How We Gathered The Data
This study employs a qualitative research design grounded in the interpretivist paradigm, which seeks to understand the lived experiences of highly educated Nigerian immigrants in Maryland through their own narratives.
Data Collection
Primary Data
Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 30 African immigrants from Nigeria and Ghana, holding at least a bachelor’s degree. All interview sessions were conducted via Zoom and, lasted between 30–120 minutes.
Secondary Data
To complement the narratives, a review of policy documents, labor reports, migration studies, and prior scholarly work was conducted. This supported contextual analysis and triangulated findings for greater validity.
Data Collection Process
Recruitment
Reached out via community networks, social platforms, and referrals.
Targeted individuals who experienced both migration and career change.
In-Depth Interviews
30 participants (28 from Nigeria and 2 from Ghana) were interviewed.
Interviews were conducted in English over Zoom, with participants’ consent.
Transcription & Translation
Interviews transcribed, anonymized, and translated if needed. Voice and tone preserved in edited narratives.
Thematic Coding
Recurring themes such as cultural assimilation, resilience, systemic barriers were identified during thematic analysis with the use of Nvivo & inductive coding methods.
Sampling Strategy
The study used a purposive sampling technique to intentionally select participants who meet the inclusion criteria: African immigrants who hold at least a bachelor's degree, reside in Maryland, and have attempted to enter or currently participate in the US workforce. To broaden the pool and reach participants beyond initial networks, a snowball sampling strategy was also employed, where initial interviewees referred other qualified individuals.
The sample comprised 30 participants (28 from Nigeria and 2 from Ghana), balanced across gender and professional backgrounds, ensuring diversity in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, education, business, and information technology. This sample size was deemed sufficient for thematic saturation in qualitative research, where new data no longer yields new insights.
Ethical Considerations
Informed Consent
The study followed all ethical protocols expected in social science research. Informed consent was obtained from all participants before the interviews, and participants were assured that their involvement was voluntary, with the right to withdraw at any time.
Anonymity & Confidentiality
Confidentiality was ensured through the use of pseudonyms and the anonymization of personal identifiable information.
Data Security
All digital recordings and transcripts were stored on a secure, password-protected device, in compliance with data security and privacy regulations. Ethical approval was sought and obtained from the relevant university research ethics committee prior to the commencement of data collection.