During my undergraduate studies, a group of students came up with what they called “Show Yourself” – or “SYS” for short. SYS was all about showcasing our personal projects and endeavours, letting our passions shine and getting us to connect with each other. It really didn’t add up to me, maybe because I enjoyed my “little corner” – solo, quiet and comfy 👀.
While I have benefitted from certain opportunities due to networking, I have also lost out on some as well because of my ignorance. But guess what? my ignorance soon came to an end when I attended the Virtual Mastery Session on Networking for Growth with Ngunan. I am still thrilled about the TIMELINESS of this session (how could the team have known I needed total emancipation, lol😏).
A lot of things stood out for me during the session. Ngunan’s personal story of rising to the peak of her career through networking, strongly INSPIRED me. The breakout sessions where I briefly connected with amazing minds, gave me such warmth. The session gave all it needed to give 😝.
Ngunan, a total networking ninja, drove strong points to me, such as the intense power of regitering your presence in the minds of people by intentionally selling yourself. One lesson hit me like our Nigerian jollof: You’ve got to put yourself out there. Show your skills and passion, “cause nobody can know what drives you if you’re hiding in the shadows.” I also learned that while building networks should be intentional, it shouldn’t be done selfishly with the mindset to use people as just ladders. Networking is about making genuine connections 👌!
With Ngunan’s huge experiences and personal examples, I clearly understood that networking isn’t just small chops – it’s the whole big bowl of party rice! It’s the secret to building your reputation and personal brand. More visibility, more respect, and it’s like getting a VIP ticket to opportunities, recognition, and leveling up in your career.
This session has quite challenged me that I have creeped out of my hole and have began an intentional process of nurturing existing connections and building my networks for mutually beneficial relationships, and so far, I have gotten massive feedback (you can’t even imagine, really😉).
I have started this process, and Inspire Her Afrika is my interning ground.
Written by Ogechi Nwachi