It was a humbling experience to be invited to share some career nuggets based on my experience with Covenant University students. I took up the mantle in hopes that I am able to contribute to bridging the gap between what is learnt within the four walls of a university and the realities of the workplace. I'm still on my journey, hence a privilege to share.

1. HOW TO SLAY YOUR
CAREER
Mentoring session by Margaret Oghumu
Organized by “The Big 10”, Covenant University

2. About
• I’m a chartered accountant with over 10 years diverse
experience gained from working at an Infrastructure Fund, a
Private Equity Firm, a ‘Big Four’ Consulting Firm, a FMCG
multinational and an International Bank
• I hold a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from University of
Benin and a Master's degree in Finance and Investment
Management from University of Aberdeen. I’m also a
Chartered Accountant (ACA) and a member of FRCN.
• I also happen to have one year Africa travel blogging
experience.
• Making impact, happy people and positive energy inspires me

3. Remember…
No one rule/formula fits all
Embrace your individual journey

4. Table of content
• Before your career………………………………………………………...5
• During your career………………………………………………………..6
• Career growth…………………………………………………………….9
• Next steps………………………………………………………………..10
• Conclusion……………………………………………………………….11
• Questions………………………………………………………………...12

5. Before your career
• Be intentional about your career choices. Have a Career Action Plan
• Define your career goals and expected accomplishments
• Determine what impact you intend to make and seek goal congruence
• Develop your knowledge base and read a lot, especially about conversational topics
• Focus on building employability and transferrable skills that position you to grab
every opportunity that your career affords
Richard Branson said, “ If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you’re not sure you can
do it, say yes, then learn how to do it later”

6. During your career (1/3)
• Continuous personal (industry specific) development against all odds
• Keep abreast of economic but more important industry issues and perhaps have
possible solutions at your finger tips. It may come handy
• Strive for growth and to remain valuable in your field
• Early in your career (first five years), unashamedly ask ALL the questions
• Network purposefully and if possible; join / grow an industry community. Meet
people and discuss. Be purposeful with engaging with people. More often than not,
discussions bring us clarity

7. During your career (2/3)
• Deliberately manage people, for your good and avoid office ‘shenanigans’
• Never be afraid to fail, because there in lies all the lessons
Serena Williams said “You don’t build tenacity, work ethics, and a lot of stuff without failing”.
I will add, Mistakes and shame are part of the process, same way recognition and rewards are.
• Words can make or mar you. Think before you speak. This is part of self-branding
• Don’t be only about the work. Find a ‘work-life balance’ and be more but always be
available to work
• Take stock of your progress, regularly

8. During your career (3/3)
Focus on acquiring the right knowledge, skill,
training, and attitude that will make a prospective
employer find you employable and an existing
employer find you indispensable.

9. Career growth
Organic growth
Career progression in
a particular company
Inorganic growth
Career progression
achieved from moving
between companies
Own your
career

10. Next steps
Outline your expected career journey for the next 10 years1
Have a list of all the potential companies you would like to work with2
Identify all professional exams relevant to your field3
Research all possible technical skills required on the job4
Find ‘an available mentor’ or coach, preferably someone in your field5

11. Finally…
‘Slaying’ your career is a game of deliberately honing your
skills continuously, and eventually, people will call you an
expert or an highly competent professional. Do not lose
sight of the goal, the prize will follow, just pay the price!.

12. Q & A
THANK YOU!.