Lucky Temitope Osunbiyi understands the power of a supportive community better than most. 

In 2018, Temitope Osunbiyi began teaching himself basic coding languages, like HTML and CSS. After a few months, he learned enough to start taking on freelance clients referred to him by friends and family. 

“I was able to build little things with my basic knowledge, and those projects motivated me to capitalize on it,” said Temitope Osunbiyi.  

Temitope Osunbiyi later decided to learn more advanced concepts through Humber’s Computer Programming diploma program because of the college’s reputation for producing successful graduates. The program is offered by the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology (FAST) and includes a co-op option where students can apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world environment and gain valuable, practical experience related to their program of study. Temitope Osunbiyi pursued the co-op option, and after completing three semesters of in-class work, he was eager to begin his four-month co-op work term.  

“My placement advisor was always there to motivate me. She reviewed my resume and cover letter, and within a week, I got an email saying, ‘Congratulations.’ I remember screaming at the top of my lungs,” said Temitope Osunbiyi.  

Temitope Osunbiyi found a co-op position with Hatch, a global engineering consulting organization that embraces companies' visions by providing innovative solutions that solve the world’s most complex problems. In this position, Temitope Osunbiyi created software for other Hatch employees and learned to solve complex coding problems.  

“It gave me a lot of insight about being a developer. I was fortunate to have supportive teammates and senior engineers. They were always there to help me figure a problem out,” said Temitope Osunbiyi.  

Since finishing his co-op work term with Hatch and graduating from Humber, Temitope Osunbiyi has found a full-time position with the Bank of Montreal (BMO) as a developer. He plans to continue refining his programming skills so he can open an academy for other ambitious programmers one day.  

“Because of my co-op, I've learned several life skills that are still helping me today. I have met several important people and spoken at tables I used to think I wasn’t qualified to sit at,” said Temitope Osunbiyi.