Isimioluwa Idowu’s Post

As a graduate you have joined LinkedIn because someone recommended it to you, as you should. It is a great platform but it only works when you know how to leverage it. There are a couple of "bare-minimum" things on your profile that you should do to jumpstart your professional presence (feel free to use this as a checklist):  > Get a good headshot/profile picture > Add a banner that speaks to your brand. Use Canva to build a creative banner. > Add your Headline to reflect your field - ➜ Don't worry if you have no prior experience, start off with your title e.g Civil Engineer    ➜ Please for the love of God drop the Graduate title (it screams non-experienced which is not the first impression you want to create). > Create an About section ➜ Focus on your achievements and initiatives       ➜ Leverage AI to catalogue and phrase your skills to stand out to potential employers.          ➜ Please avoid the Third-person tense - It is cringe and distances you from your brand. And I have seen high-profile executives with this on their profiles but it sounds more like a Wikipedia page rather than a personal profile. The personal in personal brand should not be silent.        What do I mean?        ➜ 3rd person POV.....Gladys is a seasoned Product Manager with expertise in Fintech and has 10 years experience.                   VS   ➜ 1st person POV... ... I am a seasoned Product Manager with expertise in Fintech. I have 10 years experience in this space... ⚠️ 3rd person POV... impersonal 🟢 1st person POV ...more credible, authentic, personal > Build your experience section.    ➜ Start with your academic/industrial attachments but go an extra mile and talk about what you did. > Fill in your academic details and the unique experiences.    ➜ Societies, clubs, initiatives and workshops that align with your field especially eg GDG if you're in the Tech space. > Upload relevant certifications that tie your expertise. > Talk about your volunteer initiatives and projects and any other relevant field that can boost your profile.     ➜ Be unique and share the things that make you stand out in those areas and the impact you have made. > Skills - pick the skills that stand out and showcase in this section. > Recommendations & Endorsements -    ➜ Try to get them from people you have worked with or worked for to boost your profile. > Add a post     ➜ For now you can start with your graduate experience and what you have learnt, lessons from your mentors or initiatives that you are working on.    ➜ The point is to stand out and be visible. The job market is only favourable to the people that adapt and shape their paths. It is not straightforward for everyone. Build a professional presence. Leverage LinkedIn for connections and networking opportunities. Congratulations to all graduands. All the best in your endeavours and as you build your personal brand, enjoy the journey, it is not easy but you will figure some things out along the way.

Seeking help and support for my son … I wouldn’t normally use LinkedIn for family support reasons. But then I thought about it and actually how great it would be if my network could help Callum, who I am so proud of. I am only reaching out because I know how hard working Callum is and how dedicated and potentially valuable an employee he would be. He just needs a lucky break in his fledgeling digital marketing career. He has endured several unlucky setbacks through no fault of his own and keeps bouncing back - demonstrating admirable resilience. Originally Callum was going be a plumber. But he lost his job and he thereby his apprenticeship as a direct result of the COVID pandemic lockdowns. Circumstances completely out of everyone’s control. Callum dusted himself off and put his entrepreneurial creative side into action running a market stall selling various flavours of delicious homemade popcorn after the pandemic, before deciding to change tack, embarking on a completely new challenge in the world of digital marketing - without any guidance/input from me and largely self-taught learning. After several short term contracts he was accepted for a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship, after which he has again taken temp contracts to keep himself busy and involved in digital marketing. I have been so impressed by his ability and appetite to learn and develop his own thoughts and ideas. He has also added to his skillset by undertaking filming and creative copy courses as well as various Google courses. Callum has really found his niche and he loves the technical side of Digital Marketing. It very much is “his thing” and I know someone who gives him a chance will really benefit. In a short space of time he has gained wide ranging SEO, Google AdWords, Podcasting, Filming and Creative Content l, Social Media experience, largely driven on by his own personal motivation to challenge himself and learn new skills to enable him to do the best job he can in a field he loves. Callum really deserves a break and to be given a chance. As his proud Dad I wish I could magic a role for him, but I know his perseverance will reap rewards in the end. Rather than sit around he’s taken a job with a supermarket whilst applying for roles, but his passion is digital marketing. If anyone needs or knows of someone who needs a young, keen and trustworthy Marketing Assistant/Junior Exec, then please get in touch. Help me to put the smile back on Callum's face. He is able to work in the wider Plymouth area or remotely (which he is well experienced in doing on a national and international basis). Thank you for reading this note from a Dad just trying to help out a lovely son. If you don’t know of anything suitable it would be great if you could just repost to widen network coverage. 👍

How to Transform Your Life in 3 Months: My Journey and Tips Today, I want to diverge a bit from my usual SEO insights and share something deeply transformative. Reflecting on my own journey from content writing to becoming an SEO strategist, I've realized that significant change can happen in just three months with the right approach. Here’s how you can do it too: 1. Get an In-Demand Skill: The first step is to identify and acquire a skill that is in high demand. For me, it was SEO. Whether it's digital marketing, coding, data analysis, or any other skill, investing time in learning and mastering it can open up countless opportunities. 2. Work to Build Experience (Majorly Volunteering): Don’t wait for the perfect job to start gaining experience. Volunteer your skills for local businesses, non-profits, or online communities. This not only builds your portfolio but also expands your network. Volunteering as a social media manager gave me invaluable hands-on experience. 3. Build an Audience to Get Leads: Start sharing your knowledge and insights on platforms like LinkedIn. Building an audience establishes you as an authority in your field and attracts potential leads. Engage with your audience, share valuable content, and be consistent. 4. Apply for jobs: Once you’ve gained some experience and built a portfolio, start applying for jobs. Tailor your resume to highlight your skills and experiences. Leverage your network, and don’t be afraid to reach out to connections for opportunities. 5. Build Processes: Develop processes that streamline your work and enhance productivity. Whether it's creating a content calendar for social media, automating routine tasks, or setting up an efficient workflow, having solid processes in place is key to managing your time and efforts effectively. 6. Rinse and repeat: Continuous improvement is crucial. Reflect on what works and what doesn’t, refine your strategies, and keep pushing forward. The journey to success is iterative, and each cycle brings you closer to your goals. Change is possible, and it can happen faster than you think. By acquiring a new skill, gaining experience, building an audience, applying for jobs, and creating effective processes, you can transform your life in just three months. Remember, every big journey starts with a single step. Embrace the process, stay committed, and watch the magic unfold. Happy Sunday 😊 #LifeTransformation #CareerGrowth #DigitalSkills #SEO #Volunteering #Networking #JobHunting #Productivity #ContinuousImprovement #SuccessJourney

🚀🎓 Attention Marketing Grads! Ready to soar in the job market? 🎓🚀 Hey there, fellow marketers! 👋 It's tough out there, especially for those of us who've had to hustle a little harder to make it to graduation day. But guess what? Your unique journey has equipped you with skills and resilience that are absolute gold in today's world. 💪✨ In a world that's constantly shifting politically, socially, and economically, how do you stand out? How do you catch the eye of potential employers in a sea of applicants? Let's talk about that! Certifications are like the secret sauce that can give your resume that extra kick. Here are a few that can really make you shine: 📈 Google Analytics Certification: In a data-driven world, being fluent in analytics is a superpower. This certification shows you can decipher those numbers like a pro and turn insights into action! 📱HubSpot Social Media Certification: Social media isn't just scrolling through memes (although that's fun too!). It's a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their audience. This certification proves you know your hashtags from your handles and can craft killer social strategies. 🎨Adobe Creative Suite Certification: Design skills are like the cherry on top of your marketing sundae. Whether it's creating eye-catching graphics or editing videos that go viral, mastering Adobe's suite of tools can take your creativity to the next level. Now, if you're eyeing a path towards specializing in financial services and management within marketing, here's a golden nugget of advice:  📊Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Certification: Understanding the financial side of marketing is crucial, especially if you're diving into sectors like banking or investment. This certification showcases your grasp of financial concepts and your ability to align marketing strategies with business goals. But hey, I get it. Certifications can be pricey, and not everyone has the same resources. If you're coming from an underprivileged background, don't let that hold you back! There are tons of free or low-cost resources online, from YouTube tutorials to scholarship programs. Remember, your journey is your superpower. Embrace your uniqueness, keep hustling, and never underestimate the value of your experiences. The right opportunity is out there waiting for you. Go get it! 💼✨ #MarketingGrads #CareerAdvice #CertificationPower #FinancialServices #NeverGiveUp

17 July, 1:32 AM (I can't sleep 💤) **Writes first LinkedIn post (will this be a good idea?) I've become a chronic consumer and spectator of other people’s lives online - their successes, thoughts and opinions. The more I consume and spectate, the more I retreat, and my confidence deflates. It feels like if I'm not "winning", I have no place here. Yet, when I have wins, it takes me time to share with friends and family, and then, it feels weird to announce them here, publicly. However, being just a spectator and hiding away isn't serving me anymore, so I have made my choice. I want to take up space and share my own journey. So, for what it’s worth, I’ll start now. Good or bad news first? I’ll pick. Bad. In May 2023, I was unexpectedly laid off from my full-time job, which I had only started in January of the same year. It sucked (need I say more?) Here’s the good news: I was offered this role after working as a contractor for nine months while balancing another job. To increase my income, I had set up a profile on Upwork, where I was contacted to create an engaging video version of their weekly newsletter. Here’s the feedback from the very first draft: “This is really great, Sope. With little or no help, you've taken this on and done a great job… Thanks again. You've got me excited about the potential here.” For nine months, I worked on this project and built a great relationship with the team, after which I was offered a full-time job as a Marketing Manager. I was paid well, able to work remotely, and got to work with a very cool set of people. Now, to the question that may be on your mind - What have I been up to in the past year? Well, more good news! 1. I enrolled in a Leadership Internship at Lighthouse Church where I: - Was involved in strategy and planning for weekend experiences and events - Took on the management of a 20-person music band - Was sponsored to attend a training and conference in Florida, USA - Participated in ideation to execution of media projects - Volunteered in charity events within my community 2. Volunteered as a Creative Manager for African Professional Network of Ireland (APNI) 3. Released 2 music videos (Check them out on Youtube - sopemusic) 4. My single “Breaking Free” was added to 3 Spotify playlists, including Fresh Finds (with 1.2 million followers), and I was on the cover of Fresh Finds UK & IRE Having recently wrapped up the internship, I’m back on the job hunt for roles in Digital Marketing, Brand Management, Account Management. I would greatly appreciate any directions, connections and opportunities. Thank you to everyone who has helped and encouraged me, connected with me, taken a call, or responded to a message! (That wasn’t so bad :)) 5:00AM (Done) #firstpost #opentowork #marketing

How did you break into social media marketing? I kind of tripped and fell into it over a decade ago, but it was the wild west then. Now people have degrees and internships and niches before they even start their careers. Digital marketing wasn't something you could study in college in 2012. It wasn't even a thing. But also, now the field is flooded. When I started, I was one of two, count 'em, two people in my small city who offered it professionally. Now, the competition's a litttttle steeper. /s I keep talking with people looking for advice for how to break in. First, you need experience. Upwork, volunteer, your uncle's ice cream shop, whatever. You won't be paid well, if at all, but you need that experience. Second, network. So many options there, some free, some not. But get out of your comfort zone and start talking to others. So, SMM crew, what advice would you have for someone looking to break in? How did you land your job? What would you do if you were starting now?

I wish I knew these things before starting out… I made the decision to get into social media marketing (SMM) back in 2020 during the lockdown in order to pick up a skill and create an income stream. Looking back, here are a few things I wish I knew before starting out: 1. Networking is Crucial! Building a community of like-minded individuals is vital. Talk to people about what you do and aim to make meaningful connections. (I still struggle with maintaining connections, but I’m working on it!) 2. You Don’t Have to Work for Free When I began, I was advised to intern for free. Honestly, you don’t have to. It’s important to be compensated for your work, even if it’s just a data stipend. Hone your skills, and you’ll be able to command payment for your expertise. 3. Time Management is Key As an SMM managing multiple pages, learning time management early is essential. Without it, burnout is inevitable, and personal time becomes non-existent. (I’ve been there 🥲) 4. Develop Additional Skills Having skills beyond SMM, like graphic design and copywriting, is incredibly beneficial. 5. SMM is Not Magic Avoid overpromising and underdelivering. Focus on what truly matters and don’t get bogged down by vanity metrics. Some clients will have unrealistic expectations (e.g., ‘How do I go viral in a month?’ 😭). Set clear, achievable goals. Learning these lessons has been a journey, and I hope they help others in their social media marketing careers. Keep pushing forward and growing! 🫶🏼 #SocialMediaMarketing #Networking #TimeManagement #Skills #MarketingTips #CareerGrowth #socialmediamanagement

🚀 Ready to launch your career in digital marketing? 🌟 Follow these step-by-step action points to make your journey a success! 💪 Step 1️⃣: Immerse Yourself 🔹 Follow industry influencers and thought leaders on social media. 🔹 Read the latest blogs, articles, and books to stay updated on digital marketing trends. 🔹 Join online communities and participate in discussions to expand your knowledge. Remember, learning never stops! 💡 Step 2️⃣: Skill Up 🔹 Enroll in online courses and certifications that cover the core aspects of digital marketing, such as SEO, social media marketing, and content creation. 🔹 Attend webinars and workshops to gain practical insights and learn from industry experts. 🔹 Practice what you learn by working on personal projects or volunteering your services to local businesses. Experience is key! 🛠️ Step 3️⃣: Network, Network, Network! 🔹 Connect with professionals in the digital marketing field on LinkedIn and other networking platforms. 🔹 Attend industry conferences, seminars, and meetups to expand your network and learn from experienced professionals. 🔹 Join relevant LinkedIn groups and actively engage in discussions to build relationships and showcase your expertise. 🤝 Step 4️⃣: Stay Ahead of the Curve 🔹 Keep up with the latest industry news, updates, and emerging technologies. 🔹 Experiment with new strategies and tools to stay innovative and adaptable. 🔹 Continuously learn and upskill yourself to remain competitive in the ever-changing digital landscape. 🌍 Step 5️⃣: Showcase Your Skills 🔹 Build a strong online presence by creating a professional website, blog, or portfolio. 🔹 Develop a personal brand and optimize your social media profiles to reflect your expertise and passion for digital marketing. 🔹 Share valuable insights, case studies, and success stories through your content to establish yourself as a trusted authority. 📢 Step 6️⃣: Seize Opportunities 🔹 Keep an eye out for internships, entry-level positions, and freelance gigs to gain practical experience. 🔹 Join professional associations and organizations related to digital marketing to access job boards and networking opportunities. 🔹 Leverage your network and reach out to mentors or industry professionals for guidance and potential job leads. 🌟 Now it's your turn! 🎯 Share in the comments which step you're currently on or any additional tips you have for starting a career in digital marketing. Don't forget to like and share this post with others who are interested in digital marketing. Together, we can inspire and support each other on this exciting career journey! 💪🌟 #DigitalMarketing #CareerAdvice #MarketingTips #LearnAndGrow #linkedincreators #linkedinnews

This afternoon, I came across Jasmin Alić’s LinkedIn post, where he shared a simple truth: You don’t need to wait for January 2025 to start making a difference—start now. One of his suggestions stood out to me: share a personal story. Because let’s face it—who doesn’t love a good story? As someone who’s worked with brands across the globe, I know the power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and motivate. So, here’s mine. Last week, I officially graduated and secured my Stamp 1G work permit. My plan was straightforward: stay current, stay relevant, and land the perfect job as soon as I had that permit in hand. Spoiler alert: The market had other plans. Between rejection emails (or worse, silence) and job reports screaming, “Stay indoors,” it’s been a rollercoaster. But here’s the thing—fear of the unknown isn’t all bad. It keeps you on your toes. It pushes you to grow. And it’s taught me that rejection isn’t personal; it’s feedback. Nobody’s LinkedIn story starts with “Everything went perfectly,” right? My (Work-in-Progress) Plan to Stay Relevant - Learn Daily: Whether it’s digital marketing, AI in sales, or any new skill, I aim to be 1% better than yesterday. Progress is the goal, not perfection. - Network Shamelessly: Events, LinkedIn DMs, and borderline-stalker-level research on professionals I admire (all in good ways, I promise!). - Get Hands-On: Freelance gigs, internships, or volunteering—anything to keep my skills sharp and my experience growing. - Stay Visible: Sharing my journey, insights and lessons on LinkedIn has been a great way to connect and keep myself accountable. If you’re navigating similar waters, here’s the truth: it’s messy for all of us. And if someone tells you it’s not,… they’re probably lying. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s offered advice, encouragement, or even just a kind word along the way—you’re the real MVPs. P.S. If you’ve made it this far, you deserve the bonus: the picture. No, it’s not a podium finish, but it’s proof that showing up matters. Even if you finish last, the goal is always to keep moving forward. Now, back to practising my turns—both on and off the track. 🏎️ #JobSearch #Networking #MScMarketingGraduate #Resilience #NeverGiveUp

💪3 Things I Won't Do on LINKEDIN if I'm Starting all over from 2yrs ago 1. Prioritize Landing a Job as opposed to Growing a Tribe and being seen as an AUTHORITY at what I do leveraging "Influencer Commenting" - The art of leaving insightful Thoughts on the contents of Leading Creators in your Niche & other Industry you might be interested in (on the long run)! 2. Attending to my DMs quicker. This way, I get to build greater rapport with my audience and those who my thoughts resonates with... 3. Differentiate my Long-term Goals from THE Short-terms. Take for instance, You are brand new. Nobody knows you. Nobody can endorse your Competence yet! and you just came off the back of completing 3 Courses on "LinkedIn" Academy! Pumped with your New Accomplishment, You start putting out offers and applying for jobs! and after a while, Nothing is working... next, you get discouraged. down casted and maybe GIVE UP! This is , courtesy of you not setting your LONG TERM Vs SHORT TERM Goals Clearly! Hint: Long Term Goal: TO LAND A JOB when I must have grown my Audience to "X" amount of Connections. and Increased my DM Reply Rates by 80%> Short Term Goal: I WILL COLLABORATE WITH CO-CREATORS on their projects to build Industry Reputation as an Expert at what I do. I will attend Events and Socialize. And I will stay true to my Goal(s) until they happen sooner or later!