Strategies For Overcoming Career Challenges
While career challenges can be disheartening, it is important to remember that they are a natural part of the career process and can be overcome with the right strategies and mindset. These challenges could come in the form of rejections, disappointments, lack of opportunities, or even layoffs. In the face of these obstacles, it is easy to feel discouraged and lose motivation, but it is important to understand that setbacks [...]
How Technology Can Help You Grow In Your Career
Technology has had a profound impact on the way we work, and as a result, it has also impacted career development. In today's world, technology is increasingly becoming an integral part of every industry. In this article, we will explore the various ways technology has impacted career development and what it means for the future of work. Career Switching Technology has made it easier for individuals to switch careers. Online [...]
Apply For The University of East Anglia UEA International Development Scholarships
The School of International Development is delighted to offer three competitive scholarships of £10,000 to students from Sub-Saharan African Countries. Successful recipients will receive this award in the form of a tuition reduction from our international fee. This award is worth £10,000 – if you meet UEA entry requirements and your final undergraduate grade is equivalent to a high 2:1. Benefits: £10,000 Eligibility: If you meet UEA entry requirements and [...]
Apply for the Mastercard University of Cape Town (UCT) Scholarship Programme 2023/2024 for African Students
The MasterCard Foundation has partnered with the University of Cape Town (UCT) to oversee the implementation of financial, academic, social and post-graduation support to awarded candidates under the scholarship titled The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of Cape Town. The vision of the Program is to transition promising young people from beneficiaries to benefactors, preparing them with the necessary values, knowledge, skills, and leadership to fuel economic and [...]
How to Change Industries or Career as a Young Professional
Changing industries or careers as a young professional can be challenging, but it's definitely possible with the right approach and mindset. Here are some steps you can take to successfully transition to a new industry or career: Assess your skills and interests: Before you start applying for jobs in a new industry or career, it's important to evaluate your skills and interests. Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses, [...]
Apply For The LSE & UCT Double Degree Masters Scholarships 2023/2024 for African Students
The Double degree Master in Global Media and Communications is a unique programme and offers the opportunity to study and gather experience in two cities (London and Los Angeles, Shanghai or Cape Town) with close connections and ties to global media industries. Successful students will attend 2 top ranking educational institutions, the London School of Economics (LSE) in London in your first year, and the University of Southern California (USC) [...]
Apply For The Bartlett Promise Scholarship 2023/2024 for Sub-Saharan African Students
The Bartlett Promise represents a long-term commitment to attract and support students from a broader range of backgrounds to study at The Bartlett in order to tackle the lack of diversity in the built environment sector. The scholarships cover fees, living and study costs for scholars, as well as professional and personal support and career advice for the duration of their programme. Now in its second year, the scheme currently [...]
Apply For The Development Africa Scholarships 2023/2024 at Loughborough University
The Loughborough University Graduate School Development Trust Africa Scholarships covers 100% of the course fees for your chosen postgraduate taught course for one year (replacing any Departmental or Loughborough University scholarships or bursaries you may already have been awarded). Benefit: The scholarship will cover 100% of the course fees. Students will be expected to fund their travel and maintenance costs through other sources. Eligibility: The selection panel will use the [...]
How to Start a Career in Tech
If you're just getting started in the tech industry, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a successful start. Here's a checklist of items to consider: Choose your area of focus: There are many different areas of technology, from software development to cybersecurity, and it's important to choose the area that you are most interested in and want to specialize in. Learn the basics: Once [...]
Start Your Own Business With These Tips
Starting your own business or pursuing freelance work can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Here are some steps you can take to get started: Identify your strengths and passions: Start by identifying what you're good at and what you enjoy doing. This will help you determine what kind of business or freelance work you want to pursue. [...]
Apply for LSHTM Fund Scholarships 2023/2024 for Students from Developing Countries
This scholarship has been made possible by donors to the LSHTM Fund. Supported by hundreds of alumni and friends, the LSHTM Fund provides scholarships for the next generation of global health leaders. This year’s scholarship is intended to support an excellent candidate who could not take up a place of study without this financial support. Benefit: The scholarship award comprises 2023-24 tuition fees (at the overseas fee rate), including any [...]
Apply for MSc in Health and International Development 2023/2024 at LSE
The MSc in Health and International Development programme will award a full scholarship to one student per year for 3 years starting in 2022/2023. Funded by the Wellcome Trust, these scholarships will support the very best students seeking a career in health-related social science research. Benefit: These scholarships are part of a grant secured from Wellcome to support the MSc programme. The scholarship value is a maximum of £31,088. This [...]
Sustainable Energy Development Scholarship Program 2023 for Developing Countries
The Education for Sustainable Energy Development [ESED] scholarship aims to support outstanding students from developing countries pursuing advanced studies in sustainable energy development and to encourage meaningful contributions to the collective body of knowledge about this subject. These scholarships are available to up to 10 outstanding students from developing countries and economies in transition for a period of up to two years for a Masters's Degree, awarded annually. Benefit Scholarships [...]
Major Red Flags on CVs You Should Know
Some of us have been sending out applications for our dream job, but do we get called back for the next stage? Some of us have all the required skills for advertised jobs; our cover letter is engaging and highlights our abilities, but do we get the job? It might be our resume. Have some of us thought about this? Hiring managers often spend a lot of time looking through [...]
It’s not too Late to Plan your Year Financially
The start of a new year offers an opportunity to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. Revisiting both your personal and financial goals can help set you up for success in 2023 and beyond. Manage your Wealth. Here are six ways to kick off the new year with fresh a perspective: Revisit Your Household Budget Start the year by revisiting your budget. Assess your average monthly income, [...]
How to Create Financial Goals for the Year
As individuals, we all have different priorities, therefore financial goals should not be a one size fits all rather, they should be created according to your preference. Creating a financial goal should be based on your income, expenses, budget and how much you want to invest. Therefore, there is no fixed formula or template for that. You should also bear in mind that the purpose of creating a financial goal [...]
How to Find a Job with no Experience
Employers are often in search of candidates who have required experience and skills to do a job As an entry level candidate with little or no experience, how do you navigate the job market? Below are a few tips. EDUCATE YOURSELF Educating yourself means investing in yourself. You need to step out of your comfort zone to gain the experience that you need. Take classes, attend workshops, get professional certificates [...]
Linkedln Hacks to Land a Job Interview in the New Year
This new year, let's all activate and make use of Linkedln. Lots of recruiters make use of LinkedIn to source and hire candidates. You could use LinkedIn to your advantage if you are spending time there. Optimize your profile to impress your recruiters and beat other candidates. UPDATE YOUR PROFILE Your employer wants to see your recent career achievements and skills. Did you know that employers review your profile just [...]
These are some Habits You Should Take on Now
The sooner you learn how to develop yourself professionally, the closer you are to achieving your career goals. There are some professional habits you need to start developing in your twenties as this is a crucial time to build your career. Therefore, creating professional habits early enough will help you achieve your goals and lay a good foundation for your success. You might be wondering, what are professional habits and [...]
How to Secure Your Dream Job With a Low G.P.A
Securing Your Dream Job With a Low G.P.A Do GPA’S still affect how we are viewed and perceived by potential employers? Yes? No? Let me help you, yes, yes, yes! GPA’s still matter to prospective employers and although many now pick experience and other skills over your GPA, it is still very important. However, as time goes by and as you go up your career ladder, there would be a [...]
Exam Preparation: These are Ten study tips for You
Exam preparation: Ten study tips Preparing for exams? Give yourself the best chance with these top ten study tips, and try not to let the stress get to you! Remember: you've got this. Give yourself enough time to study Don't leave it until the last minute. While some students do seem to thrive on last-minute cramming, it's widely accepted that (for most of us) this is not the best way [...]
How to Improve your Financial Wellness
As individuals, we all have different priorities, therefore financials goals should not be a one size fits all rather, it should be created according to your preference. Creating a financial goal should be based on your income, expenses, budget and how much you want to invest. Therefore, there is no fixed formula or template for that. You should also bear in mind that the purpose of creating a financial goal [...]
Secrets to Turning your Internship into a Job Offer.
Have you ever wondered how interns become full time employers? Let me share my story with you. I started with a contract position and upon completion, I was offered a full-time role with benefits. Do you want to learn the secrets? LEARN EVERYTHING I was flexible while interning. I was always inquisitive about what others were doing and how I can get information from them. Flexibility is important when you [...]
On Mentorship: Feedback from Lonnie Omotosho
One of our mentees, Oluwaloni applied for the GROW Mentorship Programme and her life changed. She remained committed to the programme and through the help of her mentor, Chinedu Mofunanya, she was able to advance in her career and gained some useful soft skills needed to get her right on track. We recently spoke with her and here is what she had to say What inspired you to apply [...]
Personal Habits You Should Develop Now
The sooner you learn how to develop yourself professionally, the closer you are to achieving your career goals. There are some professional habits you need to start developing in your twenties as this is a crucial time to build your career. Therefore, creating professional habits early enough will help you achieve your goals and lay a good foundation for your success. You might be wondering, what are professional habits and [...]
Here is how to Survive your First Week at Work
Success during week one is about balance; you want to make great first impressions, but you should not put too much pressure on yourself to get everything right. The goal is to learn about your new workplace and feel out your place in that ecosystem. Do you have a new job? Congratulations! Here is how to make it count. In the first week: Introduce yourself, relentlessly. Studies have shown that [...]
How to Transition from Self-Employment to Full-Employment
Almost every article you see online tells you how to quit your job and become the next multi-millionaire or become the next Dangote or Bill Gates and, in some cases, its not always true. What if you tried and it did not work out? Maybe the economic downturn? You left the 9-5 world, tried to establish your own business and things did not go as planned or you just felt [...]
Mentee Experience: Dorathy Anzaku
Mentee Dorathy Anzaku found out about the GROW Mentorship Programme online and decided to give it a try. She applied through the registration portal and out of numerous applicants who applied for the programme, she was one of the lucky ones. She had a successful onboarding session and got matched to her mentor who is a seasoned HR Management Consultants in one of the biggest firms globally. Both parties were [...]
Apply For the Fully Funded Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship for Undergraduates
The Ashinaga Africa Initiative's mission is to contribute to Sub-Saharan Africa’s expanding role in global development through increasing access to higher education abroad for orphaned students. The scheme offers is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, basic medical insurance, travel costs and accommodation Eligibility Applicants should: Have lost one or both parents Have completed secondary school and received the results of their national secondary school examination within the [...]
Apply for the University of California African Legal Impact LL.M Scholarship 2023/2024 for African Students
The African Legal Impact Scholarship was developed to encourage enrollment of students from Africa seeking advanced legal education in University of California, Berkeley. This is a full-tuition waiver. Recipients will be responsible for paying only the $1,000 seat deposit, plus travel and living expenses. To be eligible, you must meet these criteria Citizenship or primary residence in Africa Academic merit A Statement of Intention describing what the scholarship recipient plans [...]
Apply for the University of Melbourne Graduate Scholarships 2023/2024
This scholarship is available to international and national students undergoing graduate study at the University of Melbourne. The scholarship provides one-off fee remissions of $5,000 or $10,000 and 25%, 50% or 100% fee remissions for the standard course duration. To be eligible for this scholarship, you need to: be a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand and not a permanent resident of Australia have applied for [...]
Mentee Experience: The GROW Mentorship Programme
We had a chat with Thelma Chuma about her experience with the GROW Mentorship Programme so far. For Thelma, it was love at first sight and all she needed when she heard about the clarion call for the application. She was convinced that it will be an important step towards building a better career and personal development. What Inspired you to join the programme? For me, it was also [...]
Apply for the Fully Funded Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship for Undergraduates
Apply For the Fully Funded Ashinaga Africa Initiative Scholarship for Undergraduates The Ashinaga Africa Initiative's mission is to contribute to Sub-Saharan Africa’s expanding role in global development through increasing access to higher education abroad for orphaned students. The scheme offers is a fully funded scholarship that covers tuition fees, basic medical insurance, travel costs and accommodation Eligibility Applicants should: Have lost one or both parents Have completed secondary school and [...]
Apply for the University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Social Champion Scholarship
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor’s Social Champion Scholarship 2022/2023 Three scholarships will be offered to international students intending to start a degree in at University of Canberra. This scholarship will be awarded to students who exhibit the University of Canberra’s core values and demonstrate a commitment to social engagement, sustainability and reducing inequalities. The scholarship is available to undergraduate, masters' international students who will in turn benefit up to 50,000 AUD [...]
Apply for the University of Melbourne Graduate Scholarships
University of Melbourne Graduate Scholarships 2023/2024 for International Students This scholarship is available to international and national students undergoing graduate study at the University of Melbourne. The scholarship provides one-off fee remissions of $5,000 or $10,000 and 25%, 50% or 100% fee remissions for the standard course duration. To be eligible for this scholarship, you need to: be a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand and [...]
How to Make a Good First Impression at Work
Congratulations on your new job! Now it is time to get to work and make a good impression. It is important to have a good start at your new job and get it right. KNOW THE COMPANY: The first tip on having a great start at your new job is to know your company and its culture. This is important for you to get ahead easily and feel warm in [...]
What Skills are Employers looking for?
Every job has its specific requirements. However, some employers lookout for certain skills when hiring and they are known as soft skills. Soft skills are personal attributes that can help you become successful in your career and personal life. Employers value these skills while hiring any candidate because they serve as a reflection of how important and valuable such candidate is and could be to the organization; COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL [...]
How to Write your Scholarship Essays- Chevening Scholarship
Your goal when scholarship application essays is simple: stand out as one of the most qualified and interesting applicants. This be your main goal and knowing this fact will help you achieve your goal, which is to get a scholarship. They are so many techniques and strategies that could be used for writing an amazing scholarship. However, the STAR technique will be talked about here. The Chevening scholarship is one [...]
Linkedln Rules for Job Search
LinkedIn job seekers more often succeed when they make several adjustments to their LinkedIn profiles. Job seekers can also improve their odds by following companies, joining LinkedIn groups, making connections, and reading relevant content. Other viable LinkedIn job-hunting tactics include using the job search tool, setting job alerts, and displaying that you’re open to new work. This article is for job seekers looking to use LinkedIn more effectively for job [...]
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Business
Do you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur? Let's find out. Entrepreneurship is fun to talk about, it can be a lot harder to become one. The notion that you will be your own boss, create the hours and life you want and ultimately see riches beyond your wildest beliefs draws people to start their own businesses. However, the reality is that starting your own business is one [...]
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting a Business
Do you have what it takes to become an entrepreneur? Let's find out. Entrepreneurship is fun to talk about, it can be a lot harder to become one. The notion that you will be your own boss, create the hours and life you want and ultimately see riches beyond your wildest beliefs draws people to start their own businesses. However, the reality is that starting your own business is one [...]
Stuck in a career you are unhappy in?
It is important to say that an average human get unhappy with their career path or job at some time in their life. However, what is important is how you get unstuck and move forward. As humans, our needs are insatiable and changes constantly, so it is normal for you to always want a better job or a career that makes you happy and fulfilled. Your job should fulfil you [...]
Best Secrets on how to Manage your Salary
It’s salary day! There is this theory that your salary should keep you going for a month. However, reality sets in and inexplicable emergencies set in our income finish even before the end of the month. Creating a budget as an adult can be overwhelming. There are so many expenses that are required of you to fulfill. From buying different outfits ranging from work clothes to casual clothing, getting toiletries [...]
These CV Red Flags might hinder your chances. Fix it now!
Some of us have been sending out applications for our dream job, but do we get called back for the next stage? Some of us have all the required skills for advertised jobs; our cover letter is engaging and highlights our abilities, but do we get the job? It might be our resume. Have some of us thought about this? Hiring managers often spend a lot of time looking through [...]
Not sure how to get your dream job? Let your CV guide you
Your CV is often your passport to getting that dream job. More often than not, hiring managers will meet your CV before they get the chance to meet you. As a matter of fact, what they make of your CV determines if they get to meet you or not. In this article, we share with you 6 easy steps to writing a fantastic CV Clean clear formatting. Formatting speaks to [...]
How to Find a Job Without any Experience
Employers are often in search of candidates who have required experience and skills to do a job As an entry level candidate with little or no experience, how do you navigate the job market? Below are a few tips. EDUCATE YOURSELF Educating yourself means investing in yourself. You need to step out of your comfort zone to gain the experience that you need. Take classes, attend workshops, get professional certificates [...]
How to Create Financial Goals for Yourself
As individuals, we all have different priorities, therefore financials goals should not be a one size fits all rather, it should be created according to your preference. Creating a financial goal should be based on your income, expenses, budget and how much you want to invest. Therefore, there is no fixed formula or template for that. You should also bear in mind that the purpose of creating a financial goal [...]
Stuck in a Career Path you are Unhappy with?
It is important to say that an average human get unhappy with their career path or job at some time in their life. However, what is important is how you get unstuck and move forward. As humans, our needs are insatiable and changes constantly, so it is normal for you to always want a better job or a career that makes you happy and fulfilled. Your job should fulfil you [...]
Qualification VS Experience: How to make the Use of Both
Every job has its specific requirements. However, some employer’s lookout for certain skills when hiring and they are known as soft skills or experiences. Soft skills are personal attributes that can help you become successful in your career and personal life while experiences highlight your career trajectory and answers the question of ‘can you perform adequately in this role’? Recent statistics have shown that employers value these skills and [...]
Check out these Online Learning Sites
Are you looking for online learning websites to improve your personal and career development and skills? Check out these online learning sites. COUSERA Coursera is a website that partners with universities and organisations around the world. This brings a wide variety of topics and perspectives to one searchable database. If you are looking to study many different topics or want courses from different schools or learn about new career courses, [...]
Develop your Financial Goals with these Tips
As individuals, we all have different priorities, therefore financials goals should not be a one size fits all rather, it should be created according to your preference. Creating a financial goal should be based on your income, expenses, budget and how much you want to invest. Therefore, there is no fixed formula or template for that. You should also bear in mind that the purpose of creating a financial goal [...]
Goal Setting Books for Personal Development
I have always been a self-help book advocate because I have grown immensely since I started reading voraciously for years. Reading changed my life tremendously; some self-help books contain secrets you cannot find online until you search deep. These books have impacted my life in a major way and that is why I want to share them with you. The most important part of reading is when you put what [...]
Signs that you need a Career Mentor
You will agree with me that the right career mentor could change your career? Imagine you getting way ahead in your career just because someone you admire and is successful has agreed to mentor you, guide you, share their accomplishments with you and give you feedback and advice on questions you might not have answers to or situations that you might not know how to handle. Now, this is where [...]
Dealing with Job Rejection as a Job Seeker
You would agree with me that job search is a very daunting and tiring process. The hassle of searching for a job that aligns with your goals is tedious and creates a lot of anxiety. The application process and interview preparation in itself can be quite overwhelming. The goal of every individual that goes for an interview is to get hired. Now, we cannot ignore the fact that not everyone [...]
How to brand your business as an entrepreneur
Branding is more than your business logo or your brand colours, it is the why of your business, the who and how of your brand, usually in visual form. Have you ever wondered how Coca-Cola has managed to stay in business for decades without compromising on its product? Branding! It is the heart of their business and they have been able to connect with their consumers in a special way. [...]
Must Reads if you are Changing Careers
Hi there, Over time, individuals who have switched careers have attested to the Some books can help you strategize and prepare for potential obstacles. Furthermore, transforming your professional life can feel like an overwhelming task, but reading professional books that will set you on the right path will give you a new perspective. When switching careers, what you basically need is an element of inspiration and practical advice to guide [...]
How to make mentorship work for you
I am a product of mentorship and trust me when I say that I have enjoyed every bit of it. Many successful entrepreneurs attribute their success to mentorship, and I believe that a mentorship is a tool necessary for career success. Having a great relationship with your mentors can help your career significantly and take you to the next level of your career. Also, the right mentors or networks can [...]
Are you struggling with what to do next with your career?
Hi there, Some of us are on a journey of self-discovery, purpose, and career fulfillment. However, it may seem like you need clarity on a few things, you need direction on what step to take next. Not to worry, it is okay to feel stuck, but the ability to unstuck should be your priority. Are you trying to take the next step in your career? Are you a young budding [...]
Career clarity and getting answers to your career questions
Most times, we are often on the lookout for a good job to fulfill our career goals. In as much as this is a great career goal, we should not forget to get enough clarity on our career first. What do I mean by career clarity? As an individual, do you often ask yourself this question, “Am I in the wrong profession?” or do you always feel like something is [...]
Breaking boundaries and self-imposed limits
As humans, it is obvious that we all have fears and doubts, or challenges that tend to limit us from fulfilling our goals or reaching our potentials and that’s okay. However, it is believed that oftentimes, we place self-imposed limits on ourselves all these limits hinder us. It is important to note that having a positive mindset boosts your confidence, increases your motivation, and inspires you. How does having the [...]
Imposter Syndrome and how to overcome it
“What am I doing here?” “I’m not worthy of this position” “I’m a total fraud, and sooner or later, everyone’s going to find out.” If you’ve ever felt like an imposter at work, you’re not alone. A 2009 study on imposter syndrome suggested that over 9 to 82 percent of people who report having thoughts along these lines often experience this. Furthermore, some people experience this feeling when they have [...]
High-Income Skills You Should Learn as a Student
You will agree with me that the job market is constantly evolving, and times are changing. Are you a student looking for new skills to learn? Here are some high-income skills you should learn as a student. Copywriting. Copywriting is one of the most sought-after jobs in recent times. It is a text form of salesmanship. Copywriters are responsible for the text on brochures, billboards, websites, emails, advertisements, catalogs, and [...]
How to Stay Employable in Changing Times
The future of the workplace is uncertain and changeable. Who knew the coronavirus pandemic would disrupt workflow and exiting work system that has been in place for centuries? Who knew organisations could adopt remote working and the level of productivity would still be untouched in some industries? The job market is filled with so much uncertainty as nobody knows what could happen the next minute. One of the numerous ways [...]
How to Make the Most of your University Experience
What you do during your days in the university matters a lot and you must make every day count. Balancing your academic, social, and career life should be a priority to you while at the university. Here are a few ways you can spend your time in the university and make the most of it. Participating in extra-curricular activities is important, extra-curricular activities are arguably as important as the degree [...]
How to handle “awful” Mondays at work
How to Handle Awful Mondays Mondays are often referred to as ‘Miserable Monday’ by a lot of people, other times it’s called ‘Monday blues’. No matter how much you may love your job, sometimes its just a bad day and there sis almost nothing you can do about it. A few months back, I woke up late, my electricity was out so I had to shower with hot water, my [...]
How to make mentorship work for you
I am a product of mentorship and trust me when I say that I have enjoyed every bit of it. Many successful entrepreneurs attribute their success to mentorship, and I believe that mentorship is a tool necessary for career success. Having a great relationship with your mentors can help your career significantly and take you to the next level of your career. Also, the right mentors or networks can connect [...]
Read these goal setting books for your personal development.
I have always been a self-help book advocate because I have grown immensely since I started reading voraciously for years. Reading changed my life tremendously; some self-help books contain secrets you cannot find online until you search deep. These books have impacted my life in a major way and that is why I want to share them with you. The most important part of reading is when you put what [...]
Avoid these career mistakes by all means!
You have decided to give your career your best shot, great decision. There are some mistakes you should avoid that could deter you from accomplishing your career goals and dreams. Do not fret nor panic. I have listed out 10 mistakes you should avoid. NOT CHALLENGING YOURSELF A wise man once said that his biggest motivation was to keep challenging himself. There is no short cut to success, you just [...]
Are you struggling with what to do next in your career?
Hi there, Some of us are on a journey of self-discovery, purpose, and career fulfilment. However, it may seem like you need clarity on some few things, you need direction on what step to take next. Not to worry, it is okay to feel stuck, but the ability to unstuck should be your priority. Are you trying to take the next step in your career? Are you a young budding [...]
Self-Advocacy might be the biggest game changer for your career
Have you heard about self-advocacy before? According to Wikipedia, the term self-advocacy means speaking up for oneself and one’s interests. It is the ability to say what you need, want and hope for in life. Now, speaking up for oneself, going for what you want in life and expressing yourself might not be easy as it feels like but there is always a first time, to try. It is enough [...]
Mental Health and the Pressure for Perfection
Do you ever get tired? Not the type of tired where you had a really long day and you just need to rest, and you will be in top shape the next morning. The type of tired where you are actually drained, and you have started losing interest in the things that once interested you, you are either sleeping too much or sleeping way less, your weight is up and [...]
Reasons to Invest in yourself in your 20s
It is quite easy to overlook certain aspects of your life and personal development is one of these aspects that could easily be considered as not important because you feel there is enough time. However, this is such a big mistake because investing in yourself is a great way to prepare for your future and the key to fulfilling your goals. Why should you invest in yourself? It is important [...]
How to build Emotional Resilience at Work
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), depression has been on the rise recently and it is one of the dominant factors for determining the state of our mental health. Most adults spend their lives working several hours while the typical 9-5 is the reality of most individuals today. Emotional resilience is an individual’s psychological ability to cope with or adapt to pressure, change and stress needs to be built [...]
How to write an effective cover letter
Do not let a bad cover letter stop you from getting that dream job! Cover letters are one of the numerous ways to put yourself in the minds of your potential employers. A cover letter is a great way to mark your attendance and proceed to the next stage. While a cover letter may be optional for some jobs, some companies see it as a process of identifying the qualified. [...]
Professional Habits You Should Develop in Your 20’s
The sooner you learn how to develop yourself professionally, the closer you are to achieving your career goals. There are some professional habits you need to start developing in your twenties as this is a crucial time to build your career. Therefore, creating professional habits early enough will help you achieve your goals and lay a good foundation for your success. You might be wondering, what are professional habits and [...]
Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting A Business
I wish I knew that starting a business is not just selling; it is more than that. It is important to know that a lot of people can sell products/services but may not be able run a business. Running a business is more than creating a product or offering a service, it is also creating a brand, dealing with processes, and handling outcomes. I wish I knew this before I [...]
Surviving Your First Week at Work
Success during week one is about balance; you want to make great first impressions, but you should not put too much pressure on yourself to get everything right. The goal is to learn about your new workplace and feel out your place in that ecosystem. In the first week: Introduce yourself, relentlessly. Studies have shown that anxiety in new situations can come in part from not feeling confident in [...]
How I Went From Zero Clients to Fully Booked
I will tell you a success story of how I went from hoping that clients would find me, to working towards my craft and getting clients back-to-back. Before now, my motto used to be, “I hope people would refer clients to me”, “I hope clients would look for me”. I mean, I am a great copywriter so my skill should speak for me. That was the foundation of my failure [...]
Cold Pitching 101 For Freelancers
When I first heard about cold pitching, I wondered what it was and how to write one. However, after I read about it and was shown a perfect example, I wondered if it is a wise decision to tell people about my skills/services. I got to understand that learning how to cold pitch is a great skill to have and it will elevate chances of getting more jobs as a [...]
How to Create and Deliver Good Presentations
Creating and making presentations are a part of our academic and career path. You may have had the opportunity to create and make a presentation. Maybe during your degree project defence or as a part of your tasks during your first week of resumption at work. But, if you have not, you definitely will soon. Here are a few tips to help you create and deliver unforgettable presentations. Write everything [...]
High-Income Skills You Should Learn
The other day we posted about high-income skills people can learn online and skills that would enable them to work remotely. We had a lot of enquiries so we decided to create a list of websites you can learn these skills online for free (some require payment for advanced stages). We will be updating this list as often as possible. The skills we mentioned are; copywriting, web design, graphic design [...]
Career Secrets You Will Not Learn in School
This life is so funny, in school you are told to put your head down, read, for girls- do not follow boys, for boys- do not follow girls. Face your books do not do Facebook and although that advise at that point was important, that is not all you need to move forward especially career-wise. There are certain secrets which you just take no classes on, here are some; Social [...]
Creativity is for Everyone
You most probably have been forced to stop most of the things you are used to doing. Your routines must have changed. The cinemas are closed. You can’t hit the gym. The covid-19 pandemic has brought anxiety, fear, stress, uncertainties, and dark days to the world. Without time to prepare, we have been forced to take up a new life, different from what we are designed as humans for. People [...]
5 Easy Steps to Writing a Fantastic CV
Your CV is often your passport to getting that dream job. More often than not, hiring managers will meet your CV before they get the chance to meet you. As a matter of fact, what they make of your CV determines if they get to meet you or not. In this article, we share with you 5 easy steps to writing a fantastic CV Clean clear formatting. Formatting speaks to [...]
From University to Work: Valuable lessons Part 1
It usually will take on average, between 4-5 years through studying for a degree, and fulfilling the necessary post-study requirements (Like NYSC, for Nigerian Students) before you land your first job. The journey through getting admitted into the university, studying, graduating, and then landing your first job, is full of lessons worth sharing. In this first part of this article, I will be sharing some of the lessons I learnt [...]
Is Entrepreneurship for You?
Entrepreneurship as defined by the oxford dictionary is the activity of setting up a business or businesses, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. Entrepreneurs typically identify needs or problems and develop solutions by either creating a product or delivering a service. There is a school of thought that says we are all entrepreneurs. This thought is based on the narrative that entrepreneurship is a mindset and not [...]
Social Media: A learning and networking platform
Social media platforms are no longer novel. They have been with us for a while now, and are defining the way communication and collaboration takes place. Currently, there are over a dozen global social media platforms, specialized in providing specific marketing and information needs to a particular segment of internet users. Some of the social media platforms that are common with internet users in Africa are: Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Twitter [...]
Components of Public Speaking
You may be thinking “I don’t intend giving a speech to a crowd of people, so why should I even worry about anything that concerns public speaking?”. Let us start by looking at what public speaking is. Shapira defined it as any time you speak in front of an audience of one or more with some kind of goal. That covers everything from a formal address at a podium or [...]
Getting Started with a Job Search
Ever seen a hunter heading out into the woods for a kill? He goes prepared with all the necessary armoury. Job searching or job hunting can be likened to animal hunting. It is important to be properly armed with the tools needed for a catch. For starters, the priority should be keeping your hunt organised. This article shares 5 tips to help you get started and stay organised with your [...]
Character is a success tool
There are talks on the need for people to develop technical and soft skills in other to be competitive and productive in today’s dynamic labour market. This conversation is even more common amongst the young generation, who are either still studying for a degree, or are just out of school and are waiting to land their first job. This group have the odds against them and need to develop in-demand [...]
5 Reasons You Should Never Quit during Tough Times
I wish life was a bed of roses I wish life offers to us all what we want. I wish we get all we need by merely wishing for them. Growing up as a kid, I had a lot of role models. From music to dance, to a big brother neighbour who dresses fantastically well. I admired these people for different reasons. Now, here is the interesting part. I thought [...]
Young Entrepreneurs: How to Succeed in Business while in School
It feels exciting when you catch that business idea. The thought of how you can transform lives and make all the money usually takes the lead. You start thinking, “now I can make some money while in school and save up for bigger moves after I graduate” Not bad. I guess we all want to feel that way. However, in reality, combining business and school is anything but easy. It [...]
Importance of Volunteering for Career Development
As a fresh graduate, undergraduate, or entry-level candidate, grabbing the opportunity to give back to society through volunteering always feels fulfilling. However, beyond the satisfaction gained from impacting lives through unpaid work, volunteering also helps boost your career development. Volunteering simply means giving your time to an organisation (NGO, Public, and Private) for unpaid work. Sharing your time with an organisation is important in getting all the experience and skills needed in [...]
The Plague Of Unemployment-Short Story
Akpan! Akpan! Akpan! I turned around in discomfort and squinted to check the time, my aunty has started her usual complaints about my laziness and how all I do is sleep and eat her food. My morning routine usually includes getting her children ready for school, scanning through emails to see if anyone has responded yet, then heading out to the streets to engage in small business deals to at [...]
Five Things You Should Never Do At Work
Figuring out how to act at work can be tough… And although it can be easy to let your personal life and/or habits spill over into your work life, or lose your cool in difficult situations – approaching things in the wrong way could be affecting your reputation, not to mention your career progression opportunities. To make sure you’re always on your best behaviour, here are five things you should [...]
3 Tips For Acing Your Virtual Interviews
As businesses manage this COVID-19 crisis, many companies have begun using digital technology early in the talent engagement process to replace face-to-face interviews. As a job seeker facing this reality, you should approach these video interviews no differently than you would an in-person, face-to-face conversation. Keep in mind, video meetings are still interactive events where you have an opportunity to build a connection with hiring managers. As such, be prepared and [...]
Writing an Entry Level CV
The first opportunity to tell an employer what you can do, your CV is a vital part of your job hunt What is a CV? A CV (curriculum vitae) allows you to summarise your education, skills and experience, selling yourself to employers. In some countries, it's known as a résumé and tends to be a more concise document. How long should a CV be? A standard CV in Nigeria should be no [...]
High Income Skills You Should Learn
The other day we posted about high-income skills people can learn online and skills that would enable them to work remotely. We had a lot of inquiries so we decided to create a list of websites you can learn these skills online for free (some require payment for advanced stages). We will be updating this list as often as possible. The skills we mentioned are; copywriting, web design, graphic design [...]
How Millennials Can Thrive in the Workplace
Millennials still have a bad reputation in the workplace, and it can feel like as a Millennial you have to work even harder to gain respect. The truth is that respect is never given - it’s earned. This article is not going to be centred around how millennials are awful at work or about how they do a terrible job, millennials are not awful and how do I know this? [...]
Setting Goals For Success And How To Deal With Not Reaching Your Goals
Goal setting is very important especially in your career and personal life. It’s important for your goals to be clear, concise and well defined. Instead of just living life on the edge and expecting things to happen for you, goal setting involves patterning your life, creating momentum for how your life should go and gives you intense purpose. It is important to understand what you want to achieve and how [...]
Changing a Course in University
Sitting down at my desktop and typing this article, it is so funny how life unravels itself, how easy it is as individuals to make plans and envision your life going in a certain direction and then seeing your life go the opposite direction. I remember receiving my admission letter into Chemical Engineering and I was extremely excited, all those nights punching in numbers, all those formulas I crammed, everything [...]
10 Things To Do While Unemployed
Regardless of your background, times today are tough. Uneven economies around the world have made it incredibly difficult for many people to find work. Regardless of age and qualification, stretches of unemployment have affected us all in recent years. While we might not be able to control being unemployed, we can control how we react to it. Despite difficult conditions, there are many ways to grow and stay hopeful. Whether [...]
Is a College Degree Necessary for Success?
The Business.com community asked about the importance of degrees in the business world today. We reached out to experts for their input. Education can come in many forms, from years of schooling to months of hands-on training. But today, it seems the highest and most credible accomplishment in education is a college degree – something not only encouraged but often expected by employers. "At some point in the last 20 [...]
Book Review-Your First Year of Work by Shelagh Foster
“Sending a message that’s neither heard nor understood is miscommunication.” - Shelagh Foster Most people entering the workforce for the first time lack certain skills and this book basically answers questions recent graduates and entry-level candidates were not even aware they should ask before entering the workforce. Expressing yourself properly is important in human interactions especially in the work environment. Good communication skills have such an impact and poor communication [...]
Uncomfortable Situations At Work And Handling Them Like A Pro
Awkward situations are bound to happen, and there is almost no way you can avoid them. Sometimes situations happen and they make you feel super embarrassed and weird inside. There are scenarios where you want to quit your job, run away and relocate to Thailand, merge with the townsmen and start a new life. Other times you feel shivers run down your spine and you swear to yourself that you [...]
How To Attract Recruiters Online
Anyone can sign up to this online platform, whether they’re the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company, a marketing executive, a sprightly intern at a local start-up, or a prospective student looking for a foot in the door. It is a social platform designed for users to ‘connect’ with each other. Once these connections have been made, users can message one another with inquiries, career-based advice, or general opportunities. The [...]
Averting Financial Hangovers in January
The holiday season, the vacations, the outings, the fun, the gifts, the turkey, Oh! The negative number in your account. We tend to spend beyond our budgets during the holidays, and no its not just you, it’s more common than you think. The sobering experience of running out of cash and being broke weeks before the January payday should be viewed as an opportunity for individuals to want to manage [...]
How to Add Value in an Organisation
Adding value to your organisation makes you indispensable, it doesn’t matter if you are the newest employee or you feel like you’re just an intern or entry-level staff, you are still capable of adding value. Apart from just earning a paycheck, there should be a commitment to teamwork which boosts your opportunities for career advancement. When I initially put my foot in the door in the corporate world, I got [...]
Tweetchat With Tunde Omotoye- Leveraging Social Media Usage For Job Positioning
We had a tweet chat back in August with Tunde Omotoye and he shared so many gems and I genuinely could not keep it just on Twitter as I know a lot of you don’t use Twitter often and this is knowledge I believe is valuable for everyone. INTRODUCTION Hey everyone, for our tweet chat this evening we have @TundeTASH on board, he’s a Certified HR Professional, a Senior Business Operations Analyst [...]
Personal Hygiene- Interviews/Workplace
Often, we underestimate how personal hygiene can affect the quality of our lives and interactions with other people. You can’t get away with just being smart or brilliant, you have to be able to portray yourself in an amazing light, you have to put yourself together and actually be someone people genuinely want to be around. Let me give this example, back in university, I had this classmate I would [...]
Surviving Your First Week At Work
Success during week one is about balance: you want to make great first impressions, but you shouldn’t put too much pressure on yourself to get everything right. The goal is to learn about your new workplace and feel out your place in that ecosystem. In the first week: Introduce yourself, relentlessly. Studies have shown that anxiety in new situations can come in part from not feeling confident in how to introduce [...]
Career Secrets You Will Not Learn In School
Life is actually so funny, in school you are told to put your head down, read, for girls- do not follow boys, for boys- do not follow girls. Face your books don’t do Facebook and although that advise at that point was important, that is not all you need to move forward especially career-wise. There are certain secrets which you just take no classes on, here are some; Social [...]
How To Turn Your Social Media Obsession Into A Job
Most times people just spend hours upon hours mindlessly scrolling through images of other people, comparing their lives to others, stalking their favourite celebrities, checking out who their ex is now dating and before you know it 5 hours have passed and its bedtime already. The use of social media has become very rampant globally especially among today's youth. According to a Pew survey in 2015, 94% of millennials actively [...]
Getting Defrauded and Unemployment in Nigeria
In Nigeria, there is evidently an unemployment epidemic. What does unemployment denote? Economic issues; the lack of sustainable income leads to poverty, a decline in living standards, spending power and falling into debt. There are also health issues which include tension, low self-esteem, anxiety, stress and strain on the body and depression. Unemployment is extremely agonizing and exhausting. Now, what is the solution to unemployment? Employment right? Pretty easy. You [...]
How To Make The Best Of Your University Experience
University is a new ballgame and a new experience altogether; you would be spending a lot of time in university and you might as well make the best of the experience. You have the opportunity of meeting people from different backgrounds, with different cultures and traditions. It's very good and advisable to curate an experience and journey for yourself that would be beneficial to you in the long term. Personally, [...]
What do successful grads think you should study?
Learn to think smart. Etiam consectetur odio erat, quis mattis leo vestibulum non. Fusce ex ligula, tristique quis finibus sed, placerat sed libero. Phasellus convallis, sem ac tristique interdum, purus purus vehicula quam, ut fermentum sem orci in est. Aliquam leo purus, iaculis non condimentum hendrerit, vestibulum quis tortor. Vestibulum quis viverra felis. Vestibulum elementum magna ut diam placerat, in venenatis est egestas. Vivamus at libero auctor, ullamcorper [...]
Former student discusses success in the fashion industry
My success is no accident. Etiam consectetur odio erat, quis mattis leo vestibulum non. Fusce ex ligula, tristique quis finibus sed, placerat sed libero. Phasellus convallis, sem ac tristique interdum, purus purus vehicula quam, ut fermentum sem orci in est. Aliquam leo purus, iaculis non condimentum hendrerit, vestibulum quis tortor. Vestibulum quis viverra felis. Vestibulum elementum magna ut diam placerat, in venenatis est egestas. Vivamus at libero auctor, ullamcorper [...]
How do you best prepare for university?
Focus on exam results. Etiam consectetur odio erat, quis mattis leo vestibulum non. Fusce ex ligula, tristique quis finibus sed, placerat sed libero. Phasellus convallis, sem ac tristique interdum, purus purus vehicula quam, ut fermentum sem orci in est. Aliquam leo purus, iaculis non condimentum hendrerit, vestibulum quis tortor. Vestibulum quis viverra felis. Vestibulum elementum magna ut diam placerat, in venenatis est egestas. Vivamus at libero auctor, ullamcorper libero [...]