Meet Michael Ekaba! During his YOE internship he worked with Polaris Bank. Micheal’s professional journey began in 2023 after his friend introduced him to the YOE Internship Programme. They both applied to YOE Cohort II, however, only Michael’s friend made it to the programme. Determined, Michael gave the application a second attempt and got into the programme by Cohort III. We asked Michael about his YOE experience, and he had this to say. “After two application attempts and the intensive selection process, I felt optimistic about the opportunity ahead of me when I got my admission letter into the programme. I participated in a three-week virtual orientation session that prepared me for what was ahead, and in November 2023, I was matched with Polaris Bank—a significant step in my career journey.” What challenges did you face during the programme and how did it impact your growth? Adjusting to a new professional environment, especially in the banking sector, came with its challenges. The dynamics of teamwork and the specifics of my responsibilities were learning curves for me. However, this transition ultimately improved my adaptability, communication skills, and resilience within the industry. The experience I gained has enhanced my professional competencies and contributed to my personal growth. What role has the YOE programme played in your professional success and accomplishments? One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship has been the development of my skills. I have been able to build valuable experience for my resume, which has helped to clarify my career goals and boost my confidence as I navigate my professional path. I also learnt how to balance my internship responsibilities with personal activities, which has improved my time management skill. This skill has proven to be beneficial in both my personal life and professional endeavors, allowing me to maximize productivity and maintain a healthy work-life balance. What level of mentorship and support did you receive from colleagues and leaders in your organisation? I received a high level of career guidance, which played a crucial role in my development during my internship period. I also received invaluable mentorship from my supervisor and colleagues at Polaris Bank, who offered support and shared insights as I navigated the intricacies of the banking industry. Their guidance helped shape my understanding and adaptability. What word of advice do you have for applicants and current interns? My advice to applicants and current interns in the YOE internship programme is to actively embrace the opportunities and the occasions for skill development provided through this platform. Be optimistic and willing to grow and evolve with the trends of any industry you find yourself. My journey from NYSC to Polaris Bank has been filled with growth, learning, and invaluable experiences that I will carry forward in my career. I’m excited about what the future holds and look forward to continuing to build on this foundation. Thank you, YOE, for this journey! Follow us across social media using the links below and stay up to date with our community: Instagram: @youthofenterprise X (Twitter): @YOENigeria Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthofEnterprise Read other Alumni stories HERE.
Tag: Entry Level Jobs
Lessons from YOE’s Community Webinar on Financial Literacy with Adaora Obikili
Lessons from YOE’s Community Webinar on Financial Literacy with Adaora Obikili Building wealth is a journey that requires a combination of smart financial habits, strategic investments, and long-term planning. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing financial strategy, here are some highlights from YOE’s August community webinar that can help you scale up your financial goals. Let’s dive in! Set Clear Financial Goals Start by defining your financial aspirations. Establishing both short-term and long-term goals provides a roadmap for your financial decisions. Create a Budget Understanding your income and expenses is crucial. Create a friendly budget to help you track your spending habits so that you can allocate funds effectively for savings and investments. Regular reviews of your budget can keep you on track towards your goals. Establish an Emergency Fund Life is unpredictable, so having an emergency fund is essential. Aim to save 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses to cover unexpected costs without derailing your financial plans. Pay Off Debt Debt can impede your wealth-building efforts. Prioritize paying off high-interest debt to free up more money that you can channel into savings and investments. Save Consistently Aim to save a percentage of your income regularly. Here, you can deploy the 50-30-20 rule. This simply means that 50% of your earnings should cover your basic needs such as transportation, feeding and accommodation. 30% of your earnings should be for your wants and the “soft life” treat! While the remaining 20% should be diverted into savings/investment. However, this is not a standard but could be a guideline for keeping your finances in check. Invest Wisely Investing is key to growing your wealth. To minimize risk, diversify your investments across multiple asset types. As the saying goes, don’t put all your eggs in one basket’. This strategy can help protect your wealth during market fluctuations. Investment platforms such as InvestNaija, Cowrywise, PiggyVest, among others, can be a good start for your investment journey. Educate Yourself Continuous learning is vital in personal finance. Stay informed about investment strategies and financial management by reading books, attending courses, and participating in seminars such as YOE’s monthly community webinar can help broaden your knowledge horizon. Monitor and Adjust Regularly review your financial plan and investment portfolio. Adjust your strategy as needed based on performance and any changes in your goals or circumstances. Be Patient and Persistent Remember, building wealth is a long-term commitment that requires discipline and patience. Stay focused on your goals and remain persistent even when faced with challenges. Stay committed to your journey, and with time, you will look back and be glad you did!! Watch out for updates from our next webinar. Follow YOE across our social media platforms below to stay up to date with our community: Instagram: @youthofenterprise X (Twitter): @YOENigeria Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YouthofEnterprise Learn more about the YOE internship experience from Joy, Daniel, and Amina.