“As a new migrant, I faced 516 job rejections before securing my first professional role. My upbringing instilled values like persistence and adaptability, which guided me through these challenges and laid the groundwork for rapid career advancement.”

Since my arrival in Australia from Sri Lanka in 2015, I’ve encountered a series of challenges and victories that have shaped my journey. Despite facing a daunting 516 job rejections initially, I persisted, drawing on the values instilled in me since childhood. Climbing from an entry-level IT role to managing teams at multinational corporations like Honda taught me the power of perseverance.

My career path has been marked by unexpected turns, including redundancy and adapting to remote work during the pandemic. Yet, these obstacles fueled my determination to succeed.

Motivated by a desire to assist fellow migrants, I founded Elevar, a career coaching company. In just two years, Elevar has empowered over 200 migrants to secure their dream jobs in Australia.

My migration experience deeply influenced my sense of identity and belonging. Though initially feeling disconnected, embracing Australia’s diversity and opportunities helped me establish roots and find community.

Despite being far from home, I stay connected to my cultural heritage, celebrating events like the Sri Lankan New Year, which serves as a reminder of my roots and a chance to share my culture with others.

Navigating Australian slang like ‘Crook’ has been both amusing and enlightening, helping bridge cultural gaps and foster connections. Embracing local customs has been essential in fostering a sense of belonging.

The inception of Elevar stemmed from a desire to support others on their career journeys. Despite initial skepticism, I followed my instincts into entrepreneurship, ultimately reshaping the professional trajectories of hundreds of migrants.

Reflecting on this journey fills me with gratitude for the opportunity to make a difference. As I continue with Elevar, my commitment remains steadfast in empowering migrants and promoting inclusivity within the Australian community.