Over the past few weeks, I have been approached by university-aged guys, asking the age old question: how to succeed in xyz jobs with what you might call - a less than perfect education background and experience. This has given me the chance to reflect a bit on my admittedly short career (6 years since postgrad). What have I done right? Where did I trip up? What would I change? Though success in business or a career can be argued, ‘obvious’ or to a certain extent common sense, but they are so often forgotten.
If you ask me, anyone with the right knowledge and attitude can make it regardless of the situations, cue Nigerian juju.
That said, here is my opinion. You can find some of my background in a couple of my previous posts, but to briefly rehash: I did my underground in a well-respected university, and my postgrad (D Phil) in a world renowned university. Racked up huge amount of debt from student loans and started in the back office of a middle market bank. Despite the discrimination and the competition, I busted ass (God knows how many 100hrs/wk) and landed a job in a top tier firm and within a few years was promoted to where I am now.
Here’s how I did it, in no particular order.
1. Sorry for the clichés, but you got to maintain a sense of perspective. Family is the most important thing-everything else is secondary.
2. Stay focus on your goals and steps. Don’t set an unrealistic goals that are way out of reach in the short or medium term. Maybe you will be a multi-millionaire by the age of 30, maybe not. For bankers-I.e. hedge fund manager at 40, maybe not. What matters is you getting a relevant job and focussing on improving yourself-then the next step.
3. Never get discourage. Most often at work, there will be some cynics or naysayers who will doubt you. Use them as motivation, and set yourself goals to prove them wrong using the right attitude. Remember nothing is impossible.
4. Be diplomatic. Never sh!t on anyone, no matter how much they piss you off. Don’t go around sending rude emails to co-workers, clients or anybody.
5. Respect your bosses or the admins. FORCE yourself to appreciate their works, and display it. Send them a merry Christmas cards, wish them a birthday etc. It is the little things that counts. Your attitude towards them, can sometimes make-break, or slow down your career progress.
6. Be real. When your career starts to take off, don’t step on anyone to get to the next level. Most often, it comes back to bite you.
7. (Cliché) Never forget your background. Remember where you came from, and keep your feet on the ground. If you are too cocky, you might find yourself isolated.
8. Be extremely driven by success. Excellence should be the focus. Good has never been good enough(Never will).
9. Be ethical. Nigeria-Enough said. Nigeria has enough bad rap in the media. Please don’t go and f$ck it up more than it already is. In addition, it is most likely to black list your career.
10. Get a career mentor. Find someone that believes in you, and make them take a risk on that kid with humble background. Validate their decision by proving them right.
11. Be extremely coachable. Coachability is rooted in personality and character, so improve thor traits.
12. Be proud of your work. Failure to take pride in your work means you are in the wrong line of work (IMO).
13. Keep your head up. As with most careers, there will be some days, weeks, months when things totally suck. Persevere and ride it out some more, it often gets better. Your career is in your hands.
14. If you are not married yet, go to wherever the firm needs you. Okay, unless it’s in boko haram region, then fear for your life.
15. Don’t complain. Remember that quote about ‘whiners being left in the dust’ and all?
16. Be as loyal as is reasonable possible to your firm. Even with an offer of 50% more elsewhere, ride it out if your career is moving along title wise. Most companies tends to reward commitment.
17. Have a can do and go getter attitude. You need to go above and beyond what is expected. Don’t be shy and don’t be an extreme ass kisser. There is little or no advantage to both.
18. Lastly, when you start to make it in life, you might find yourself with less friends. Don’t sweat it. It means they were not your friend, just a colleague. Equally, you might find fair weather friends and gold diggers, play your card right. However, keep your real friends close, as you will always need them in future.

The lists presented, have been working wonders for me. Hopefully it can help someone’s career out there.
Any other shared experience (Ajanlekoko, cowleg and co), objections or question from graduates or young/experienced workers will be welcome.

Thanks OP...

You are welcome

THANKS FAM!

Nice write up. This has affected sm1 and will affect more if on fp. mods do d needful. cc 1forall