From Dozens of Rejections to a New Life in Portugal: Victor’s Story
How persistence, focus, and Imagine’s guidance helped one of our Nigerian software engineer fellows turn his relocation dream into reality.
Relocating to Europe can feel overwhelming. Countless applications, long waits, and repeated rejections can make even the most skilled professionals doubt themselves. For our fellow Victor Chinewubeze, the journey was full of these challenges, but also full of lessons, growth, and ultimately, success.
Now living in Portugal with his wife and daughter, Victor reflects on a journey that tested his patience, strengthened his resilience, and showed him the value of guidance and structure.
Finding the Right Support
Victor first discovered Imagine Foundation while searching online for relocation opportunities. Its mission immediately resonated with him and offered the structured guidance he needed.
The first time he joined, other priorities, like preparing for his wedding, prevented him from fully committing. But then he returned a second time with clear focus and purpose: relocation.
“I was genuinely serious about relocating… it made sense to continue the journey with better focus, preparation, and accountability.”
This time, Victor approached the process with structure, consistency, and determination, ready to put in the work and follow the guidance provided.
Facing Rejections and Staying Resilient
The journey was not easy. Victor faced hundreds of rejections, many without even a response. Waiting, applying, and preparing for interviews while managing uncertainty required patience and emotional strength.
Adding to the challenge, he and his wife were expecting a baby. So, balancing family responsibilities and a demanding job search meant every week had to be planned carefully.
Yet, each rejection became a stepping stone. Victor refined his CV, improved his interview skills, and strengthened his overall strategy according to Imagine’s tips.
“Each rejection became a learning experience… it helped me refine my approach and build resilience.”
Achieving the Dream Job
Months of consistent effort finally paid off. Victor received an offer from Volkswagen Group Digital Solutions, a moment that felt almost surreal after so many applications.
Soon after, his daughter was born, making this period of change even more meaningful.
Relocating and Starting a New Chapter
Relocating to Portugal with a newborn required careful planning and preparation, but step by step, everything came together.
“In March 2025, my wife, our baby, and I finally moved to Portugal. It felt like the beginning of a new chapter for our family.”
A year has now passed since that move, and Victor has already achieved impressive milestones in integrating into his new home. He recently completed his A2 Portuguese certificate, showing his determination to fully embrace his new environment.
Reflecting on his early days, he shared:
“Ah, Victor is here… let’s switch to English.” I heard that sentence a lot when I first arrived in Portugal. One day during lunch, I made a bold declaration: ‘Give me one year. I’ll be able to speak Portuguese fluently with you.’ Ambitious? Absolutely. But I decided to go all in.”
Today, Victor is not only thriving professionally but is actively integrating into his new environment, learning the language, and embracing the local culture - a testament to his perseverance and focus.
Lessons and Advice
Victor attributes this success first to God, and also to the incredible support of his coach, Marisa Schlereth, Co-Managing Director Claudia Langer, and the Imagine Foundation. Their guidance, mentorship, and encouragement helped him navigate challenges, grow through the process, and achieve his dream - while learning the true value of resilience, perseverance, and strategy in international job searches.
For anyone currently navigating a similar path, Victor offers this advice:
- Be patient - the journey takes time.
- Don’t give up after rejections - they are part of the process.
- Keep improving your CV and interview skills.
- Stay consistent - show up every week.
- Trust the process, and trust that your opportunity will come.
“It may feel challenging while you're in it, but keep pushing. Your effort will be worth it in the end.”
Victor’s journey is a powerful example of how perseverance, focus, and the right guidance can turn what feels impossible into reality.
For Imagine fellows and anyone aiming for relocation, his story shows that with structure, mentorship, and determination, even the biggest goals are achievable.
That's it! Thank you so much for sharing, Victor, and good luck on your journey. See you soon!
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