A former IT professional at the United Nations, Rabia shares how our Energy Transition Programme has helped her reconnect with technical sectors in the UK.
For many people who receive refuge in the UK, the path back to a previous, cherished career is far from straightforward. Roles in other sectors may be vital stepping stones, retraining is often important after enforced time out of work, and the support refugees need can change during this journey.
Here our client, Rabia, shares the progress she’s made towards re-entering her chosen field of IT. She also explains how the support she’s received from Breaking Barriers and the Energy Transitions Programme (also known as Powering Refugee Employment) has helped her to access work, build UK experience, and grow her confidence along the way.
Rabia’s story
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and began my professional career in 2016 as an intern with the United Nations World Food Programme. Over time, I progressed into roles as an ICT Assistant and later an IT Operations Associate, working with the organisation for more than six years.
During this time, I was involved in a wide range of IT operations including helpdesk support, systems administration, database management, and user training. I worked closely with colleagues across different departments to ensure that technical systems were functioning effectively and supporting the organisation’s humanitarian work.
A meaningful career
One of the most meaningful parts of my role was supporting the SCOPE project, which helps register people experiencing food insecurity and deliver assistance programmes. I also travelled to field locations to train staff and partner organisations on using IT systems and equipment.
Working in an international organisation gave me valuable experience in a professional IT environment and strengthened my communication, problem-solving and technical skills. When I came to the UK, I was unable to continue my UN role. But continuing my career in IT remains very important to me. Technology is something I genuinely enjoy, and working in this field allowed me to continuously learn new skills and solve practical problems.
I found a lot of satisfaction in helping colleagues overcome technical challenges and ensuring systems worked smoothly so that important humanitarian work could continue. My work also gave me confidence and a sense of independence because I had built a career in a field I was passionate about.
IT is not just a job for me. It is a field where I feel motivated to grow, keep learning, and contribute to meaningful work.
The challenges of building a new life
Moving to the UK was a major life change and came with many challenges. Although I had professional experience in IT, as well as administrative and HR work, understanding the UK job market was difficult at first.
Like many newcomers, I had to adjust to a new professional environment while also managing family responsibilities. As a mother of a young child, balancing childcare and work was particularly challenging, especially without extended family support.
There were moments when the process felt overwhelming, but these challenges also motivated me to keep building my skills and finding opportunities to rebuild my career.
At that time, I was unfamiliar with the UK job-market and recruitment process. Breaking Barriers provided extremely valuable support by helping me improve my CV, prepare for interviews, and understand how to approach job applications in the UK.
Rabia
Support from Breaking Barriers
When I first arrived in the UK and was searching for work, I discovered Breaking Barriers through the Refugee App shared by Migrant Help.
At that time, I was unfamiliar with the UK job-market and recruitment process. Breaking Barriers provided extremely valuable support by helping me improve my CV, prepare for interviews, and understand how to approach job applications in the UK.
They also offered workshops and advice on professional networking and job searching. This helped me build confidence and understand how to navigate the UK employment system.
What stood out the most was how encouraging and supportive the team are. They take the time to understand each person’s background and career goals, and they provide practical support to help people move forward. Their guidance played an important role in helping me secure my first job in the UK and continue developing my career.
Gaining UK employment experience
My first role in the UK was as an Administrator with the No Accommodation Network (NACCOM). This role allowed me to gain valuable experience working in the UK while managing childcare through a fully remote position.
During my time at NACCOM, I supported administrative processes, maintained internal databases, managed online platforms such as Slack and Zoom, and helped update the organisation’s website and systems.
After about a year, once my son started nursery, I wanted to gain more in-office experience and further develop my professional network. I then joined JTI UK as a Commercial Planning Associate, where I supported teams with internal database management and planning systems.
These roles have helped me gain valuable UK work experience, while I continue working towards returning to my original field.
IT is not just a job for me. It is a field where I feel motivated to grow, keep learning, and contribute to meaningful work.
Rabia
Restarting a career in IT
IT is where I built my professional background and where I feel most confident using my skills. It is also a sector that offers strong opportunities for growth, learning, and flexible working.
To transition back into the industry, I am currently focusing on developing my skills in cloud computing, which is an important and growing area within IT. I am studying online courses through CBT Nuggets and preparing for cloud certifications.
My goal is to refresh my technical knowledge, gain recognised qualifications, and continue building a career in IT within the UK.
Participating in the Energy Transition programme
I was interested in Breaking Barriers’ Energy Transition programme because I wanted to reconnect with technical sectors and learn more about emerging industries.
The programme offered the opportunity to hear directly from experienced professionals working in the field and gain insights into industry trends and career pathways.
The LinkedIn guidance and the one-to-one sessions were especially helpful. They provided practical advice about networking, presenting your skills to employers, and building professional connections. The programme was very inspiring and helped increase my confidence in continuing to pursue my career goals.
By supporting these initiatives, employers gain access to talented, motivated individuals who are eager to contribute and grow. With the right support and opportunities, refugees can bring valuable skills and perspectives to the workforce.
Rabia
The impact of support
Programmes like this make a real difference. Many refugees arrive with strong professional skills and experience but need guidance to understand the local job market and rebuild their careers.
By supporting these initiatives, employers gain access to talented, motivated individuals who are eager to contribute and grow. With the right support and opportunities, refugees can bring valuable skills and perspectives to the workforce.
