Leap with Japa

In this episode, Saheed Adepoju discusses Trump's proposed gold cards for immigration, aimed at wealthy individuals. He provides insights into the EB visa system, particularly the EB-5 visa, and analyzes the implications of the gold cards proposal. The conversation highlights the challenges and considerations surrounding immigration reform, including the backlog of applicants and the need for a co...

This conversation explores the journey of Semiu Akanmu, an immigrant who navigated the challenges of education and career in the US. From his early life in Nigeria to pursuing a PhD in the US, he shares insights on the importance of family support, the struggles of adapting to new educational systems, and the realities of job hunting in a foreign country. The discussion highlights the resilience r...

In this episode of Leap with Japa, we explore the next chapter in the journey of growth and opportunity. Join Saheed Adepoju as he shares the story behind the launch of Narralize, an innovative tool breaking barriers by transforming PDFs into multilingual audio summaries, and how his software studio, Prossess, is empowering entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life with rapid MVP development. Dis...

In this episode of Leap with Japa, we dive into the exciting world of AI and explore how it's becoming the new coding agent, transforming the way we work and create. Join me as I walk through the powerful AI tools I use—Claude AI, V0, ChatGPT, and Cursor AI—and share how each has significantly boosted my productivity and creativity. We’ll also explore some innovative AI-driven projects I’m develop...

In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Maxwell, an electrical engineer whose career has taken him from Nigeria to the UK, France, and now Canada. Maxwell shares his experiences in the nuclear power sector, detailing the challenges and triumphs he's encountered along the way. From mastering French to navigating the complexities of nuclear plant commissioning, Maxwell's story is a t...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Dr. Ojo, a biochemist who shares his inspiring journey from Nigeria to the United States, where he pursued a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Kentucky. Alongside his twin brother, who also holds a PhD, Dr. Ojo reflects on the challenges and triumphs of adapting to a new educational system, managing time effectively, and building a support network....

In this episode of "Leap with Japa," we explore the complexities of pursuing a PhD while working full-time. Drawing from my journey, I discuss the importance of ensuring your PhD program waives unnecessary master's courses, mastering time management, securing employer approval, and synchronizing between work and academic advisors. We also delve into self-care, mental health, and maintaining motiva...

In this episode of "Leap with Japa," we dive into crucial financial planning tips for international workers. We cover budgeting basics, the intricacies of U.S. banking, strategies for building credit, effective saving techniques, understanding tax obligations, and the benefits of 401(k) plans. Whether you're new to managing finances in the U.S. or looking to optimize your financial health, this ep...

In this episode of "Leap with Japa," the host welcomes Foluyinka Fakoya, a trailblazer who has journeyed from Nigeria to becoming an advocacy specialist at the Global Partnership for Education. Foluyinka shares her compelling story, starting with her unique educational upbringing in Nigeria, where she was homeschooled by her educator parents, to her academic success in the United States. Foluyinka...

In this episode, your host, Saheed Adepoju, dives into a crucial topic for anyone recently starting working abroad: health care and taking care of yourself. Starting a new job in a new country can be exciting and overwhelming. Amidst all these new responsibilities and opportunities, it is easy to overlook the importance of health and well-being. Saheed shares his journey of moving to the U.S. and...

In this insightful podcast episode, we welcome Brian, a highly respected career coach, to discuss the pivotal role of career coaching in professional development. Brian opens up about his background, what led him to this profession, and how his approach differs by offering a managerial perspective. We delve into the stages of a career when seeking a coach is most beneficial, especially for softwar...

Join us in this insightful episode of our podcast as we delve into the crucial aspects of thriving in the American workplace, tailored specifically for international graduates. "Mastering the American Workplace" is your comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of professional environments in the U.S. We cover everything from understanding your role and the dynamics of workplace culture t...

Welcome to a crucial episode for international students in the U.S.—"Navigating OPT: A Guide to Your Employment Journey in the U.S." In this comprehensive session, we dive deep into the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program and the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), key components that enable international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study. From understan...

In this podcast episode, we explore the compelling story of a guest who transitioned from being an electrical engineer in Nigeria to a significant player in his field abroad. We cover his educational pursuits, career transitions, and the rich experiences that led him to Canada. This episode offers valuable insights for those interested in the migration process, career adaptation, and the nuances o...

In this insightful episode of "Leap with Japa," Saheed dives into the crucial steps international students should take upon arriving in the U.S. to secure internships and full-time employment. Highlighting the competitive job market, Saheed stresses the importance of immediate action in job hunting and adapting resumes to meet U.S. standards. Essential advice includes engaging in networking opport...

In this eye-opening episode of "Global Campus," we delve into the heart of the international student experience in the United States. Join us as we debunk myths about the necessity of Ivy League education for success and illuminate the true significance of accreditation over prestige. We navigate the intricacies of the F-1 visa process, providing you with a step-by-step guide to obtaining the visa...

Join us on this insightful journey in "Leap with Japa" as we explore every international grad student's pivotal question: When is the best time to graduate—May or December? This episode is packed with critical information, from the nuances of Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT to the intricacies of the H-1B visa process. We'll dissect the historical context, the lottery system, and the...

Welcome back to "Leap with Japa," where we bridge continents and untangle the complex tapestry of international education. In this compelling conclusion to Anand's interview, we dive into the innovative world of 'Fly Born,' an app poised to revolutionize how travelers connect. Join us as Anand unravels the app's features, which are designed to pair fellow travelers and make journeys less daunting....

Dive into the Leap with Japa podcast as we kick off a three-part series with Anand Sekar, a manufacturing engineer whose journey from India to the U.S. reshapes the narrative of international education. In Part 1, Anand shares his early experiences, from securing scholarships and navigating visa interviews to adjusting to a new culture. His insights are a beacon for students seeking to broaden the...

Join Saheed on a comprehensive exploration into the world of internships in the U.S. for international students in this episode of "Lead with Japa." Saheed unpacks the intricacies of the internship application process, beginning with the pivotal role of the Designated School Official (DSO) and the critical aspects of the I-20 form and visa requirements. He shares his personal experiences, offering...

In this compelling finale of our series with Dr. David Adamo, "You Don't Need a Ph. D. to Succeed in Software Engineering," we delve into the transformative insights and experiences that shaped his journey from a challenging Ph. D. program to achieving remarkable success in the software engineering industry. Dr. Adamo shares his pivotal internship experiences, the life-changing mentorship he recei...

Welcome back to "Leap with Japa," where we continue engaging with Dr. David Adamo in the second episode of our mini-series. In this episode, Dr. Adamo delves deeper into his specialization in software testing, sharing how this niche area transformed his career trajectory and ignited his passion for research and innovation. He recounts the pivotal moments of his PhD journey, from the enlightening d...

In this episode of "The Leap with Japa," host Saheed introduces us to an enthralling conversation with Dr. David Adamo, a senior software engineer whose journey from Nigeria to making his mark in the tech world embodies resilience and a passion for learning. As we launch into our March miniseries, we focus on the compelling narrative of Dr. Adamo, from his upbringing in Delta State, Nigeria, to hi...

In the episode, the host, Saheed, discusses critical steps and considerations for students about to embark on their graduate studies, particularly in the United States. He covers practical topics such as finding accommodation, understanding public transportation, securing graduate assistantships, and adjusting to a new academic environment. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and planning,...

In this inspiring episode of "Leap with Japa," we sit down with a remarkable software engineer thriving at American Express. This episode is not just about a career in technology; it's a profound journey of ambition, resilience, and success. Our guest, who has graciously agreed to share their story, takes us through their journey from being an international student to securing a coveted role at on...