A few weeks ago, I published an article on our blog here detailing steps on creating your very first portfolio as a newbie. Those were practical steps that worked for me and a few more steps that I didn’t typically use but have proven to help people land their very first gigs. It had guides on how to present your best work, show your strengths with confidence, and step into opportunities even if you were just getting started. Since then, I’ve been thinking about it and just wanted to follow up with you and everyone who took that step.
Incase you are just reading for the first time, READ HERE
Today, I want to pause and check in:
How are you really doing on this Journey?
Listen, I know by experience that it can feel exciting, confusing, overwhelming, and sometimes even lonely all at once. One moment you feel unstoppable, and the next, you’re questioning yourself and everything. I took a course on digital skills and how to prove yourself to hirers from Ekwy of DIGITAL WITCH ACADEMY, lots of courses from Coursera, Udemy, Hubspot etc. You name the platform, I probably have one certificate from there, and I still watched as people from my set and other sets after us landed jobs and posted their testimonies. One day, I even asked myself ” who really send me this thing wey I dey do now” and let me tell you, I was at my lowest that day. If that sounds familiar, just know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not behind.
Here are a few gentle reminders from someone who gets it as you continue building your path:
1. Your progress counts, even the tiny, invisible parts.
Sending one pitch. Updating one section of your portfolio. Saying “yes” to a small task. Saying “no” to what doesn’t serve you. All of it is growth. Don’t worry too much
2. It is not always a straight line.
Some days will feel productive and aligned. Other days may feel slow or confusing. Both are normal. What matters is that you keep learning and adjusting.
3. You’re allowed to ask for help.
Nobody succeeds alone. Reach out, ask questions, join communities, and remember that everyone you admire once felt exactly like you do now.
4. Your pace is valid.
Don’t force yourself to match someone else’s highlight reel. Your journey is personal, and that is your strength.
I know it is tiring and kind of demoralizing sometimes writing proposals upon proposals, pitches upon pitches, redoing your CVs, and just hoping that one person out of many will notice, I mean just notice that tiny, little, bitty detail you put there and just say yes. Don’t over burden yourself. You are doing amazing.
Finally, give yourself breaks when you feel overwhelmed. I had times when I didn’t open my laptop for 2 weeks straight. Sometimes, I left my profiles open and went to sleep because “I can’t come and kpai myself by myself”
The most important thing is that you get back to it when you feel better and motivated again. Before you know it, that job just hits and you just forget the days you almost cried.
My project manager friend said,
“Grace, I cried bitterly when I couldn’t get past the interview stage after trying for more than 1 year. But, the job I landed after didn’t even bother interviewing me. I was shocked.”
This doesn’t apply to you though if you’re not doing just that one smart thing.
Anyway, just tell me,
What has the last few weeks looked like for you?
Have you made any progress? Updated your portfolio? Faced any challenges you didn’t expect? Progressed to interview stage? Landed the gig?
I’d love to hear where you are now and support you however I can.
Your story matters, and I’m cheering for you every step of the way.
