How Rama Nunna Turned Opportunity Into Career Growth and Community Belonging
Beginning a New Chapter in Newfoundland and Labrador
Rama Nunna’s journey to Newfoundland and Labrador began with academic goals, but his sights were always set on a much larger prize. As an international student, she viewed her education as the first step in a long-term blueprint to establish a permanent, thriving career in a place she could truly call home. Today, Rama is an Operations Coordinator at Harvey’s Oil Limited, a role she secured shortly after completing her MBA in May 2025.
Rather than limiting herself to a single discipline during her studies, Rama intentionally sought out diverse roles across Marketing, Finance, and Operations. “I have built hands-on experience in NL through various roles,” she explains, noting that she is also currently pursuing her professional accounting designation. This willingness to explore and continuously learn has become a defining feature of her professional journey, helping her understand local workplace culture and develop the practical skills needed for a seamless transition into the workforce.
The Impact of Study and Stay NL and Experiential Learning
For international graduates, navigating a new local job market and understanding unwritten workplace expectations can be daunting. Rama met this challenge head-on by actively engaging in professional development initiatives, most notably Study and Stay NL, alongside programs like PSDP and CDL Atlantic. “One of the most significant challenges was understanding the local job market and gaining hands-on work experience related to the field,” she recalls.
Study and Stay NL proved instrumental in bridging this gap. Through its one-on-one mentorship program, Rama received targeted guidance that helped her decode employer expectations and adapt to the professional culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. “Programs like Study and Stay NL supported me through one to one mentorship program to provide guidance in every aspect, assisted me adapt workplace expectations and confidently transition into professional role,” she says, crediting his mentor with providing reassurance during uncertain moments and the strategic advice necessary for her long-term career planning.
This foundation of mentorship and support empowered Rama to step outside his comfort zone. Armed with new confidence cultivated through Study and Stay NL, he participated in a business pitch competition focused on addressing housing insecurity in the province. Presenting her ideas publicly—and ultimately winning the prize—was a transformative milestone. “It was incredibly rewarding, as it opened a door to step out of my comfort zone,” she shares. Beyond the professional validation, the experience forged a deep personal tie to the region: “It made me feel recognized and truly part of the local community.”
Simultaneously, her involvement in these employment programs facilitated crucial industry connections. A placement through the PSDP program led directly to an internship with Harvey’s Oil Limited. This opportunity provided invaluable direct exposure to day-to-day operations and allowed her to build strong internal relationships, ultimately opening the door to her current full-time role. “I can surely say every program I enrolled in played a key role in helping me secure a job right after graduation,” she states. Together, the mentorship from Study and Stay NL and the practical experience from her internships transformed her initial uncertainty into tangible career success.
A Deepening Sense of Belonging
As Rama’s professional network expanded, her vision for the future in the province crystallized. “It played a key role in strengthening my decision to build my future in NL,” she says of the mentorship and networking opportunities he embraced. Through these relationships, Newfoundland and Labrador evolved from a temporary place of study into a permanent home. “I gained confidence in looking ahead in my career, while making meaningful connections that made me feel supported and motivated to continue living and working for the long term,” she reflects. Today, Rama represents a growing demographic of international graduates who are not just filling critical roles, but actively shaping the future workforce and community fabric of the province.
Advice for New Graduates
Looking back, Rama strongly encourages incoming international students to step beyond the classroom. “I would greatly suggest they take part in workshops, make connections, improve networking, and seek mentorship, as these are highly important for the local job market and future opportunities,” she advises. For Rama, these activities were never secondary to her studies; they were the central engines of her career progression.
She also advocates for the continued expansion of experiential learning platforms to help future cohorts. “For IENL, I suggest continuing to expand mentorship opportunities and increasing employer engagement by providing volunteer or practical opportunities to students,” she notes, emphasizing that practical exposure and meaningful industry connections are what international graduates need most to succeed.
A Lasting Impression
Rama Nunna’s trajectory is a testament to the power of persistence, purposeful networking, and community engagement. By confronting the uncertainties of a new job market with a proactive mindset, she turned mentorship and workplace experience into lasting career momentum. Her cross-functional background provided critical insight, while the robust support systems of Study and Stay NL and PSDP gave her the confidence to thrive. As she continues to grow her career at Harvey’s Oil and works toward her accounting designation, Rama’s journey stands as a powerful reminder: opportunities exist, but true success requires the courage to step forward and embrace them.