Practical advice for corporate girlies working a 9-5

I’m going to be totally honest with you. I’m winging this “career” thing.  I’m just figuring it out as I go. And it’s quite scary to admit but something that comforts me is knowing that I’m not alone in feeling this way.

Back in November, I had a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend about how we’re going to scale the pile of challenges we are facing and navigate this treacherous terrain of corporate life we chose to travel.

It's crazy how there's no guidebook for navigating those delicate early years as a corporate newbie. You join the workforce, and before you’re even done celebrating the new job your whole life becomes making sure you show up every day and give it your all to climb that elusive "ladder." It's a serious hustle, leaving you feeling overwhelmed, drained, and weighed down by the workload. Plenty of times in those early days and even now, one thing I wish I had when I started was someone who could guide, mentor, and inspire me because it’s so easy to lose motivation and the lofty dreams that drove you toward your career in the first place even more so when you’re a young woman.

In my not so few years of years of working in corporate, I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with many talented and inspirational careerwomen who’ve bossed their respective fields. So I asked for their thoughts on practical advice they’ve learned as corporate girlies working a 9-5 and hopefully this will be valuable for women who are just starting in their careers... Here’s what they said:

As a working girl, choose your battles. Not every annoying email/colleague deserves a violent response. Sometimes feigned ignorance and silence are also a response.  However, it is not a reason not to report some cases to the appropriate quarters.

Also, ensure to get clarity when you are given a task. And when in doubt, ask again. Always ask questions and be willing to learn from anybody. Young, old, proud, and single.  You need to pay more attention to tasks that drive your target. People see clearly when it's too late (the time of appraisal).

Endutimi, Marketing Communications, and Sustainability Professional

Prioritize personal well-being by maintaining healthy work boundaries. Always make time for yourself outside work. Also, enjoy your work relationships without expecting deeper friendships. You need to understand that most of your coworkers are just coworkers, not your friends.

Solape Fagboyegun, Corporate Communications Analyst

The corporate world has historically presented challenges for women, there are also unique strengths and opportunities we can leverage. As a corporate girlie, building strong networks and fostering positive relationships can be incredibly valuable. Likewise, competence, intelligence, and genuine personality traits like approachability are assets everyone can develop and benefit from.

Ronke Adelabu, Brand Manager, Ogilvy

No matter the level you get to, Imposter Syndrome will be present. Believe in your sauce. Work-life balance is not a myth. The way that you apply balance is what is most important.

Adanna Atuonwu, Public Relations Lead and Marketing expert, AFEX

You are a brand in the corporate world. Just as brands are built - like Nike, Gino, Bama, and Apple - you are a brand. So, you must build yourself to have an executive presence in the way you dress, walk, and talk, your persona must speak volumes from a distance. That way you will garner more recognition, respect, and credibility, which again translates to growth and more money 🤗. Money is very important lol, but you must do the work.

Also, when you get into a new space in the corporate world, seek like-minded people. If you are lucky to get a boss that you share similar ideologies and energy with, then you are on a pedestal. If you don’t, you have to speak up and who says you can’t be moved to work with someone else?

Besides, learn to always have fun honey. Have fun with your colleagues. Be seen as the ‘gisting partner’ ‘party animal’ ‘one who loves the good life’  ‘one who is relatable outside the office’. It helps with your credibility.

 Juliet Ifeanyi-Itoje - Brand Manager, GB Foods Africa

Fundamentally, you have to stand up for yourself. Part of this is putting in the work to be good, maybe even great, but it is just as important to be able to tell your own story of how and why you or more precisely your work is valuable. That plus strengthening relationships with your peers and possibly higher-ups will greatly optimize your work life.

There are a lot of expected and unexpected hurdles that corporate girlies have to face. Sometimes you need the brute force of your brilliance to get through, but sometimes you need other people to dismantle the nonsense right alongside you. So have your own back first and then invest in the relationships that let others have your back even when you are not there.

Obianuju Okafor – Head of Communications, AFEX

 The key to this journey is the commitment to continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning. Self-development becomes not just a goal but a cornerstone of progress. Embracing this philosophy requires actively seeking opportunities to expand one's skill set, knowledge base, and professional network. This includes committing to taking up more courses tailored to help me grow in my industry, attending workshops or seminars, and engaging in educational growth initiatives.

 Moreover, while pursuing career advancement, staying grounded in one’s values and identity is vital. The allure of progress should never overshadow the importance of self-awareness and authenticity. Remaining faithful to oneself amidst the climb up the corporate ladder ensures that success is not just achieved but sustainable and fulfilling.

Oyindamola Olaniyan, Client Experience Manager, WealthSimple and PR Expert.