Building a successful career abroad

Interviewed by Aletta Shikololo

Living and working abroad can be a thrilling adventure, offering the chance to experience new cultures, develop new skills, and broaden one’s horizons. But for many people who leave their home country to work in the diaspora, the experience can also be challenging and fraught with obstacles. From language barriers and cultural differences to feelings of isolation and homesickness, working in the diaspora can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

During a brief conversation with PulseHR, Rauha Shekupalela (28), originally from Namibia but currently residing in Malaysia, discussed the advantages and challenges of working abroad and offered advice on making the most of this unique opportunity.

1. Briefly introduce yourself?

I am Rauha Shekupakela, born in the culturally-rich town of Tsumeb, Namibia.

2. Can you describe your educational background I attended Etosha Secondary School and completed my high school education in 2012. During the national exams, I was honoured to receive national colours for being 3rd in Business and Economics Higher Level. I then received a scholarship to study accounting at Multimedia University in Malaysia but had to cut my studies short after three years due to unforeseen circumstances.

Despite this setback, I went on to earn an Honours Degree in International Business from Limkokwing University in 2019, self-funded. Continuing my education, I recently obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the same institution in 2021. Through my educational journey, I have gained a diverse set of skills and knowledge that have contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth.

3. How did you end up working in Malaysia, and what is your professional background?

My professional background includes a diverse range of experiences across various fields, including content moderation, teaching, sales, and marketing. Currently, I am working as a Content Moderator at Concentrix in Kuala Lumpur, a role I began in 2022. Prior to this, I worked as an English Teacher at the Nauka Języków Obcych Agnieszka Stasick Centre in Poland from 20182022, where I offered online classes and administered weekly lessons. In addition, I have worked as a freelance model for companies such as McDonald’s and Dettol during my school years.

As a freelancer, I had the opportunity to network and make connections with new people. It was through one of these connections that I learned of a job opportunity at Concentrix in December 2022. I successfully went through the interview process and was offered a contract, but unfortunately, I had to leave and return to Namibia. However, in January 2022, Concentrix contacted me again and showed me the job as they needed someone who understood Afrikaans. I happily accepted the offer and returned to Malaysia, excited to work in the diaspora again.

4. What is your current job, and what does your typical workday look like?

I am employed by one of the leading technology companies as a content moderator/policy agent for Concentrix Malaysia. My shift runs from 7 am to 4 pm, and I am responsible for ensuring that all content is moderated in accordance with client policies and guidelines. To achieve this, I manage and safeguard content on digital platforms, provide users with empathetic and accurate responses to their inquiries, and remain up-to-date with all client policies and guidelines. Additionally, I utilise a content management system to analyse user engagement and website traffic metrics.

Each day, we begin with a morning briefing, where we discuss any updates or priorities. While I have minimal supervision, I can access maximum support 24/7, should the need arise. At 2 pm, we take a daily online test to refresh our knowledge of policies, as client data often requires frequent policy upgrades.

To promote wellness, we have one hour daily to utilise the game room and participate in weekly wellness sessions to help cope with stress or burnout. During production hours, we are not permitted to use our phones due to the sensitive nature of our work and client privacy requirements.

5. How would you describe the work culture in your current workplace? Are there any unique aspects to working in the diaspora?

The work culture in my current workplace at Concentrix Malaysia is entirely laid back compared to other companies I have worked for. There are a lot of young people working here, which creates a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

One of the unique aspects of working at Concentrix Malaysia is that there are many growth opportunities in terms of promotions. The company values the development of its employees and provides various options for career growth and advancement.

Another unique aspect is the diversity of people from different countries working here. It is excellent to work with colleagues from different cultures, as it provides a chance to learn about different customs and traditions.

Overall, the work culture at Concentrix Malaysia is very supportive, and the management team encourages us to work hard while maintaining a healthy worklife balance. The company’s focus on employee development, diversity, and inclusivity makes it a great workplace.

6. What attracted you to the type of work that you do in Malaysia?

The timing of Concentrix Malaysia’s job offer is what initially piqued my interest in the work I currently do in Malaysia. I had recently resigned from my previous job in Namibia when they contacted me only weeks later. While the salary wasn’t particularly attractive, I was eager to gain different experiences rather than remain idle at home waiting for other job opportunities.

As content moderation and policy enforcement rapidly expand, I recognised that the experience would be a valuable addition to my skill set. Moreover, working for a big4 tech company provides an excellent opportunity to gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and industry standards.

7. What perks or benefits does your current employer offer, and how do they compare with what you might find in Namibia?

My current employer offers a range of attractive benefits, including the chance to work in a dynamic and supportive environment. The company strongly emphasises recruiting young individuals and creating job opportunities, even for those without previous work experience. They believe that with a willingness to learn and a passion for the work, any job can be taught.

Furthermore, the opportunity for career growth and advancement is impressive, with a high internal promotion rate and a solid commitment to employee development. This contrasts my previous job in Namibia, where such opportunities may have been more limited.

Concentrix Malaysia also places great importance on employee wellness, providing access to a game room and weekly wellness sessions. These benefits are valuable in promoting mental and physical health and encouraging breaks from work. While some similarities exist between the perks and benefits offered in Namibia and Concentrix Malaysia, the latter emphasises employee growth and development and provides more robust support for employee wellness.

8. Are there any particular challenges that you have faced as someone working in the diaspora? If so, how have you addressed those challenges?

As someone working in the diaspora, I have faced challenges, particularly finding accommodation. Some landlords do not want to rent to foreigners, which can make the search for housing quite tricky. I was homeless for at least one month when I first arrived in Malaysia. Luckily, I was studying here, so I already had friends that I could stay with while I was looking for a friendly landlord. I spent much time searching for a place to live, which was sometimes frustrating. However, I eventually found a charming Malay landlord willing to rent. She has been astonishing, and I feel very fortunate to have found such a great place to live.

Other than the challenge of finding accommodation, I haven’t faced any significant issues as someone working in the diaspora. Of course, cultural differences can take some getting used to, but I find it a very enriching experience overall.

9. What advice would you give someone interested in finding a job in the diaspora? Are there any specific skills or experiences that are particularly valuable for working in this context?

If one is interested in finding a job in the diaspora, I advise maintaining an open-minded and flexible attitude. While working in a foreign country can present challenges, it can also be incredibly fulfilling. It is essential to consider the language spoken in the country of interest. If the language is not already fluent, it may be beneficial to begin learning prior to arrival or to take language classes upon arrival. This will assist in better communication with colleagues and clients and will aid in integrating into the local culture.

Adaptability is a vital skill when working in a different culture, and it is critical to success. This entails learning quickly, being open to new ideas and approaches, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone. Networking is also crucial when seeking employment in the diaspora. Connecting with local professionals in one’s field can provide insight into the job market and may lead to potential job opportunities. Attending events or joining local professional organisations can assist in building one’s network.

Although having experience in one’s field is advantageous, a lack of experience should not deter individuals from pursuing opportunities in the diaspora. Many employers are willing to provide training and mentorship, and being eager to learn and grow can be just as valuable as prior experience. In conclusion, maintaining an open-minded, adaptable, and willingto-learn attitude is essential for those seeking employment in the diaspora. Working in a foreign country can be an incredibly fulfilling experience with the right mindset and approach.

10. Finally, can you tell us about any exciting projects or initiatives you are working on? What are your plans and goals for your career?

I am currently enthusiastic about my YouTube channel, “Life with Rauha,” which I launched in January 2023. My channel shares overseas scholarship and job opportunities, along with safe ways to look for jobs online and abroad. It’s a beautiful feeling to help people in this manner and to know that my channel is positively impacting their lives.

In addition to my YouTube channel, I am also registering my NGO, Sunraeproject and making it more sustainable. Though finding time and resources has been a challenge, the encouraging feedback from volunteers and our successful past projects have motivated me to keep moving forward.

Regarding my plans and objectives, I am seeking new job opportunities as my contract with my present employer ends soon. Although my current employment has been a great learning experience, and my contract was renewable, I have opted not to renew it since my goals and aspirations do not correspond with my current position. As a result, I believe it’s time for me to push myself and seek a new opportunity that better aligns with my aspirations.