February 2025’s edition of the Youth of Enterprise (YOE) Masterclass featured a conversation on the topic “Building Resilience for Workplace Challenges.” The session was led by Mr. Rotimi Eyitayo, a renowned business consulting expert. He shared his expertise on the concept of resilience, why it matters, and how to develop it. The following are some of the key takeaways. What is resilience and why does it matter? Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks. It is a valuable trait in the workplace, as it allows you to persevere through difficult times. There are a number of things you can do to develop resilience. These include: Building a strong support network Developing a positive mindset Taking care of yourself physically and emotionally How can you develop resilience? In addition to the tips above, Mr. Rotimi shared the following specific habits that can help you develop resilience: Accept that change is a part of life. The workplace is constantly changing, so it is important to be able to adapt. Don’t try to control everything. There will be times when things don’t go your way. When this happens, focus on what you can control. Learn from your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them and move on. Set realistic goals. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting unrealistic goals. Celebrate your successes. When you achieve something, take the time to celebrate. This will help you stay motivated. The importance of resilience in the workplace Building resilience is not only essential for individuals, but also for organisations as a whole. Workplaces that prioritize resilience tend to have happier and more productive employees. They are also better able to weather difficult times. In conclusion, resilience is a valuable trait that can help you succeed in the workplace. By developing your resilience, you will be better equipped to handle challenges and bounce back from setbacks.
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EnterpriseNGR’s YOE Internship Programme Graduates Cohort III Impacting Over 2000 Young Nigerians, Emphasizes Digital Skills for Future Success
EnterpriseNGR’s Youth of Enterprise (YOE) Internship Programme, an initiative dedicated to tackling Nigeria’s persistent challenge of youth unemployment and underemployment, celebrated the graduation of its third cohort on Thursday, 10th October 2024, marking a significant milestone for over 120 young interns across Nigeria. These young people interned at reputable organizations like Coronation, Custodian, Investment One, Polaris Bank, Saroafrica International Ltd, PwC, Nigeria Exchange Group, Access Bank, among others. With the theme “Digital Dreams: Forging Successful Careers in a Connected World,” the event highlighted the critical role of digital skills and forward-thinking mindsets in the modern workforce. Moderated by SACO, renowned Master of Ceremony and Managing Director of Saco Events Limited, the ceremony featured insightful discussions, reflections on the YOE programme’s impact, and motivational words for the graduates. In her opening remarks, Obi Ibekwe, CEO of EnterpriseNGR, commended the graduates for their dedication throughout the programme and encouraged them to embrace the lessons they have learned. “Your journey through YOE has equipped you with skills and knowledge that are essential in today’s ever-evolving landscape. Now, it’s time to apply them with courage and determination as you build your careers,” Ibekwe said. Delivering the keynote speech on “Thriving in the Digital Age: Skills and Mindsets for the Future,” Pai Gamde, Chief Talent Officer at Coronation Group, urged the interns to adopt a future-oriented approach. “The digital age is about agility, creativity, and continuous learning. As you move forward, embrace challenges and view them as opportunities to innovate and grow,” she advised, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing world. Joy Abara, Head of Programmes at EnterpriseNGR, echoed this sentiment as she encouraged the graduates to maintain the YOE spirit. “Continue to fly the YOE flag high in your future endeavors. The skills, network, and experiences you have gained here will serve as a foundation for your professional growth,” she remarked. Announcing the top three performing groups and the overall best intern in Cohort III of the YOE Programme, Ms. Abara commended the winners for their outstanding performance noting that each member of the top three teams and the overall best intern would be rewarded with cash gifts and certificates of merit. The graduation ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks from Zahra Yunusa, YOE Administrator, who praised the graduates and wished them continued success as they embark on their next chapters. EnterpriseNGR remains committed to empowering young Nigerians through the YOE Internship Programme, equipping them with the tools needed to succeed in today’s dynamic job market. Organisations and Business Executives who would like to partner with YOE to shape tomorrow’s leaders can contact YOE at yoe@enterprisengr.com. CONNECT WITH YOE ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA: 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 Click here to read what renowned HR Expert, Yemi Faseun, says about Empowering Nigeria’s Young Talent for Business Growth.
YOE Alumni Spotlight: How Michael Gained Career Clarity from His YOE Internship at Polaris Bank
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.
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.