When it comes to navigating career spaces, many would say there is no single formula on how you can succeed or get there but regardless of how far you are in your career journey, it is worth thinking about what moves to make and how you will align yourself to make things happen.
To job seekers, students, employees, and corporate personnel’s, to those who want to leverage and position themselves for opportunities, connections, and engagement on LinkedIn or anyone making a transition or feeling stuck in their career path, this article might help you map out your destination or inspire you to keep going.
Regardless of how long you’ve been navigation career paths, it is important to keep taking up active roles in shaping the future of your career and this is why a career plan might help you explore opportunities.
Because your career path keeps evolving, we highlight three professionals who may not be strangers to your LinkedIn and social media community’s. Like many of us, their career paths are in constant change hence here are their key ways in which you can invest in your career from their career point of view.
1 . Mulenga Kapotwe
She recently clocked three years at the bar and shared a thrilling article on LinkedIn for junior lawyers. Mulenga is a qualified Lawyer who holds a bachelor of law – commercial law from the Zambia Center for Accountancy Studies (ZCAS) in collaboration with The University of Zambia (UNZA). She is also the co-founder of ‘Scatters & Things’ an online décor business, above all she is a self-care and self-love advocate, which reflects deeply on how she lives her life.
Mulenga’s journey began in 2011 when she got her first job at a law firm during her gap year and this is what cemented her decision to study law. Her path has not always been smooth; she had both a rocky start to law school and the law practice.
“I believe every moment was pivotal to my growth and the woman I am today. I would have never known just how resilient and determined I am. Obstacles are nothing but a detour.” She shares.
Mulenga echoes with Sheryl Sandberg’s words, that state: “Careers are a jungle gym, not a ladder…there is only one way to get to the top of the ladder, but there are many ways to get to the top of a jungle gym.”
Two years ago, she started sharing advocacy tips she had learnt throughout the year on LinkedIn. Mulenga shares that young lawyers face so many challenges and therefore she believes they can all learn from each other’s experiences. “LinkedIn is a great platform to connect with other professionals and creatives. It is also a convenient online curriculum vitae. You never know who is watching.”
Currently working as an associate at one of the leading corporate firms in Zambia, her career advice to others is to “keep swimming” because life is full of challenges.
“Authenticity meets professionalism. Find the balance between being unapologetically yourself whilst staying aware of your audience.” She says regarding LinkedIn advice.
The phrase ‘An advocate of limitless possibilities’ best describes Mulenga’s resilience.
In ending, Mulenga encourages young women to love themselves. She believes that self-love builds confidence and boldness, and it is an end to finding validation.
LinkedIn Profile – Mulenga Kapotwe
2. Mulenga Chanda
Mulenga was born in Ndola and spent most of his life on the Copperbelt. His introspective and socially conscious mannerism sets him apart from everybody else, and this has effortlessly made him blend in very well among corporates and creatives.
Having completed his Grade 12 at the age of 16 and got his first degree at the age of 20, Mulenga spent four years in India and around that time, he gained extensive experience from his mentor who worked for the Zambian high commission in India. He was later inspired by his mentor and went on to graduate top of his class with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. Upon coming back to Zambia, Mulenga joined the Bank of China Group after serving as an accounts associate for First Quantum Mines and operations on the Copperbelt.
“I’ve been promoted three times in a space of 5-years of working experience and that is something I don’t take for granted. I’ve been blessed with a loving and prayerful mom, a family to support and one that supports me, great mentors, and friends. Faith is the foundation of all my success.” He shares.
Mulenga also holds an MBA in Finance under a UK-affiliated program in Zambia, with an advanced certificate in movable asset-based lending – a qualification and a paper pioneered by The Bank of Zambia, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Zambia Institute of Banking and Finance services. His also a licensed financial markets dealer in the financial sector, dealing with capital and money markets. He is also a member of the ACI Financial Markets Association with an awarded certificate in ACI dealing. “In May, I plan on getting an advanced certificate in Digital Marketing, where I’d love to extend my passion in the coming near future.” He shares.
Mulenga also has a writing background; he went through a phase where he thought he could be a rapper or a singer. He co-wrote Esther Chungu’s single ‘Runaway Child’ and a few other notable projects.
Mulenga participates in extensive community work like speech writing for UP Zambia and in recent times his IG live special ‘A Year in A Day’ a program that shines a light on young talent and inspires the community as gone on to be a favorite among many.
“All my social media platforms don’t have an alias or alter ego. I am Mulenga on each platform. LinkedIn is for my professional outlook, Instagram is for my personality and Twitter is where I explore my minds exposure.” His goal is to leave a legacy of leadership, excellence and purpose around the community and at a global level. As an Assistant Manager for Treasury and Financial Markets, his work is mainly in sales and marketing.
When asked about career advice and LinkedIn branding, he highlights that authenticity is important because everyone else is taken. “Be yourself and the world will adjust. Find your strengths and tailor them to your skillset, master your weaknesses and use them to learn from others. Explore your options and fall into a path that will incorporate results. Pick something that’s for you, so that you don’t have to be someone else at work or at school.”
LinkedIn Profile – Mulenga Chanda
3 . Jayne Mazimba
Best known as the Money Expert. Jayne is a multi-award-winning financial literacy coach, a TEDx speaker, and founder of the ‘Poised Investor.’
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and an MBA in International Business.
Jayne did a lot of odd jobs during her college life. She was an editorial intern for seven months at Youth Media for the Trendsetters back in the day. She worked as a country contributor for MTV Staying Alive in Zambia and as an Administrative Assistant at Spar Crossroads and Aust Africa Tyres. She also served as a Marketing Executive at Conference Solutions. These jobs taught her the value of hard work, and how to bring creativity in the corporate setup.
She joined NATSAVE after college and stayed in banking for 10 years. It is here that she learned to create and market financial products. She also fell in love with financial literacy.
With over 13 years of marketing and sales experience, Jayne is an Agency Training manager at Prudential Life Assurance. She gets to use her skills to teach and groom others on their career journey.
“With LinkedIn, I realized that it’s a great place to showcase my career achievements and build my thought leadership since I am leaning into the Training space.” She details.
By sharing her professional journey and insights, LinkedIn has opened up more doors for Jayne. Corporates looking for her skills are able to locate her on LinkedIn leading to lucrative collaborations for her.
“I can help wealth consultants build a convincing offering of financial products and financial literacy at the same time. Prudential is a place where we are making an impact and helping people ‘get the most out of life.’ And I am excited to be a part of that. I truly feel like I am at what some would call a dream job” Jayne shares.
Regarding career and LinkedIn advice to others, Jayne pointed out that, it is important to share your journey. Share your achievements and engagements. Share your insights and opinions on what is happening in your industry.
“Most of us are in search of a dream job. My challenge to you is to bloom where you are planted. Give your best where you are right now. Make that your dream job and you will see what opportunities open up for you.
LinkedIn Profile – Jayne Mazimba
From the above, it is clear that the career path is forever in constant change. It is important to develop and equip yourself with necessary skills to position you for opportunities.
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