Turning dreams into reality: Harsh Banshpal’s journey from Kirnapur to Galway

Dreams are universal aspirations, but transforming them into reality - from a remote town in India to secure a remote job in Galway - is a remarkable feat of determination and ambition. Meet Harsh Banshpal, our latest ambassador and a cybersecurity professional currently living his dream in Galway, Ireland.

Chasing his aspirations meant leaving the comfort of his hometown, Kirnapur, in Madhya Pradesh, India, and venturing into the uncharted territories of Ireland to build a career in cybersecurity.  Harsh is the first in his family to venture abroad, boarding a 30-hour airplane for the first time and securing a €30,000 education loan to pursue his dream.

The brave move to Ireland

Harsh's journey began in Kirnapur, a small town in India, where opportunities for growth in his chosen field of cybersecurity were limited. Driven by his passion for ethical hacking and a desire to explore global opportunities, Harsh set his sights on Ireland, a tech hub in Europe. “I chose Ireland because it’s a stable country and a tech hub in Europe,” Harsh shared. “I wanted to get exposure to cybersecurity on a global scale.”

The decision to move wasn't easy. Harsh was the first in his family to venture abroad, and the challenges were manifold.

I had never flown before, let alone internationally. The whole process was daunting, from getting the documentation right to managing funds.

And the challenges do not stop there.  Landing in Dublin, he was greeted by the unfamiliarity of a new country and the challenge of starting afresh.

"When I landed at Dublin Airport, everything was totally different, the first thing I saw was... emptiness. In India, you can find people everywhere, bustling in the streets, filling the markets, and creating an immediate sense of community. But here in Ireland, it was hard to find anyone on the street. The contrast was stark, and the silence felt almost eerie compared to the lively chaos I was used to back home. I had to book a bus to Galway and find my hostel," he shares.

Adapting to life in Galway was another hurdle. From adjusting to new food to missing his family, Harsh had to keep his emotions in check.  Staying at a hostel helped him connect with other Indians and international students who provided guidance on daily life, from cooking to finding housing.

"The main challenge for every international student is managing emotions. Your loved ones are miles away, and you must engage with people and not stay confined to one room," Harsh notes.

Strength and determination

Transitioning from student life to securing employment posed a series of other challenges for Harsh. He recognized the temptation of falling into a never-ending cycle of prioritizing short-term financial gains over long-term career success. Unlike many students who take up part-time work, Harsh chose to focus on his studies and long-term career goals.

Many people make the mistake of focusing on part-time jobs for short-term gain.  Harsh explained. “I knew I had to focus on preparing my CV and skill set before coming here to compete in a new, highly competitive environment.

Harsh's strategy involved constant learning and networking. He received numerous rejections but remained undeterred. Harsh reflects with pride:

I faced hundreds of rejections, but I kept learning and improving my skills. Eventually, I landed a job that aligned perfectly with my skill set. It was a moment of triumph after months of uncertainty. I learned the importance of networking and engaging with industry experts, which proved instrumental in my job search.

His perseverance paid off, proving that hard work and a clear focus on long-term goals can overcome even the toughest challenges.

The power of having a support system

No one can achieve great things alone, and Harsh's journey shows the power of collective support.

At the heart of his success is his father's unwavering belief, which laid the foundation for Harsh's dreams. Despite financial constraints, his father worked tirelessly to secure a €30,000 education loan, navigating complex documentation processes and leveraging his position as a government teacher to ensure Harsh could pursue his education abroad.

Harsh's friends and mentors provided indispensable guidance, helping him adapt to life in a new country by teaching him how to cook, find housing, and manage daily challenges. Their advice on refining his resume and job search strategies proved invaluable, especially during moments of doubt and numerous rejections.

Additionally, the encouragement from his professors and the connections he built within the local tech community through networking and industry meetups played pivotal roles. These relationships opened doors to job opportunities and provided insights that were instrumental in his professional journey.
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"That is why I want to join communities like Out of Office - to pay it forward and help other who needs as much support as I was."

Tips for aspiring movers

For others considering moving abroad, Harsh has some valuable advice:

1. Prepare your CV and skills

“Before moving, work on your CV and ensure it highlights your skills and achievements. The competition is fierce, and you need to stand out.”

2. Choose the right course

“Don’t just enrol in any course. Choose something you are passionate about. If you’re not passionate, you’ll burn out quickly.”

3. Engage with the community

“Join industry meetups and engage with professionals in your field. Networking is crucial in a new country.”

4. Focus on long-term goals

“Avoid getting trapped in part-time jobs for quick money. Focus on your studies and career goals. It’s a short-term sacrifice for long-term gain.”

5. Be proactive and patient

“Apply for jobs early, and be prepared for rejections. Learn from each experience and keep improving. The right opportunity will come.”

Harsh Banshpal's story shows determination and resilience. From a small town in India to a promising career in cybersecurity in Ireland, his journey inspires others to break barriers and pursue their dreams beyond borders. Stories like these prove that no dream is too distant if you're willing to take the chance.

Out of Office is dedicated to supporting these dreams that are meant to break barriers. We aim to simplify the unique challenges of relocating and working remotely by creating a platform specifically designed for remote talent.

If remote working life is the dream you share, don't hesitate to join our vibrant community of 1000+ remote tech talent and have the freedom to live, experience and succeed wherever you choose to call home.