Maybe the goals you set in January haven't happened yet. Maybe the applications didn't work out. Perhaps, you've had more setbacks than breakthroughs.

But don't mistake a slow year for a wasted year.

You still have four months to learn something new, make meaningful connections, apply for opportunities, build your portfolio, or finally take the step you've been postponing.

You don't need to finish the year where you started it.

There is still time to make a move. Start where you are. Use what you have. Take the next step TODAY.

You don't need to have it all figured out. But you shouldn't have to figure it all out alone.

That’s why NextStep Network exists. We’re helping you move from “I don’t know what to do next” to “I know my next step.”

Hurry! Scholarship applications into the mentorship are open for just one more week. Very Limited slots available.

Applications close: August 30th, 2026.

Don’t wait until the deadline is tomorrow to start investing in your future.

Register NOW

WEEKLY POLL

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

✓Heirs Holdings Graduate Trainee Programme 2026

Deadline: September 4, 2026 || Apply Now

✓ Nestlé Nigeria Community Scholarship Programme 2026/2027

Deadline: August 28, 2026 || Apply Now

✓Startup Abuja Undergraduate Scholarship & Internship Program 2026

Deadline: August 31, 2026 || Apply Now

✓ Mastercard Foundation Fully Funded Scholarship Program to the University of Edinburgh 2027/2028

Deadline: October 19, 2026 || Apply Now

✓ SEND Graduate Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: August 31, 2026 || Apply Now

✓MTN Next-Gen Global Graduate Programme 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

✓ Standard Chartered Bank Recruitment 2026 | Apply for Premium Executive Position

Deadline: September 3, 2026 || Apply Now

✓BrenCare Foundation Paid Virtual Internship Programme 2026 | Multiple Roles

Deadline: September 5, 2026 || Apply Now

✓ Huawei Nigeria Internship Program 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

✓ Roadlamp Limited 2026 Graduate Trainee Programme

Deadline: August 31, 2026 || Apply Now

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

This book explores why the habits and behaviours that helped you achieve success in the past may become the very things holding you back from your next level of growth.

Marshall Goldsmith identifies common workplace behaviours—such as refusing to listen, needing to be right, taking credit, or failing to give recognition—and shows how small behavioural changes can lead to significant professional growth.

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

Ubersuggest by Neil Patel is an SEO and digital marketing tool that helps you discover what people are searching for online. It provides keyword ideas, search volume, SEO difficulty, competitor insights, and content ideas.

Why it’s useful: Whether you're a content creator, marketer, blogger, or business owner, Ubersuggest can help you create content based on what your target audience is actually searching for.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

YOU WERE NOT BUILT TO JUST LEAD.

You were built to influence systems.

But what happens when purpose, leadership and systems come into alignment?

Impact.

At Agora Summit 2.0, we’re bringing together leaders who have built, led and influenced across different spheres to explore what it truly means to be positioned for systems impact.

📅 5–6 September 2026 | 9AM WAT

📍 DAY 1 — The Hub, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos

📍 DAY 2 — Ambassadors Arena, 276 Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos

Registration is FREE. Secure a Spot Now

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action… we should talk.

Send us a message here.

There's a meeting happening right now somewhere where someone is waiting to be officially given the title before they start leading.

Someone waiting to be called a writer before they start writing. Waiting to be called a strategist before they start thinking strategically.

But here's the truth nobody tells you early enough: in most workplaces, the title follows the behavior, not the other way around.

The people who get promoted aren't the ones who perfectly execute their current role. They're the ones who've already been quietly doing the next role for months.

So whatever level you're trying to reach, ask yourself what that person does daily and start doing it now. Not recklessly. Not without boundaries. But deliberately and consistently. You don't need anyone's permission to grow into who you're becoming.

OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE

● Indomie Scholarship Program 2026

Deadline: 31 August 2026.|| Apply here

● Nestlé Nigeria Community Scholarship Programme 2026/2027

Deadline: 28 August 2026 || Apply here

● Stanbic IBTC Bank Job Vacancies

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Recruitment 2026/2027

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● TIC Internship Program 2026 for Fresh Graduates and NYSC Members

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● E1X Academy Tech Scholarship Program 2026 | 100% Scholarship Across 19 Tech Courses

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp Program 2026 | Fully Funded

Deadline: 2 October 2026 || Apply here

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

Mohr writes specifically about the internal barriers that stop talented people, particularly women, from stepping into bigger versions of their careers. She tackles the inner critic, the fear of visibility, the tendency to over-prepare instead of act, and the habit of waiting until everything is perfect before making a move.

But the insights are genuinely universal. Every chapter challenges you to examine a belief you didn't even know was holding you back.

Every career you admire has a story behind it.

Not just the wins but also the rejections, pivots, lessons, and bold moves that made it possible

Cv2essence is gathering real career journeys and recruiter insights to help professionals navigate the job market with clarity and confidence.

• Recruiters: Share what truly stands out in CVs, interviews, and hiring.

• Professionals: Tell us how you landed your role and the lessons you learned.

Your story could guide someone else’s next big move.

Share your story here

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

Think of it as a smarter, more career-focused search engine. Instead of sifting through ten browser tabs trying to research an industry, a company, or a skill, Perplexity gives you a direct, cited answer in seconds.

Use it before job interviews to deeply understand a company's positioning. Use it to research salary benchmarks in your field. Use it to understand industry trends before a big meeting.

The difference between Perplexity and ChatGPT is that every answer comes with sources you can verify, which matters when you're making real career decisions based on the information. It's free, fast, and criminally underused for professional research.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

We're bringing together visionary leaders, executives, entrepreneurs and professionals for a full day of insight, collaboration and real talk about what it takes to grow in today's business world.

Expect sharp conversations, honest experiences and connections that could genuinely shift where your career or business is headed.

Join us on Saturday, 20th September at Landmark Towers, Lagos. Spots are filling up, so don't sleep on this one.

📅 Date: Saturday, 20th September

📍 Venue: Landmark Towers, Lagos

🔗 Register here

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action we should talk.

Send us a message here

NOT EVERY JOB IS WORTH KEEPING

Sometimes, we're told to "tough it out" because challenging workplaces supposedly build character. But there's a difference between a workplace that challenges you to grow and one that consistently drains, belittles, or undermines you.

A healthy environment can stretch you without breaking you. It should allow you to ask questions, make mistakes, receive feedback, and still feel respected.

If you're constantly losing your confidence, peace, or sense of self just to survive at work, that's worth paying attention to.

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

✓ Chevening UK Government Scholarships 2027 | Fully Funded Master’s Degree in the UK

Deadline: October 6, 2026 || Apply Now

✓ CABLE 4th Annual GRE Scholarship 2026 for African Graduates

Deadline: August 23, 2026 || Apply Now

✓ Khalifa University Graduate Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Master’s & PhD Scholarship in UAE

Deadline: August 31, 2026 || Apply Now

✓ CardinalStone Graduate Trainee Program 2027

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

✓ ImpactCrest ESG & Sustainability Internship Programme Cohort 4.0 | Apply Now

Deadline: August 15, 2026 || Apply Now

✓ 2026 WHO Business Operation Internship in Germany

Deadline: August 21, 2026 || Apply Now

✓ Newcross Exploration & Production Limited 2026 Technical Graduate Trainee Programme

Deadline: August 18, 2026 || Apply Now

✓ Sustainability News Africa Remote Internship Programme August 2026 | Cohort 3

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

✓ Oilserv Limited Technical Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

✓ Lagos Fashion Week Call For Interns 2026

Deadline: August 16, 2026 || Apply Now

WEEKLY POLL

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

To remove a background was once a task that required Photoshop skills and careful manual editing. However, Remove.bg changed the narrative entirely by using AI detect and remove image backgrounds with just a single click.

If you need to remove background from an image and/or replace it with another one with ease and no editing skills, you can trust remove.bg.

THIS WEEK'S QUOTE

Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is begin again.

— Anonymous

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

The Nigeria Female Entrepreneurs Conference & Exhibition (NFEC) 2026

The Nigeria Female Entrepreneurs Conference & Exhibition (NFEC) 2026 is more than an event—it’s a movement. A gathering of power, purpose, and possibilities for female entrepreneurs ready to break barriers, build legacies, and redefine success.

Whether you are a small business owner, a startup founder, or a corporate leader looking to scale, this conference is your opportunity to gain the insights, resources, and networks needed to thrive in today’s business landscape.

Venue: 13 Oki LnLagos, LA

Date & Time: Saturday, October 3 • 10 AM - 3 PM

RESERVE A SPOT

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action…we should talk.

Send us a message here.

Here's something worth examining honestly:

How much of your time at work is spent doing things that were never actually in your job description?

Covering for an understaffed team, organizing things nobody asked you to organize, solving problems that belong to other departments.

It feels like being a team player and sometimes it is. But there's a fine line between being helpful and accidentally taking on a second job for free while your actual career development stalls.

The professionals who grow fastest are ruthlessly clear about what their role requires, what adds visible value, and what's just filling gaps that aren't theirs to fill.

This week, audit your last five days. How much of your time went toward things that actually move your career forward? The answer might be uncomfortable, but it's the kind of discomfort that leads to real change.

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OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE

● ECOWAS Young Graduates’ Professional Immersion Programme (YGP) 2027 for Young Graduates

Deadline: 31 August 2026 || Apply here

● Keystone Bank is Hiring for Multiple Roles

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● She Codes Too x Coursera Scholarship Programme 2026

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Tunde Onakoya N250 Million Tech Scholarship Fund for Young Graduates in Partnership with AltSchool Africa

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● NYSC Intern at Grace Moni Limited

Deadline: 3rd August, 2026 || Apply here

● Mastercard Worldwide Internship Programs 2027

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● VFD Graduate Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Goldman Sachs Graduate Program 2027

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

WEEKLY POLL

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

This book pairs perfectly with this week's insight.

The Nagoski sisters break down the science of burnout in a way that's both eye-opening and deeply practical. The key idea is that stress and the stressor are two different things and most of us deal with the stressor without ever completing the stress cycle, which is why we never fully recover.

The book offers concrete ways to actually discharge stress from your body and build sustainable resilience. It's compassionate, funny in places, and backed by solid research.

Every career you admire has a story behind it.

Not just the wins but the rejections, pivots, lessons, and bold moves that made it possible

Cv2essence is gathering real career journeys and recruiter insights to help professionals navigate the job market with clarity and confidence.

• Recruiters: Share what truly stands out in CVs, interviews, and hiring.

• Professionals: Tell us how you landed your role and the lessons you learned.

Your story could guide someone else’s next big move.

👉 Share your story here

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

Most to-do apps just store your tasks, Motion actually schedules them. It uses AI to automatically build your daily calendar based on your priorities, deadlines, and available time. If a meeting gets added or a task runs over, it reschedules everything automatically without you lifting a finger.

For professionals juggling career development alongside a demanding job, this is a game changer. It removes the mental load of figuring out when to do things so you can focus on actually doing them.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FO

Join Nigeria's most respected business moguls and wealth builders on the 8th of August, 2026 for a transformative experience that will equip you with the secrets to unlocking The Real Money of Lagos.

Event Details:

📍 G3 Event Centre, Mende, Maryland, Lagos

📅 Saturday, August 8th, 2026

🕙 10:00 AM

Register now

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action we should talk.

Send us a message here

A six-month internship, a volunteer role, a failed interview, or a leadership position only adds value if you can explain what you learned and how it changed the way you work.

Employers aren't just interested in what you've done; they're interested in how those experiences shaped your skills, judgment, and character.

This week, reflect on one experience you've had recently. Ask yourself: "What did this teach me that I'll carry into my next opportunity?"

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

■ Arla Nigeria Graduate Internship Program 2026

Deadline: July 31, 2026 || Apply Now

■ Sabou Capital Communications Internship 2026 | Apply for Remote Paid Internship

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

■ Tobams Group Remote Internship Program 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

■ Buckler Systems Graduate Trainee Program 2026 – Product Sales & Marketing

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

■ Schlumberger is Hiring Field Specialist and Maintenance Technician Trainees

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

■ PSU International Internship Inbound Scholarship Program 2026 in Thailand

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

■ Lexis Development Company Limited Internship Programme 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

■Remote Partnership Officer Job at Lead For Good Africa

Deadline: July 31, 2026 || Apply Now

■ Junior Consultant, Human Resource Management (Remote) at PIF Africa

Deadline: 31August 31, 2026 || Apply Now

■ Federal Government SMEDAN Cluster Development Support Programme (CDS) for MSMEs

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

WEEKLY POLL

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

Jobscan compares your résumé against a job description and tells you how well it matches Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Why it's worth trying:

It highlights missing keywords and suggests improvements before you submit your application. Best for anyone applying for internships or full-time roles online.

Every career you admire has a story behind it.

Not just the wins… but the rejections, pivots, lessons, and bold moves that made it possible

Cv2essence is gathering real career journeys and recruiter insights to help professionals navigate the job market with clarity and confidence

• Recruiters: Share what truly stands out in CVs, interviews, and hiring.

• Professionals: Tell us how you landed your role and the lessons you learned.

Your story could guide someone else’s next big move. Share your story here

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin."

— Mother Teresa

Don't let yesterday's missed opportunities or tomorrow's uncertainties stop you from taking action today. Whether it's updating your CV, learning a new skill, reaching out to a mentor, or submitting that application, every meaningful career journey begins with one step. Start where you are, with what you have.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

What if one event could connect you to your next career breakthrough, business opportunity, mentor, investor, or strategic partner?

This is your invitation to attend Pitch 2026 Job & Business Fair (Lagos Edition), a dynamic platform designed to empower professionals, entrepreneurs, students, business owners, and opportunity seekers with the knowledge, connections, and resources needed to thrive in today's competitive world.

Venue: 15 Aladelola StreetLagos, LA

Date & Time: Saturday, July 25 • 8 AM - 4 PM

Attendance is FREE. Registration is COMPULSORY.

REGISTER NOW

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action…we should talk.

Send us a message here.

Professionals often think of their career as a ladder, one step at a time, straight up. But the most resilient professionals think of it as a portfolio. Just like an investment portfolio spreads risk across different assets, a career portfolio spreads your value across different skills, experiences, and income streams.

This doesn't mean doing everything at once. It means being intentional about building experiences that complement each other over time. The person who has led a team, managed a budget, built a product, and worked across industries is far harder to replace than someone with ten years of the same experience.

This week, look at your career like an investor would. Where are you over-concentrated? Where are you missing exposure? One new experience, even a small one, starts diversifying your portfolio immediately.

---

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

● Tony Elumelu Foundation is Hiring

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Cowrywise Scholarship Program 2026

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● World Bank Group Pioneers Internship Program 2026 – Fall/Winter Cycle

Deadline: 12th August, 2026 || Apply here

● Dangote Cement Undergraduate Research Competition 2026

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Prompt Testing Assistant at Blue Oak Consulting

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Shell Assessed Internship Program

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Commonwealth Exchange Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s & PhD Scholarships

Deadline: 17th July, 2026 || Apply here

● UN Women SIARP 2.0 Grants Opportunity 2026

Deadline: 27 July 2026 || Apply here

WEEKLY POLL

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

Glasp is a social web highlighter that lets you highlight articles, PDFs, and web pages and saves everything in one organized place. But here's what makes it special, you can see what other professionals in your field are highlighting too, which means you're always tapped into what smart people are reading and thinking about.

Over time your highlights become a personal knowledge library you can reference anytime. Perfect for building expertise, preparing for interviews, or staying sharp in your industry without spending hours consuming content aimlessly.

Every career you admire has a story behind it.

Not just the wins… but the rejections, pivots, lessons, and bold moves that made it possible

Cv2essence is gathering real career journeys and recruiter insights to help professionals navigate the job market with clarity and confidence

• Recruiters: Share what truly stands out in CVs, interviews, and hiring.

• Professionals: Tell us how you landed your role and the lessons you learned.

Your story could guide someone else’s next big move.

Share your story here

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

This book was practically written for the Career Portfolio mindset.

Tupper and Ellis argue that careers no longer move in straight lines and that's actually a good thing. They offer practical tools for identifying your strengths, building your confidence, expanding your network, and exploring your future possibilities.

What makes it stand out is how actionable it is, every chapter has exercises you can do immediately. It's warm, encouraging, and genuinely useful for anyone feeling like their non-linear path is a weakness. Spoiler: it's actually their biggest advantage.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

The Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, the Africa Social Impact Summit (ASIS) 2026 will convene conversations that inspire action, unlock opportunities, and accelerate sustainable development across Africa.

If you're ready to be part of the collaborations shaping Africa's next chapter, this is where you need to be.

Register today and secure your place at ASIS 2026

Register here

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action… we should talk.

Send us a message here

The biggest career myth is that you need confidence before you take action.

What if the people you look up to didn't begin their careers feeling fearless or fully prepared? They probably didn't.

They applied before they met every requirement.

They spoke up before they found the perfect words.

They launched projects before everything was polished.

They learned by doing, not by waiting.

Every application you submit, every networking message you send, every presentation you deliver, and every new skill you practice is a vote for the professional you're becoming.

So this week,

Stop asking yourself, "Am I ready?" Instead, ask, "What's one step I can take today?"

Because careers aren't transformed by perfect timing—they're transformed by people who choose to move, even when they're unsure.

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

● KPMG Graduate Recruitment 2026

Deadline: July 17, 2026 || Apply Now

● SIAO Partners Internship Programme 2026

Daedline: July 10, 2026 || Apply Now

● People & Finance Intern at NCDF Group Plc - Oyo

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

● Genesis Group Management Trainee Programme 2026

Deadline: July 15, 2026 || Apply Now

● NYSC Social Media Manager Intern at Vale Finance Limited

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

● LOTUS Bank Sales Academy (LSA) 1.0 – 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

● Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation SEEDINVEST Acceleration Program 2026 | Up to ₦5 Million in Asset Grants

Deadline: July 24, 2026 || Apply Now

● Watershed Capital Graduate Trainee Programme 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

● FirstBank Retail Banking Recruitment Bootcamp 2026

Deadline: July 6, 2026. || Apply Now

● Datafrik Tech Scholarship Program 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

🎯 WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Pick one opportunity you've been putting off because you don't feel ready. Take the first step today. You don't need more confidence to begin, you need to begin to build confidence.

Tired of sending countless applications without results?

It’s time to stand out — not blend in.

Our expertly designed resume template and easy step-by-step guide will help you craft a CV that commands attention and gets you noticed by recruiters.

Get instant access today for just ₦5,000 and take the first step toward your next big opportunity.

ORDER YOURS NOW

"The comfort zone is beautiful, but nothing grows there."

—John Assaraf

Growth begins the moment you're willing to embrace discomfort. Every new skill, meaningful connection, and career milestone lies just beyond what's familiar. This week, challenge yourself to take one step outside your comfort zone—apply for that role, start that project, speak up in that meeting, or reach out to someone you admire.

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

Best for: Taking notes during webinars and meetings

Otter.ai records and transcribes conversations in real time, so you can focus on listening instead of scrambling to write everything down.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Plan Smarter. Grow Faster. Scale Better.

As we prepare for a new quarter, one question every entrepreneur should be asking is:

"Do I have a clear plan for growth?"

Too many business owners enter a new quarter hoping for better results without reviewing what worked, what didn't, and what needs to change.

That's why we're bringing together ambitious entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners for an exclusive lunch and business growth session.

Date & Time: 11th July 2026 : 11.00 am

Venue: Ilupeju, Lagos

🎟 Investment: N10,000 (Includes Lunch

RESERVE A SPOT

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action…we should talk.

Send us a message here.

You know what's quietly killing a lot of careers? Likability without credibility.

A lot of us have worked so hard to be the "nice" person in the room that we've accidentally trained people to underestimate us.

Being warm and approachable is great, but if people aren't also thinking of you when serious projects come up, you've hit an invisible ceiling.

The fix isn't to become aggressive or difficult. It's to start pairing your warmth with visible competence. Speak up in rooms where decisions are being made. Share an opinion, even a respectful one that differs from the group.

Let people see that you think, not just that you smile.

This week, find one moment to contribute an idea or perspective in a setting where you'd normally stay quiet. That's how the ceiling starts to crack.

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

● Dufil Prima Foods Business Champion Graduate Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Hope Payment Service Bank Graduate Trainee Programme 2026

Deadline: 4th July, 2026 || Apply here

● KraftKonnect Market Research Enumerator Recruitment 2026

Deadline: 5th July || Apply here

● GE Vernova Gas Power Student Internship 2026 – Customer Support Engineering

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Max Planck Internships 2027 in Germany (Bachelors & Masters)

Deadline: 1st November, 2026 || Apply here

● Graduate Technical Intern at Integrated Dairies Limited

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Lagos Agrithon 2026: N200 Million Agribusiness Grant for Young Nigerians

Deadline: 19th July,2026 || Apply here

● Financial Analyst Program 2026 Powered by the Impact College

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

WEEKLY POLL

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

This is a powerful book for women of color navigating corporate spaces, but honestly every professional needs to read it.

Harts writes with refreshing honesty about the unwritten rules of the workplace that nobody tells you, how to advocate for yourself, how to build the right relationships, and how to move up in environments that weren't always designed with you in mind.

It's practical, it's real, and it doesn't sugarcoat things.

Cv2essence is collecting real career journeys and recruiter insights to help professionals navigate the job market with clarity and confidence

• Recruiters: Share what truly stands out in CVs, interviews, and hiring.

• Professionals: Tell us how you landed your role and the lessons you learned.

Your story could guide someone else’s next big move.

👉 Share your story here

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

Think of Walling as a visual second brain for your career. It's a workspace app where you can organize ideas, goals, resources, and plans into visual "walls" instead of boring lists or folders.

What makes it different is how it mimics how our brains actually think in clusters and connections, not linear notes.

Use it to map out your career goals, track industries you're researching, or build a personal knowledge base from articles and podcasts you consume. It's still pretty under the radar, which means you're ahead of the curve just by using it.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Whether you are building impactful solutions, driving innovation, shaping policies, supporting communities, or looking to connect with Africa's growing impact-tech ecosystem, SITSummit 2026 is where conversations move from ideas to implementation.

Theme: Scaling Frontier Technologies for Sustainable Development in Africa

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Venue: NECA House, Ikeja, Lagos.

Time: 9:00AM – 4:00PM

Don't just watch the future happen. Be part of it. Be the future!

Register now here

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action… we should talk.

Send us a message here

You don’t need to do more. You need to align more.

A lot of people feel stuck in their careers not because they’re lazy or incapable, but because they’re moving without direction.

They are busy applying, learning, networking, watching videos, taking courses—but still unsure what it is all adding up to.

And that’s the problem.

Progress doesn’t come from doing everything. It comes from doing the right things consistently.

It's not just about asking, ‘‘What can I do this week?” it's also about knowing “What outcome am I trying to move closer to?”

That question alone filters distractions. It helps you focus your energy on what actually matters, whether it’s improving your CV, building a skill, or targeting specific roles.

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

♦ 2026/27 EducationUSA Nigeria Opportunity Fund Program (OFP)

Deadline: June 30, 2026 || Apply Now

♦ Michael Taiwo Scholarships 2026 For Africans

Deadline: June 29, 2026 || Apply Now

♦ FanMilk National Service Program 2026

Deadline: July 30, 2026 || Apply Now

♦ Tribest Corporate Support Limited Recruitment 2026 | Apply Now

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

♦ Waal Energy Graduate Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: June 26, 2026 || Apply Now

♦ Candix Energy Nigeria Limited Graduate Trainee Recruitment 2026

Deadline: July 1, 2026 || Apply Now

♦ GGI Intl Nigeria Limited 2026 Graduate Trainee Programme

Deadline: July 3, 2026 || Apply Now

♦ Child Creative Studio 2026/2027 Internship Academy Bootcamp (Remote)

Deadline: June 30, 2026 || Apply Now

♦ UNDP Baker’s Masterclass 2026 in Partnership with Olam Agri and the Government of Japan

Deadline: July 3, 2026 || Apply Now

♦ Lagos Agrithon 2026: N200 Million Agribusiness Grant for Young Nigerians

Deadline: July 19, 2026 || Apply Now

WEEKLY POLL

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

If you’re actively job hunting (or even casually exploring opportunities), this is one feature you should NOT ignore.

LinkedIn Job Alerts quietly does the heavy lifting for you, bringing opportunities directly to your inbox instead of you endlessly scrolling. You get notified the moment roles matching your preferences are posted and you can tailor alerts by job title, location, and experience level.

Early applicants often have a higher chance of getting noticed, so, set up your alerts today and stay ahead of the curve.

You've got the skills. You've got the experience.

So why are recruiters scrolling past your CV?

A powerful resume can be the difference between being ignored and getting called for an interview.

Our expertly crafted CV template and step-by-step guide show you exactly how to create a resume that stands out, communicates your value, and gets noticed.

Access everything for just ₦5,000.

Your next opportunity could start with a better CV. Get yours HERE

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Successful people are simply those with successful habits.

— Brian Tracy

If you want a different result, you don’t always need a dramatic change. Sometimes, you just need better daily systems. Success is rarely about one big breakthrough moment. It’s usually the result of small, repeated actions done consistently over time.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Termii Elevate 5.0 is a leading gathering for Africa’s tech builders, regulators, founders, and operators shaping how digital communication works across the continent.

This year focuses on one key idea:

The Infrastructure of Trust, the systems that power how businesses communicate, verify, and grow across borders.

We are bringing together the people building, funding, and regulating this space to shape what comes next.

🌐: The ZoneGbagada Expressway, Lagos

🗓️: Saturday, July 11 • 9 AM - 4 PM

*FREE

RESERVE YOUR SPOT

Ask better questions.

Professionals who grow quickly are often those who are curious enough to ask thoughtful questions. Instead of asking: "What should I do?"

Try asking:

"Why is this done this way?"

"What problem are we trying to solve?"

"What would success look like here?"

"What skills would make this easier?"

The quality of your questions determines the quality of your learning. In meetings, classrooms, internships, and workplaces, questions reveal curiosity, critical thinking, and a genuine desire to understand.

Sometimes the difference between an average professional and an exceptional one isn't knowledge—it's curiosity.

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

★ NNPC /Chevron National University Scholarship Awards 2026

Deadline: June 30, 2026 || Apply Now

★ Mayden Microfinance Bank Internship Programme 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

★ Bagco Nigeria Graduate Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: June 15, 2026 || Apply Now

★ ExxonMobil Career and Internship Opportunities 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

★ Samhays Trainee Accountant(s) Recruitment 2026

Deadline: June 23, 2026 || Apply Now

★ Cowrywise Scholarship Program 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

★ ITF/Techlytics Technical Skills Development Program (TSDP) 2026

Deadline: June 26, 2026 || Apply Now

★ STIS Graduate Trainee Programme 2026

Deadline: June 24, 2026 || Apply Now

★ Starsight Energy NYSC Graduate Internship 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

★ Winbert Foundation Digital Inclusion Program 2026 (Free 3-Month Intensive ICT Training)

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

WEEKLY POLL

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

Perplexity is an AI-powered research tool that helps you find information quickly while showing the sources behind its answers.

Unlike traditional search engines that give you a list of links, Perplexity provides summarized answers with references, making research more efficient.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"The future is not some place we are going, but one we are creating."

~Rita Dove (American Poet & Essayist)

Do not approach your career as though you're waiting for the future to arrive, e.g a dream job, a promotion, a breakthrough opportunity. No!

Careers are built through daily choices: The skills you learn. The relationships you cultivate. The opportunities you pursue. The habits you develop.

Your future career isn't something that happens to you. It's something you create, one decision at a time.

Tired of sending countless applications without results?

It’s time to stand out — not blend in.

Our expertly designed resume template and easy step-by-step guide will help you craft a CV that commands attention and gets you noticed by recruiters.

Get instant access today for just ₦5,000 and take the first step toward your next big opportunity.

ORDER YOURS HERE

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Roadmap to Financial Freedom Conference

Join us for a day filled with valuable insights and strategies to help you achieve financial independence. Whether you're just starting or looking to level up your financial game, this event is perfect for you. Get ready to learn from industry experts, network with like-minded individuals, and take your first step towards a brighter financial future.

Location: 9 Morris StLagos, LA.

Date & Time: Saturday, June 27 • Starts at 8 AM

RESERVE A SPOT NOW

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action…we should talk.

Send us a message here.

Professionals often wait for their annual performance review to find out how they're doing.

That's like driving with your eyes closed and only checking the road once a year, the smartest career builders create their own feedback loops; they ask for input regularly, from multiple directions.

Not just from their manager, but from peers, direct reports, even clients. The trick is asking specific questions instead of generic ones.

Don't ask "How am I doing?" Ask "What's one thing I could do differently in meetings to be more effective?” Specific questions get specific answers.

This week, pick one person whose opinion you respect and ask them one targeted feedback question.

What you hear might surprise you and could be the insight that changes everything.

OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE

● Amazon (AWS) She Builds Mentorship Program 2026

Deadline: June 30, 2026 || Apply here

● Union Bank of Nigeria Bank Tellers Recruitment 2026

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Vital Sphere Global Graduate Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: Not specified || Apply

● Nirvana Academy Internship Programme 2026

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Finance Officer at Health Assur Ltd (Corper or Fresh Graduate)

Deadline: June 30, 2026 || Apply here

● NNPC–SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship Program 2026

Deadline: June 8. 2026 || Apply here

● Dreamrite College Scholarship 2026 | ₦1m Award

Deadline: July 15, 2026 ||Apply here

● ShePlus Tech | DataCamp Fully-funded AI Scholarship Program 2026

Deadline: Not specified ||Apply here

WEEKLY POLLhere

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

This book is a must-read for anyone who leads people or wants to.

Scott introduces a simple but powerful framework: care personally about people while challenging them directly.

Most professionals default to either being too nice (avoiding hard truths) or too harsh (delivering feedback without empathy).

Radical Candor lives in the sweet spot between both. The practical scripts and real examples make it easy to apply immediately, whether you're giving feedback to a colleague, managing a team, or having a tough conversation with your boss.

Your clients will walk away communicating more honestly and more kindly at the same time.

Every career you admire has a story behind it.

Not just the wins but also the rejections, pivots, lessons, and bold moves that made it possible

Cv2essence is gathering real career journeys and recruiter insights to help professionals navigate the job market with clarity and confidence

• Recruiters: Share what truly stands out in CVs, interviews, and hiring.

• Professionals: Tell us how you landed your role and the lessons you learned.

Your story could guide someone else’s next big move.

👉 Share your story here

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

Focusmate is a virtual co-working app that pairs you with a stranger for a 25, 50, or 75-minute focused work session via video.

You each state what you're working on at the start, work silently, then check in at the end. That's it.

The accountability is surprisingly powerful, knowing someone else is watching you work eliminates procrastination instantly. For career development tasks that keep getting pushed back (updating your CV, doing that online course, preparing for a difficult conversation)

Focusmate is the nudge that actually works. The free plan gives you three sessions weekly.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

From boardrooms to businesses, from leadership to innovation, this is a lineup of trailblazers, visionaries, and industry leaders coming together for one purpose: to inspire you to step boldly into your power.

At SheCanDoMore 7.0, you'll gain insights, connections, and practical strategies from some of the most accomplished minds across Africa and beyond.

📅 Friday, 19th June 2026

📍 Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos

⏰ 8:00 AM Prompt

Register here

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action… we should talk.

Send us a message here

Not the fear of being judged, exactly. Deeper than that. It is the fear that if people look closely enough, they will find something lacking. Something that confirms the quiet, persistent voice that says: you are not quite enough for this.

So we manage it. We shrink. We half-do things. We have the idea in the meeting and say nothing, then watch someone else say it twenty minutes later. We do good work and then stay very quiet about it, hoping the right people will somehow notice without us having to ask.

We become experts at being present without being visibly present.

It is exhausting, carrying that kind of self-protection around.

The fear of being seen often disguises itself as professionalism. I don’t want to seem like I’m showing off. Sometimes that is fair. But often it is something else, a preemptive withdrawal. If I don’t fully put myself forward, I can’t fully be passed over. If I keep my real ambitions, my real opinions, my real work slightly out of reach, they cannot be dismissed.

It is a kind of armour. And like most armour, it protects you from pain while also keeping out everything else, the right opportunities, the collaborations that could change things, the rooms where decisions get made, the people who would have championed you if they had known what you were actually capable of.

The people you admire? They are not fearless. They just stopped waiting for the fear to go away before moving.

Being seen is a practice, not a personality trait. It is choosing, again and again, to let your real work out into the world even when your hands are unsteady. It is saying the thing you actually think. It is putting your name on something that matters to you, knowing it might not land with everyone, and deciding that is okay.

You do not have to perform confidence you do not feel. You just have to stop hiding the parts of you that are worth knowing.

Start somewhere small if you need to. One post that reflects what you actually think, not what sounds safe. One meeting where you say the thing instead of sitting on it. One email asking for something you actually want.

Then do it again.

The fear does not vanish. But slowly, you stop giving it the final word. You start building a body of work, a reputation, a presence, not because you stopped caring about what people think, but because you decided your work mattered more than your comfort.

You are allowed to take up space in your industry. You are allowed to be known for what you do.

Show up anyway.

Many people focus exclusively on finding opportunities. Fewer people focus on becoming the kind of person opportunities find.

One lesson that repeatedly shows up in successful careers is this: your reputation is often working before your résumé does.

The way you contribute to team projects, volunteer initiatives, student organizations, internships, and professional communities creates an impression that lasts far beyond the activity itself.

When opportunities arise, people naturally think of individuals they trust—those who have demonstrated reliability, diligence, and a willingness to contribute.

This week, ask yourself:

The seeds you plant today may become the opportunities you receive tomorrow.

WEEKLY POLL

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

✓Chevron NMA Internship 2026 for Nigerian Undergraduate and Postgraduate Students

Deadline: June 8, 2026 | Apply Now

✓ Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Graduate Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: June 30, 2026 | Apply Now

✓ NNPC–SNEPCo Postgraduate Scholarship Program 2026

Deadline: June 8, 2026 | Apply Now

✓ Rhodes West Africa Fully-funded Scholarship 2027 for Postgraduate Study at the University of Oxford

Deadline: August 27, 2026 | Apply Now

✓ ShePlus Tech | DataCamp Fully-funded AI Scholarship Program 2026

Deadline: Not Specified | Apply Now

✓Fully Funded Masters Scholarship in Canada (The MacBain Scholarship 2026)

Deadline: August 19, 2026 | Apply Now

✓ United Nations Tourism Internship 2026

Deadline: Not Specified | Apply Now

✓ Matrix Energy Group Graduate Internship Program 2026

Deadline: Not Specified | Apply Now

✓ Wale University is Hiring Remote Partnerships Development & Fundraising Intern

Deadline: Not Specified | Apply Now

✓ Crelit Remote Recruitment 2026 (Multiple Roles)

Deadline: Not Specified | Apply Now

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

Most people start strong. Few people keep going when things get difficult.

The Dip explores a phase that every meaningful journey goes through—the period where excitement fades, progress slows, and challenges begin to pile up. Seth Godin argues that understanding this phase is what separates those who achieve mastery from those who quit too soon.

Tired of sending countless applications without results?

It’s time to stand out — not blend in.

Our expertly designed resume template and easy step-by-step guide will help you craft a CV that commands attention and gets you noticed by recruiters.

Get *instant access today for just *₦5,000* and take the first step toward your next big opportunity.

Click here to begin:

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"The future depends on what you do today."

~ Mahatma Gandhi

The opportunities, skills, and relationships you build tomorrow are often the result of the actions you take today. Progress may seem slow, but every small step compounds.

What's one action you can take this week that your future self will thank you for?

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

In today’s world, working hard is no longer enough, you need the right strategy, visibility, and value to build a successful career

Location: Eko Hotel And SuitesLagos, LA

Date & Time: Saturday, June 6 • 10 AM - 1 PM

RESERVE A SPOT.

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action… we should talk.

Send us a message here.

What's interesting is that I didn't start out in finance research.

My Early Career Journey

Before landing this role, I spent time creating contents and managing social media for some organizations. In the university, I also became actively involved in a campus association, and that experience exposed me to finance-related research.

Without realizing it at the time, I was building skills that would later become valuable in my career.

How I Found the Role?

I didn't find this opportunity through a job board or a traditional application process. I reached out to a mentor who runs a non-profit because I wanted to volunteer and contribute my skills. Instead, she referred me to her partner, who was running an advisory firm.

That conversation led to a paid opportunity.

Looking back, it's a reminder that not every opportunity comes from where you expect. Sometimes, one conversation can change your career trajectory.

Interestingly, I didn't go through multiple interview stages.

The opportunity came quickly because the people involved had already seen my work ethic. Through previous engagements, I had built a reputation for being diligent, reliable, communicative, and able to work well with others.

The lesson here is simple: your reputation is often being built long before an opportunity appears.

What I Believe Set Me Apart

If I had to identify the qualities that helped me most in getting the role, I would say: Trustworthiness and Diligence.

Technical skills are important, but people also want to know that they can depend on you.

Additionally one thing I've learned in this role is that research isn't just a skill, it’s also an interest.

Yes, you improve with practice. But I believe the best researchers are naturally curious. Even outside work, I often find myself applying research skills to random questions or topics that interest me.

The more curious you are, the easier it becomes to grow in this kind of role.

What Made Me Stay?

The role was challenging from the beginning.

At the time, I was in my final year at the university, trying to balance coursework, deadlines, and professional responsibilities. There were periods when things became overwhelming, and I wasn't always able to submit deliverables as early as I would have liked.

However, those experiences forced me to develop stronger time-management skills and learn how to perform under pressure. I probably could have created better systems to manage competing priorities. But those challenges became some of my biggest learning experiences.

Final Thoughts

Never underestimate the value of doing your best, even when there's little or no immediate reward. Whether you're volunteering, participating in a student organization, or contributing to a team project, give it your all.

Many career opportunities come from people who have already seen your work ethic, your attitude, and your ability to deliver.

Sometimes, the opportunities that change your life begin with a willingness to show up, add value, and do good work consistently.

And when those opportunities arrive, your past efforts often speak before you do.

Welcome to “How I Got the Role”, a CV2ESSENCE series where professionals anonymously share the stories behind their careers—the opportunities they pursued, the lessons they learned, and the experiences that shaped their journey.

Industries are changing fast. New tools, technologies, and ways of working continue to emerge, and the professionals who stay relevant are usually the ones who adapt fastest.

This means:

✓ Stay curious

✓ Learn continuously

✓ Be willing to unlearn outdated methods

✓ Focus on transferable skills like communication, analysis, and problem-solving

Degrees and certifications are valuable, but your willingness to keep evolving is what sustains long-term growth.

In today’s world, ADAPTABILITY is a career advantage.

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

★ McKinsey & Company is Hiring Intern – Recruiting/HR

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply here

★ TotalEnergies Integrated Petroleum Geoscience Scholarship in UK 2026 | Fully Funded

Deadline: May 29, 2026. || Apply here

★ David Oyedepo Foundation Scholarship 2026/2027 for Africans

Deadline: June 19, 2026 || Apply here

★ LONG Scholars Program 2026 for Nigerian Students | ₦350,000 Scholarship Support

Deadline: June 18, 2026. || Apply here

★ Mo Ibrahim Foundation SOAS Scholarships at University of London for Africans 2026 | Fully Funded

Deadline: June 17, 2026. || Apply here

★ Careers Verified Management Trainee Programme 2026

Deadline: Not Specified. ||. Apply here

★ OPay | Google National Innovation Challenge and Bootcamp 2026 for Nigerian Students

Deadline: June 14, 2026 || Apply here

★ The Bridge Fully funded Leadership Residential Bootcamp 2026 (Nationwide for Nigerian Students

Deadline: June 13, 2026. || Apply here

★ Communication Strategist Intern at Wildfire Business Solutions

Deadline: Not Specified. || Apply here

★ University Press Plc Management Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: May 29, 2026. || Apply here

WEEKLY POLL

Unlock Your Dream Job with Cv.2essence

Stand out from the crowd with our expertly crafted resume template, designed to showcase your skills and experience.

With our step-by-step guide, you'll create a stunning CV that opens doors to new opportunities. Get instant access for just N5,000 and start landing interviews today!

Grab Yours Here

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

When they go low, we go high.

~Michelle Obama

This is a reminder that your response to pressure, criticism, or negativity says more about your character than the situation itself. Staying grounded, calm, and principled is a real form of strength.

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

This book is based on the ideas of psychologist Alfred Adler and is presented as a conversation between a philosopher and a young man.

The book challenges the idea that your past completely defines your future. Instead, it argues that people can choose growth, happiness, and freedom regardless of past experiences.

You cannot control how everyone sees you, but you can control how authentically you live your life.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Most businesses are built to start. Very few are built to scale.

The Growth Room Conference 2026 is a focused, high-value gathering designed for founders, startups, and small business owners who are ready to move from hustle-driven operations to structured, scalable growth.

Date: 27th June 2026 | Time: 11am - 3pm

Venue: EridanSpace Ikeja Lagos, Plot A Obafemi Awolowo Way, Alausa, Ikeja.

REGISTER NOW

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action…we should talk.

Send us a message here.

Here's an uncomfortable truth: your career trajectory is heavily influenced by who you're physically and digitally around.

If you're constantly surrounded by people who complain about work, avoid challenges, and play it safe, that becomes your normal. But if you position yourself near high performers, even in small ways, their standards become yours.

Join the Slack channels where senior people hang out. Volunteer for cross-functional projects with ambitious colleagues. Attend the industry events where decision-makers show up. You don't need to network aggressively; just being in proximity changes what you think is possible.

This week, audit who you're spending time with professionally. Then intentionally place yourself closer to one person or group whose career path you admire.

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EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

● Kuda Bank Entry-Level Banking Jobs 2026 for Young Professionals

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● HR administrator at Moniepoint

Deadline : Not specified || Apply now

● Polaris Bank Technology Recruitment for Developers & DevOps Engineers

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Unilever Graduate Career Opportunities 2026

Deadline: Not specified {| Apply here

● GTI Group Graduate Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: May 28, 2026 || Apply here

● Mastercard Foundation Scholarship Program at EARTH University

Deadline: Not specified || Apply now

● African Technology Forum/Google AI Bootcamp 2026 for African Students & Recent Graduates

Deadline: May 31, 2026 || Apply now

● Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP) | ₦150,000 Monthly Stipend

Deadline: Not specified || Apply now

WEEKLY POLL

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

This is the definitive guide to strategic relationship-building without feeling sleazy about it.

Ferrazzi breaks down how successful people cultivate genuine networks based on generosity and mutual value, not transactional favors. It's packed with practical tactics, how to follow up after meeting someone, how to reconnect with dormant contacts, how to create reasons for people to stay in touch.

The book reframes networking as building a community of mutual support. It pairs perfectly with the Proximity Principle insight because it shows how to intentionally design who's in your circle.

Cv2essence is collecting real career journeys and recruiter insights to help professionals navigate the job market with clarity and confidence.

Recruiters — what actually stands out in a CV? What makes someone unforgettable in an interview?

Professionals — how did you land your role? What do you wish you'd known sooner?

Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear right now.

👉 Share it here

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

This AI networking assistant is flying under the radar but it's brilliant for career building. Ryze connects to your email and LinkedIn, then automatically suggests people in your network you should reconnect with based on timing, mutual connections, and career moves. It even drafts personalized messages for you.

It's especially useful for maintaining warm connections with former colleagues, clients, or mentors without it feeling forced. The free version gives you enough nudges to keep your network active.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

This is a call for all Executive Women in Lagos!

The 360 Executive Master Class with Ibukun Awosika.

It holds on the 4th of July 2026.

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your leadership skills and network with like-minded professionals.

Register now

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action… we should talk.

Send us a message now

A lot of people spend their days reacting to emails, attending meetings, and completing small or even big tasks but still feel stuck professionally. Why? Because growth usually comes from the things that are important, not just urgent.

Real career progress often comes from:

★ Learning a high-value skill

★ Building meaningful relationships

★ Taking on challenging projects

★ Improving how you think and communicate

At the end of the week, don’t just ask: “Was I busy?”

Ask: “Did I move forward?”

Small intentional improvements compound over time.

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

★ MTN Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

Deadline: May 31, 2026 | Apply here

★ University of Exeter LME Scholarship in UK 2026

Deadline: June 16, 2026 | Apply here

★ Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Internship Program 2026

Deadline: Not Specified | Apply here

★ Wilson and Yinka Badejo Foundation (WYBF) Scholarship 2026 for Nigerian Students

Deadline: May 29, 2026 | Apply here

★ International Chinese Language Teachers Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded

Deadline: May 15, 2026 | Apply here

★ NNPC Renaissance JV Scholarship For Nigerians 2026

Deadline: May 31, 2026 | Apply here

★ BUA Foods Agricultural Graduate Technical Trainee Programme (AGTTP) 2026

Deadline: Not Specified | Apply here

★ The Florence Bamidele Makanjuola (FBM) Scholarship 2026

Deadline: May 22, 2026 | Apply here

★ Young Professionals Bootcamp (YPB) 2026

Deadline: May 15, 2026 | Apply here

★ Google DeepMind AI Research Foundations Course 2026

Deadline: May 17, 2026 | Apply here

WEEKLY POLL

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune.

— Jim Rohn

Every career you admire has a story behind it.

Not just the wins…but the rejections, pivots, lessons, and bold moves that made it possible

Cv2essence is gathering real career journeys and recruiter insights to help professionals navigate the job market with clarity and confidence.

• Recruiters: Share what truly stands out in CVs, interviews, and hiring.

• Professionals: Tell us how you landed your role and the lessons you learned.

Your story could guide someone else’s next big move.

Go ahead and Share your story here:

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

This book isn’t just about money—it’s about behavior, decision-making, patience, and how people think about success and risk.

What makes it different is that it explains why financial success is often less about intelligence and more about habits, emotions, and consistency.

Key takeaway: Good decisions repeated consistently matter more than occasional brilliance.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

The African Business & Leadership Summit (ABLS 2026) is a premier platform designed to drive Africa’s growth through innovation, strategic leadership, and collaboration. With the theme being “Driving Africa’s Growth through Innovation, Strategic Leadership, and Collaboration” and a strong focus on increasing trade and bilateral relations across the continent, ABLS 2026 will cut across all sectors such as Investment & Export, Real Estate & Infrastructure, Information Technology & Innovation, Governance & Public Policy, Aviation & Logistics, Education & Capacity Building, Entertainment & Lifestyle and Healthcare.

Location: Muson CentreLagos, LA || Date and Time: Tuesday, May 12 •9 AM - 5 PM

FREE • RESERVE A SPOT NOW

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action… we should talk.

Send us a message here.

When facing a career choicewhether to take a new job, start a side hustle, or pivot industries, most people ask "What if it doesn't work out?"

But here's a better question: "If I don't do this, where will I be in two years?"

Often, the real risk isn't trying something new and failing. It's staying put and realizing two years later that nothing changed. Regret rarely comes from things we tried; it comes from things we didn't.

Think about one career move you've been postponing. Picture yourself two years from now having never taken the leap. How does that feel? Sometimes that feeling is all the clarity you need.

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EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

● UNICEF Batch Recruitment – Social Policy Internship in Nigeria

Deadline: Not specified | | Apply here

● Ongoing Recruitment at AFARI Travels & Tours Limited

Deadline: Not specified | | Apply here

● NNPC Renaissance JV Scholarship For Nigerians 2026

Deadline: May 31st, 2026 || Apply here

● Lextorah Engineering Trainee Programme 2026

Deadline: Not specified | | Apply here

● Graduate Trainee Internship at Pivotage Consulting (2026)

Deadline: Not specified | | Apply here

● Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize 2026 | $10,000 prize

Deadline: Not specified | | Apply here

● Sokoto State Scholarship 2026 to Study Abroad | Fully Funded

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

● Creative Fund 2026 (Project-Based Funding

Deadline: 30th July, 2926 || Apply here

WEEKLY POLL

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

Newport challenges the popular “follow your passion” advice and argues that passion follows mastery, not the other way around.

He makes a compelling case for building rare and valuable skills first, then using that career capital to craft a work life you love.

The book is research-backed but readable, and it offers a refreshing counter-narrative to hustle culture.

Every career you admire has a story behind it.

Not just the highlights, but the rejections, the pivots, the hard lessons, and the bold moves that made it all possible.

Cv2essence is collecting real career journeys and recruiter insights to help professionals navigate the job market with clarity and confidence

Recruiters — what actually stands out in a CV? What makes someone unforgettable in an interview?

Professionals — how did you land your role? What do you wish you'd known sooner?

Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear right now.

👉 Share it here

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

Clear communication is a career superpower, and this free tool makes anyone a better writer instantly. Paste your email, report, or proposal into Hemingway and it highlights complex sentences, passive voice, and unnecessarily complicated words. It's like having an editor over your shoulder for everything you write.

Use it before sending important emails to executives, crafting LinkedIn posts, or writing project proposals.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

The 6th Africa Finance Festival 2026 is coming, and it's one you don't want to miss. Over 500 finance leaders, policymakers, investors, and tech innovators will be gathering to shape the future of finance across Africa.

Theme: Future Forward: Building Resilient, Sustainable & Digital Finance Systems for Africa and it's giving exactly what the continent needs right now.

Date: May 12–13, 2026

Venue: Grand Ball Room, Lagos Oriental Hotel

👉 Secure your spot here

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action… we should talk.

Send us a message here

7️⃣ Things to Remember this Week.

This Week,

1️⃣ Don’t just do your work—document your impact. Keep a running note of wins, results, and feedback.

2️⃣ If you feel stuck, ask: “What skill would make this easier?” Then start learning that.

3️⃣ Send one intentional message (to a mentor, colleague, or recruiter). Opportunities often come from simple outreach.

4️⃣ When given a task, clarify success early: “What does a great outcome look like?”

5️⃣ Stop waiting to feel confident—confidence usually follows action, not the other way around.

6️⃣ Ask for feedback before you finish a task, not just after.

7️⃣ Don’t underestimate consistency. Doing something small every day beats occasional bursts of effort.

EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

★ 2026 Bank of America Summer Internship Program (For African Students)

Deadline: May 24, 2026. || Apply Now

★ International Engineering Internship at Julius Berger Plc 2026

Deadline: May 31, 2026 || Apply Now

★ Apply for the 2026 Roche Nigeria Graduate Internship Program

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

★ 2026 AIMS Master of Mathematical Sciences for Teachers (MMST)

Deadline: May 31, 2026 || Apply Now

★ Polaris Tech Ignite Graduate Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

★ 2026 Olam Agric Africa Finance Programme

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

★ Oando Foundation Green Youth Upskilling Program 2026

Deadline: Not Specified || Apply Now

★ Salford International Excellence Scholarship 2026 in UK

Deadline: July 14, 2026 || Apply Now

★ Sokoto State Scholarship 2026 to Study Abroad | Fully Funded

Deadline: April 30, 2026 || Apply Now

★ Business Sales Expert at Leanx Support and Consulting

Deadline: May 25, 2026 || Apply Now

WEEKLY POLL

Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.

~ Maya Angelou

Every career you admire has a story behind it.

Not just the wins… but the rejections, pivots, lessons, and bold moves that made it possible

Cv2essence is gathering real career journeys and recruiter insights to help professionals navigate the job market with clarity and confidence.

♦ Recruiters: Share what truly stands out in CVs, interviews, and hiring.

♦ Professionals: Tell us how you landed your role and the lessons you learned.

Your story could guide someone else’s next big move.

Share your story here

(Responses are kept anonymous)

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

This book argues that society undervalues introverts, even though they bring powerful strengths like deep thinking, focus, and listening.

Susan Cain explains that success isn’t about being the loudest person in the room. Introverts can excel and lead by using their natural style rather than trying to act extroverted.

Core idea: You don’t need to change your personality to succeed—use it to your advantage.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

This webinar is critical for entrepreneurs who will be raising a preferred round in the near future. This webinar is designed to teach you what to expect when your company sells preferred stock in a venture round.

During this webinar, veteran Silicon Valley venture capital attorney Alidad Vakili will cover a range of topics such as:

• What venture capitalists are looking for when they invest in a company

• What makes a company a potential investment for a venture capital fund

• Pre-round issues

• What makes a good investor and how to find them

Location: Online event. • Date/Time: Thursday, May 14 • 5 PM - 6:30 PM WAT

Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action… we should talk.

Most people make career moves based on money, title, or prestige.

But here's what actually determines long-term satisfaction: energy. Before saying yes to that new project, role, or opportunity, ask yourself: does this give me energy or drain it?

Pay attention to what tasks make time fly versus what feels like trudging through mud. The goal isn't to only do easy things, challenging work can be energizing. It's about alignment.

This week, track your energy levels throughout your workday. Notice patterns. The tasks that energize you are clues to where your career should go next, even if they're not the "prestigious" ones.

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EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES

》OPay Microfinance Bank Graduate Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: Not specified ||Apply here

》Graphics Designer (Motion & AI) at Dana Group

Deadline: Not specified ||Apply here

》Customer Success Representative at LedgerLite Enterprise

Deadline: Not specified ||Apply here

》Equinoxx Power Engineering Limited Graduate Trainee Program 2026

Deadline: Not specified ||Apply here

》Nithub x DataCamp Digital Skill Scholarship 2026

Deadline ": Not specified || Apply here

》NNPC Agip Scholarship 2026 For Nigerians

Deadline ": Not specified || Apply here

》2026 UNICEF Thought Leadership Internship in USA

Deadline: 21st April, 2026 || Apply here

》NYSC Internship Opportunities at Ascentech Services Limited

Deadline: Not specified || Apply here

WEEKLY POLL

SOMETHING FOR THE WEEK

Written by Stanford design professors, this book applies design thinking principles to career and life planning. Instead of agonizing over finding "the one right path," they teach you to prototype different versions of your future through small experiments.

It's especially powerful for people feeling stuck or unsure about their next move. The exercises are practical like the "Odyssey Plans" where you map out three completely different five-year scenarios.

Every career you admire has a story behind it.

Not just the wins… but the rejections, pivots, lessons, and bold moves that made it possible

Cv2essence is gathering real career journeys and recruiter insights to help professionals navigate the job market with clarity and confidence

. Recruiters: Share what truly stands out in CVs, interviews, and hiring.

• Professionals: Tell us how you landed your role and the lessons you learned.

Your story could guide someone else’s next big move.

👉 Share your story here

TOOL SPOTLIGHT

If your clients have been thinking about monetizing their expertise through coaching, consulting, or paid advice sessions, Superpeer makes it ridiculously simple. It's a platform that lets you offer video calls, webinars, or async video replies, all with built-in scheduling and payment. No complicated tech setup, no multiple tools to integrate.

The interface is clean, professional, and it handles everything from booking to invoicing. It's perfect for side income or testing a coaching idea before going all-in. Even the free plan lets you start taking bookings immediately.

EVENT TO WATCH OUT FOR

She Leads Africa in partnership with Jobberman proudly present the BoostHer Career & Trade Fair 2026

Nigeria’s largest gathering of ambitious women ready to grow, connect, and dominate their fields!!

On Saturday, May 2nd, 1,500+ women are coming together to level up their careers, build their businesses, and transform their futures, one skill at a time.

📍 Regal Hall, Daystar Christian Centre, Ikosi Road, Oregun, Lagos

⏰ Saturday, 2nd May 2026 | 9:00 AM

Spots are filling up fast, register now before it's too late!

👉🏾 Register here

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Our community includes 11,000+ ambitious professionals across social media.

If your brand, product, or service deserves to be seen by people who actually click, apply, and take action, we should talk.

Send us a message here