Bari Keenam's journey is a testament to the power of embracing rejection and a relentless pursuit of learning. But how did he turn these into a competitive advantage in the job market? The story begins with a young man's audacity and a unique approach to career-building.
Bari Keenam, now a product designer at Lyft in Canada, has a resume that spans continents and industries. From photography to cybersecurity, he's done it all. But at 25, he reflects on a path less traveled, wishing he had specialized sooner. Yet, he acknowledges that his diverse experiences are what led him to where he is today.
Here's where it gets intriguing: Bari keeps his life packed into two boxes, ready to move at a moment's notice. This mobility reflects his mindset—a refusal to settle, always seeking new challenges. As a teenager, he filled his time with online courses and internships, co-founding an online magazine called Gumbars. This early venture set the tone for his future endeavors.
The University of Lagos (UNILAG) played a pivotal role in shaping Bari's career trajectory. He describes it as Nigeria's Silicon Valley, a hub of audacious students who dared to aim high. Inspired by his peers, Bari embarked on a bold strategy: applying to 10 jobs a day, every day. This 'glorification of rejections' became a game, a competition among friends.
And this is the part most people miss: Bari's relentless applications weren't just about getting a job; they were a learning experience. He was deciphering the interview processes of international companies, understanding their expectations, and honing his self-presentation skills. This strategy paid off when he was accepted into Toptal, a prestigious freelance network with a 3% acceptance rate.
His Toptal acceptance opened doors, leading to a role at Grey Finance (now Grey), where he worked on a significant rebrand. But the real twist came when Snapchat, a company he had applied to a year earlier, reached out again. After a year-long pause in hiring, they invited Bari to reapply, this time for their London office. He joined their product design team, a testament to his problem-solving skills and unique perspective.
The secret to Bari's success? His problem-first approach. He believes in designing with a purpose, ensuring every creation has real-world measurable metrics. This philosophy, honed during his brand design days, caught the attention of top companies. However, Bari's journey wasn't without setbacks. He was laid off from Snapchat and worked remotely for a Berlin gaming company before landing at Lyft.
The paradox of Bari's story is captivating. He wishes he had specialized earlier, yet he acknowledges that his diverse experiences are invaluable. He ponders, "If I had locked in on one thing, I might be further in my career, but I wouldn't have discovered design or met the people I did." It's a delicate balance between specialization and exploration.
Bari's UNILAG friends, who normalized applying to tech giants, remain a significant influence. They embody the energy that keeps him moving, constantly learning new skills, and embracing challenges. His end goal is to return to Africa, equipped with experience and resources to make a meaningful impact, regardless of the political climate.
But here's where it gets controversial: Bari isn't ready to return just yet. He believes he has more to learn and achieve before coming back. This raises an intriguing question: Is it better to gain experience abroad and bring it home, or is there value in building a career locally?
Bari Keenam's story challenges conventional career paths, highlighting the benefits of embracing rejection and continuous learning. His journey is a testament to the power of a growth mindset and the importance of a supportive network. So, what do you think? Is Bari's approach a recipe for success, or is there a better way to navigate the complexities of the modern job market?
