First-Gen Perspectives & Career Redefinition

Wondering how to navigate career expectations as the child of immigrants, or curious how resilience and curiosity can shape your path? You’re in the right place! This article is part of an 8- part series supported by RBC Foundation, spotlighting Fellows who are forging careers rooted in redefinition, community, and purpose.

To get some advice, we spoke with Tianne Pane and Yahya Said, two 2025 Venture for Canada Fellows whose stories show that embracing uncertainty and breaking away from traditional norms can help open the door to more meaningful, impactful careers.

Meet the Fellows

Tianne Pane

Meet Tianne, a Mathematics and Political Science graduate from Indonesia exploring food security and climate tech as her calling.

“I dabbled in the start-up game during university and found it really hard to continue pursuing after graduation. I wanted to be part of a community or program that focused on start-ups, and found VFC through a lucky Google search.”

For Tianne, the Fellowship reframed what uncertainty meant. “It made me realize that being uncertain is a great thing. I met all sorts of people from all educational backgrounds, walks of life, second career–looking to pivot into the third; parents, immigrants, everything. And most of the people I met there were at a cross-roads in their career looking to make the next move, actioning their uncertainty into curiosity to explore something new, to find fulfilment. ‘Your career is not your soulmate.’ That line, shared by a Fellow, really stuck with me—it made me realize I don’t have to have everything figured out.”

Her interest in startups sparked years earlier, while attending the Paris Peace Forum as a student representative for Qatar Foundation. “There were a bunch of start-up founders boothing and pitching for funding when I was there, which sparked my interest in why people would deviate from known paths to build something from scratch. I knew I wanted in on the game too! Moving to Toronto and being in a city where everyone and their mother in university also wanted to be a founder helped me sustain interest.”

Through VFC, Tianne found the exposure and network she needed. “It helped me envision the entrepreneurship I want for myself—what I need to learn next, what I should aspire to, who I can talk to! This is an incredibly lonely path, so find a community where you can at least share your struggles.”

Yahya Said

Meet Yahya, a Marketing graduate using his sales skills to build a career of global impact and purpose beyond traditional norms.

“I joined the Venture for Canada Fellowship because I wanted to surround myself with driven, curious people and unlock opportunities I wouldn’t find on the traditional path that everyone takes. I was looking for real-world experiences, meaningful connections, and a space to challenge myself, and VFC did exactly that. Through the Fellowship, I’ve gained hands-on startup experience, met people who always challenge my thinking, and opened doors to opportunities I never imagined. It’s pushed me to grow personally and professionally, provided much-needed clarity, and helped shape how I think about my future, my community, and the impact I want to make.”

For Yahya, the Fellowship expanded both confidence and clarity. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone and expanded both my personal and professional growth. Personally, it helped me build more confidence, take initiative, and become more comfortable with uncertainty, which are all vital skills in a fast-changing world. Professionally, it gave me direct access to mentorship, startup experience, and an amazing network that challenged me to think bigger and act bolder. The clarity I’ve received through VFC helped me align my career with purpose and growth.”

His passion for entrepreneurship came from a desire to live beyond the 9-to-5. “I’ve always been drawn to the freedom of building something on my own terms without having to go through anyone. The ability to travel, meet incredible people, and create meaningful work without being confined to a cubicle. That mindset had me looking into entrepreneurship, and every experience since, from university projects to the VFC Fellowship, has only made that passion stronger. Entrepreneurship is more than just innovation to me, it’s a lifestyle of curiosity, growth, and human connection.”

His advice? “This is something I need to constantly tell myself as well, but don’t wait until you feel ‘ready,’ just start. Whether it’s applying to a startup, launching a small idea, or reaching out to someone you admire, momentum to me matters more than perfection. This world of entrepreneurship rewards action, curiosity, resilience, and most importantly, NOT having all the answers. Every step you take will teach you something valuable, and the sooner you start, the faster you’ll grow.”

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