By Hadiza Yusuf Ahmad, Kano
Our parents lived in a world full of promise. Quality education was free, social amenities were plenty, and job opportunities came with extra perks—housing, cars, and a future to look forward to. Graduates had jobs waiting for them, and pursuing further education abroad was a breeze. Life back then was a story of ease and privilege.
But today? The narrative has flipped. The world has become harsh and unforgiving. No one cares about your potential unless you make it undeniable. No matter how great, your talents will go unnoticed unless you create value for yourself. The struggle to carve a path has become the new norm.
Many young people have the capacity to excel, to bridge gaps, and to break boundaries. Yet, so few realize it. Fear, self-doubt, and a lack of direction hold them back. Confidence, which should fuel their journey, is often replaced with hesitation. This leads to low self-esteem and, for some, complete inertia.
Part of the problem is a lack of mentorship. Some youths are surrounded by potential mentors but do not know how to approach them. Others do not understand the value of guidance and end up wandering aimlessly, missing out on opportunities to learn and grow.
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In today’s world, social media is a tool of unimaginable power. It is a space where connections are built, knowledge is shared, and opportunities are created. With just a few clicks, you can find experts in fields you are passionate about. Follow them. Learn from their content. Engage with their posts. Comment, share, and contribute meaningfully.
You want to build a network? Start by being visible. Join conversations. Slide into direct messages, not to beg, but to seek guidance and mentorship. Do it respectfully. Most people are willing to help when they see potential and genuine interest.
Your page is your brand. Curate it wisely. Share content that reflects your ambitions and values. Let your online presence represent the person you aspire to become. Opportunities will find you when your profile exudes value, focus, and purpose.
I once thought sending endless CVs would solve my problems. I believed networking was something others would do for me. That belief was a mistake. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, with no response to my applications. Even those I counted on for help could not come through. It was a dark and frustrating time.
One day, I sat down to reflect. I realized my CV was poorly written, and I was not actively working to improve myself. That was my wake-up call. I started following like-minded people online. I began learning, growing, and investing in myself. Slowly, the tide turned.
Opportunities were closer than I thought, but I was blind to them because I was waiting for someone to hand them to me. As I worked on myself, people noticed. They reached out, offered mentorship, and even recommended me for opportunities. Doors began to open, and everything started to make sense.
For some, life comes easy. They have access to good schools, great jobs, and endless resources. But for the rest of us, we must fight for every inch of progress. And that is fine. Hard work builds resilience. It forces you to grow. It also earns you respect.
People are more willing to recommend you for opportunities when they see your worth. They will trust you because they know you will deliver. But you must earn that trust. You must prove that you are reliable and capable.
The first step is knowing yourself. What can you offer? What are your strengths? Be honest. Do not jump into something just because others are doing it. Take the time to reflect. Are you better suited to starting a business or working within an organization? There is no shame in either path. Success looks different for everyone.
Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Avoid negativity and distractions. If you are unsure of your path, consider volunteering. It is a great way to gain experience, build connections, and discover what you are passionate about.
Learn that skill. Take that course. Explore platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or YouTube. Use social media wisely. Present yourself the way you want to be addressed. Growth takes time and effort, but it is worth it.
Opportunities come to those who create value. Keep learning, keep improving, and keep moving forward. The journey is hard, but the rewards are worth it. You will get there, and perhaps even beyond where you ever imagined.
Hadiza Yusuf Ahmad is among the Kano cohort of PRNigeria Young Communication Fellowship. She can be reached via: yusufhadizaahmad@gmail.com