. Share with us some of your activities towards helping international professionals realise their full potential.
RKY Careers is deeply committed to supporting international professionals in realizing their full potential through various Bootcamps and services tailored to their needs. We offer a diverse array of courses including project management, business analysis, Scrum Master, product owner, compliance & KYC/AML, data analysis, business intelligence, and our Tech Career Accelerator Program. These courses are designed to equip professionals with the sought after practical work experience and specialized skills and knowledge required to excel in their respective fields.
Additionally, we provide a suite of personalized services such as CV optimization, LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, career advisory consultation, and cover letter assistance, all aimed at helping individuals present themselves effectively to prospective employers and confidently navigate the job market. Through our comprehensive offerings, we strive to empower international professionals to achieve their career aspirations and thrive in today’s competitive global workforce, and these have resulted in over 1000+ success stories in the last 12 month.
We also hold free career webinars, master classes and support session to Tech enthusiasts and Professionals who want to progress in their career journeys. These sessions have been instrumental in helping attendees chart a course towards fulfilling careers and Lives.
Furthermore, we host annual CSR Physical Networking Career events; themed Limitless Without Borders aimed at bringing together immigrant Professionals, Subject Matter experts, Consultants who have gone ahead on similar journeys, either in Career or Business and now thriving in their chosen paths. Limitless without borders, whose maiden edition held in Birmingham in 2023 and 2nd edition more recently, in June 2024, has met with great success, having over 100 in attendance with loads of very positive feedback as well.
8. What has been your challenges in the cause of your work?
The path of making a significant impact is seldom without its challenges. In the course of our work, we’ve navigated through a spectrum of hurdles, ranging from understanding and adapting to the diverse cultural nuances of our clientele to ensuring our services remain accessible and effective in the ever-evolving job market landscape. Additionally, maintaining a high level of personalised service amidst a growing client base has been a nuanced challenge. Yet, with each obstacle, we’ve gleaned insights that have been instrumental in refining our approach and enhancing the quality of our offerings. The feedback loop between challenges faced and improvements made has been a rich source of learning and growth, not only for me but for the entire team at RKY Careers.
9. In your expertise, how can the nation drive financial inclusion and create social economic opportunities, especially for women?
Financial inclusion necessitates a synergy between policy reforms, education, and supportive ecosystems. Policies should foster easy access to financial services, particularly for women, aiding in breaking traditional barriers. Education is pivotal, emphasising financial literacy to enable informed financial decisions. Establishing supportive ecosystems that promote entrepreneurship provide credit access, and mentorship, especially for women, is crucial. These tailored initiatives can usher in an era of financial autonomy and entrepreneurship, driving economic equity. Together, these elements can significantly propel the nation towards enhanced financial inclusion, creating a foundation for sustainable economic growth and societal prosperity.
10. What advice do you have for women who struggle with getting a hold of their career?
The trajectory towards career fulfilment may be laden with hurdles, yet with the right blend of resilience, continuous learning, and a robust support network, the zenith is attainable. I urge women to seek mentorship, embrace a lifelong learning ethos, and cultivate a network of like-minded professionals. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint; every experience, good or bad, is a mile marker on your journey to success. At RKY Careers, we are committed to empowering women and increasing diversity and representation in the workforce. This is why we launched the RKY £10,000 Scholarship Grant for Women.
This initiative aims to support mothers re-entering the workforce by allowing them to gain education and training in technology-related fields for Free. By offering this grant, we aim to equip women with the skills and knowledge, mentorship, coaching and support necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech sector. Through this program, we aspire to break down barriers, foster inclusivity, and empower women to pursue fulfilling careers, ultimately contributing to greater gender diversity and representation in the industry. https://rkycareers.com/mothers-day/
In the first half of the year 2024, we have expended up to £6,000 of this grant on up to 10 Mums, with plans to do the same as we get into the 2nd half of the year. It is truly rewarding to support women who have been off the workspace to ease back into it, as a I can totally relate to their situations, as a Mum as well, who have taken time off work and each time struggled to ease back into it.
11. What is your life mantra?
My life mantra revolves around excellence, integrity, and resilience. I believe in striving for excellence in everything I do, continuously pushing boundaries and surpassing expectations. Integrity guides my actions, emphasizing the importance of honesty, ethics, and transparency in all interactions and decisions. In the face of challenges and adversity, resilience is key, enabling me to adapt, persevere, and emerge stronger from setbacks. By embodying these principles, I aim to lead a purposeful and impactful life, making a positive difference in the world while staying true to my values.
Our Success stories: https://rkycareers.com/blog/success-stories/
Career shop: https://rkycareers.com/career-shop/
Our courses: https://rkycareers.com/courses/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rkycareers/
